The CVB has hired a new Convention Sales Manager to assist the bureau in bringing meetings and conventions to Las Cruces.

Kristina Martinez, the former Director of Events and Sales Manager for Hilton Las Cruces, joined the CVB on February 4, 2008.

"We are very pleased to have Kristina as our new Convention Sales Manager," said CVB Executive Director Ken Mompellier. "She comes to us already having experience in the Las Cruces meetings and conventions market which will allow her to hit the ground running."

As Convention Sales Manager, Kristina will be working with meeting planners, government officials and corporate planners to maintain current and book new meetings and conventions into Las Cruces meeting facilities.

Prior to hiring on at the Las Cruces CVB, Kristina served as the Director of Account Management for Mountain Dreams Publishing where she oversaw customer service for all 9 regional magazines, including Sabroso, Ventanas and Living in Las Cruces. She graduated from New Mexico State University with a degree in Communication Studies with a minor in Marketing.

Tourism Day in Santa Fe, January 26-29, 2008
In support of furthering tourism efforts for Las Cruces, Executive Director Ken Mompellier and Services Manager Jennifer Bales attended Tourism Day 2008 at the New Mexico Legislature this past January. This is an excellent opportunity for the CVB to show Las Cruces' commitment to growing tourism in the Mesilla Valley.

Go West Summit, January 20-24, 2008
On behalf of the Tourism Sales Department, Services Manager Jennifer Bales attended the 2008 Go West Summit in Colorado Springs, CO., January 20-24, 2008. The summit has developed into one of the premier meeting places because of its unique focus, effective format and intimate business setting structured to give suppliers from 13 western states the opportunity to promote their destination with tour operators from all the major tour markets including; Asia, Europe, Latin America, Canada, Mexico, Scandinavia and the United States. This is the 8th year the bureau has attended the summit and remains one of the CVB's best shows for developing leads and making new contacts in the tour market.

American Bus Association Marketplace , February 3-5, 2008
Also on behalf of the Tourism Sales Department, RoseMarie Sutton Holt of Sutton & Associates, attended the American Bus Association Marketplace in Virginia Beach, VA, February 3-5, 2008. The show is recognized as one of the top travel events in North America, attracting close to 3,000 travel professionals including tour companies, tour suppliers and representatives from destinations around the country.

Destinations Showcase, February 5-8, 2008
The department attended Destinations Showcase in Washington, DC on February 5-8, 2008. The show was sponsored by the Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI) and was an opportunity for the bureau to meet face-to-face with government, association and corporate meeting planners. The bureau's participation in the show generated several excellent sales leads, and meeting planners in attendance were highly impressed with Las Cruces as a meetings destination and very excited about the new Las Cruces convention center and wanted more information when available.

Due to recent renovations to the Las Cruces Convention & Visitors Bureau's (CVB) visitor center lobby, the bureau has made some changes to its monthly featured artist policy. As of February 11, 2008, all artists interested in exhibiting their work at the CVB will be required to abide by the following guidelines:

All submitted work must be of professional gallery quality and will be subject to review by a selection committee comprised of CVB and the City of Las Cruces Museum staff.

Three Digital or printed samples of artist work must be made available to the committee for review by submission deadline. Deadlines are as follows:

• Artwork to be on display April thru September 2008 must be submitted by March 14, 2008.
• Artwork to be on display October 2008 thru March 2009 must be submitted for review by September 1, 2008

All works must meet the space requirements for canvas art and space and weight requirements for 3dimensional works. Canvas art can be no larger than 24 inches wide or 45 inches tall. 3dimensional art can be no larger than 22 inches tall x 65 inches wide x 22 inches deep. Total weight of 3dimensional art, including all display materials, must be no more than 35 lbs.

Artists are only eligible to display once a year for a one month period and will receive use of four easels for display.

Placement is not guaranteed, decision of committee is final.

For more information, please contact the CVB at 541- 2150, or lccvb@lascrucescvb.org. To submit your samples, send to:
Chris Faivre 211 N. Water Street or by email at cfaivre@las-cruces.org

The City of Las Cruces continues its participation for the 2008 WAC Men and Women's Basketball Tournament set for Tuesday, March 11 through Saturday, March 15 at the Pan American Center.

The CVB and the City of Las Cruces have played vital roles in the tournament including seats on the tournament steering committee and the contribution of funds to assist with housing for players and officials. Additionally, the CVB has put together a community awareness public relations campaign to include banners and signs around town and a welcome billboard on I-10 just outside of Las Cruces. Estimates suggest the tournament could generate more than $4 million for Las Cruces, including nearly $200,000 in tax revenue. Tickets are available at the New Mexico State University Ticket Office at 646-1420 or on line at www.ticketmaster.com. and click here for more info about the WAC Fan Fiesta Activities and Entertainment!

Las Cruces hotels and motels saw their occupancy and room rate increase last year according to a report published by Smith Travel Research (STR), a national lodging industry research company.

According to the report, occupancy in Las Cruces was 74% in 2007, the same as it was in 2006. However, since 2003, occupancy has increased nearly 10% despite a 10% increase in hotel rooms. The report also indicated that the average daily rate (ADR) charged by each property was up nearly 9% for the same period, $69.60 a night compared to $63.46 in 2006 although still far below the national average of $84.00.