Visit Albuquerque President & CEO Tania ArmentaSTATE News:
SANTA FE ― Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has appointed Tania Armenta, President & CEO of Visit Albuquerque and reappointed Belia Alvarez, Director of Community Relations for Heritage Hotels and Resorts, to serve on the Tourism Commission.
Armenta and Alvarez will each serve 7-year terms on the 7-person commission. With the appointment of Armenta and the reappointment of Alvarez, the Tourism Commission is now represented by three women, the most since 2013.
“Both Tania and Belia are incredibly dedicated professionals who will add new perspective to the commission,” Tourism Secretary Jen Paul Schroer said. “The New Mexico Tourism Department and the tourism industry will be well-served with Tania and Belia on this commission.”
Heritage Hotels and Resorts, Director of Community Relations Belia Alvarez
Armenta’s time with Visit Albuquerque spans 20 years, and she has served as President & CEO of Visit Albuquerque for the past three years. Armenta serves on several national and local boards including the US Travel Association’s Destinations Council, Destinations International DMAP Board and The Jennifer Riordan Foundation Advisory Board, and the New Mexico Hospitality Association Board of Directors as Board Chair.
Armenta was 1 of 12 women recently featured on Corporate & Incentive Travel’s cover story titled “CVB Leaders: Remarkable Women Share Insights and Wisdom on Leading a CVB,” along with being named one of Smart Meetings “2016 Smart Women in Meetings” award recipients. Armenta is also a former recipient of the “40 Under Forty” awards by Albuquerque Business First.
“I am very honored to be appointed by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham to serve as a member of the New Mexico Tourism Commission,” Armenta said. “Tourism is one of New Mexico’s most effective economic development strategies, and we have tremendous opportunities for increased growth and success in our immediate future.”
Alvarez’s professional career in hospitality and tourism spans 23 years. As Corporate Director of Community Relations, Alvarez is responsible for preserving and cultivating cultural partnerships and recognition, managing statewide community relationships and advocating for collaborative opportunities to bring awareness to New Mexico’s culture and tourism.
Prior to her role as Corporate Director of Community Relations with Heritage Hotels & Resorts, Alvarez also served as General Manager and Regional General Manager within the company. Alvarez commits her time to numerous leadership organizations, including the Las Cruces Hispanic Chamber Board, New Mexico Hospitality Association Board of Directors, New Mexico State University School of Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management Advisory Board, Ambassadors for Spaceport America, and the Advisory Board for Visit Las Cruces. Alvarez previously served as Chair for the former Convention & Visitor’s Bureau Board (currently Visit Las Cruces) from 2012-2014. Alvarez is a Las Cruces native.
“I am truly honored to be reappointed to the Tourism Commission by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham,” Alvarez said. “Tourism remains an important economic driver for New Mexico, with continuous year-over-year growth. I remain committed to our remarkably successful New Mexico True campaign and will work diligently to promote and protect the culturally unique tourism resources that we call our own.”
