Don't miss the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta - October 6-14, 2012

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., Sept. 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2012 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta^® is right around the corner, but hotel rooms are still available. Hot air balloonists and spectators alike will come together as more than 500 balloons launch for nine days in New Mexico's largest city. The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta^® takes place in the Hot Air Balloon Capital of the World each October, this year from October 6-14, 2012. Act now to take advantage of hotel deals and travel packages during the festival, especially mid-week.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120924/LA80017)

Albuquerque has recently been touted by Fox News as one of "11 spectacular vacations you should book right now," a Hotwire.com Top U.S. Value Destination for 2012 and one of 15 Destinations on the Rise by TripAdvisor. In addition, National Geographic recently called the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta one of the Best Fall Trips for 2012.

For nine days Albuquerque skies will be filled with colorful shapes as 500+ balloons float over the city's high desert landscape. Pilots from around the world thrive in Albuquerque's unique fall weather and take advantage of the "Albuquerque Box" – a combination of upper and lower level winds which enables balloonists to sometimes backtrack their flight path and land close to their launch site.

Evening events at the fiesta delight as spectators gather around inflated balloons on the field for choreographed Balloon Glows to walk amongst gigantic character balloons of all shapes and sizes. Event tickets start at just $8 per event.

The Balloon Fiesta not only provides sensory overload, but offers opportunities for visitors to experience the local cuisine, art, and culture. In addition to the Fiesta, events take place throughout the city after ballooning events are over allowing visitors to experience more of the Central New Mexico region including a brew fest, chocolate festival, museum exhibits, harvest festivals and much more. Learn more about accompanying events here.

Get Albuquerque and Balloon Fiesta updates at www.Facebook.com/visitABQ or www.Twitter.com/visitABQ and via hashtags #BalloonFiesta and #VisitABQ.

The mission of the Albuquerque Convention and Visitors Bureau is to stimulate economic growth by marketing Albuquerque as a visitor and convention destination. For information, visit www.ItsATrip.org, www.facebook.com/visitABQ or www.twitter.com/VisitABQ.

SOURCE Albuquerque Convention and Visitors Bureau