The Jepsen Bio
Serving as Director of Sales, Services & Sports at Visit Albuquerque since January 2024. Prior to that, led the Visit Albuquerque Sports Commission for more than 10 years and she had tremendous success elevating sports tourism in Albuquerque.
Now leads the Visit Albuquerque meeting and conventions, sports, and services team. Jepsen previously was vice president for USA Track & Field’s New Mexico Association.
The Jepsen Story
I was introduced to the amazing work that Visit Albuquerque does over 15 years ago as a mother of a traveling youth athlete. Through volunteer work that I was involved in, I began working with the Visit Albuquerque Sports Commission to bid on and host events in Albuquerque.
My primary focus at the time was volunteer engagement. When a position became available in the sales department, I knew that I wanted to be a part of the great and impactful work that Visit Albuquerque does to elevate our community, stimulate economic growth and positively affect quality of life for the residents of Albuquerque.
Nearly 12 years later, I have the privileging of working with an amazing team to continue these efforts.
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What makes Albuquerque a destination of note for travelers?
As the largest city in New Mexico, Albuquerque is deeply rooted in its history and culture. Whether it’s in the city’s distinctive architecture or uniquely delicious cuisine, there is an immersive experience for visitors of all ages to experience.
Albuquerque is also known for its affordability, accessibility and mild four-season climate with over 310 days of annual sunshine, making it an ideal year-round recreation destination.
Total number of visitors for 2023 was what? Expected number for 2024?
On average, Albuquerque receives approximately 6.7 million overnight visitors annually.
The key USA travel markets for Albuquerque are what?
The top five out-of-state origin markets since 2023 are Phoenix, Dallas, Denver, Los Angeles, and Houston. (Source: Datafy Geolocation Data).
Sports promotion is an area of expertise which you handle. What is the main focus in what you are doing?
Albuquerque is home to premier sports venues, including the Jennifer Riordan Spark Kindness Regional Sports Complex, Balloon Fiesta Park, the New Mexico Soccer Tournament Complex, the Jerry Cline Tennis Complex, the Manzano Mesa Pickleball Facility, the Los Altos Softball Complex and Duke City BMX – the largest covered BMX facility in the country.
The Albuquerque Convention Center is home to one of the world’s fastest indoor tracks and has hosted a variety of track and field events, including several years of the USATF Track & Field Indoor Championships.
Albuquerque has served as the host city for a variety of prestigious sporting groups, including USA Boxing, USA Gymnastics, USA Cycling, USA Taekwondo and USA Archery, further elevating the city’s reputation as a top destination for sports tourism.
Albuquerque does not have a major sports team in either the NFL, MLB, NBA or NHL or major pro golf or tennis event. Do you see that changing in the short term and if so what sport(s) would seem most likely to gain a foothold there?
Albuquerque has a dedicated and engaged following for the Albuquerque Isotopes Minor League Baseball team and USL Championship New Mexico United soccer team, as well as University of New Mexico Lobos football and basketball.
We look forward to following the continuing evolution of these sports.
Golf has become a major draw for outside State travelers to New Mexico’s largest city. What is the approximate revenue generated from golf tourism?
New Mexico’s Economic Development Department reports that urban and developed recreation (such as golf, tennis, or soccer) contributes $261 million to the state’s GDP. (Source)
What type of involvement do you have in terms of golf promotion for the greater Albuquerque area?
Golf is a focus of our leisure and sports marketing efforts, particularly with regards to the area’s high-desert setting, mile-high elevation, varied landscape, sunny days, and low humidity – meaning that visitors have the opportunity to golf year-round in Albuquerque.
The city is home to arguably one of the most diverse golf experience available in one area, from desert links and parkland to mountain and top-rated courses.
What steps are implemented in securing feedback from visitors?
Visit Albuquerque is launching a visitor profile program starting in 2025, which will collect detailed insights on visitor demographics, travel behavior and satisfaction.
Related: Golf’s ground floor rising
When visitors are coming to Albuquerque what are the top five things they need to do from a general interest standpoint?
A few of Albuquerque’s top attractions and experiences include hot air ballooning (Albuquerque is known as the Hot Air Ballooning Capital of the World), the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway, the ABQ BioPark, cultural performances including traditional Native American dances and flamenco performances.
There also cultural centers and museums including the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, the National Hispanic Cultural Center, the Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum, Turquoise Museum and the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History.
The biggest challenges, short and long term, facing Albuquerque tourism is what and what strategic responses are being implemented to deal with each?
Midsize destinations often face challenges related to misperceptions and widespread awareness, especially from an international perspective. It is valuable for travelers to look to midsize destinations to plan their next trip, particularly when looking for cities they may not have had the opportunity to experience before.
Visit Albuquerque also just released its Destination Master Plan, a 10-year strategic vision to boost Albuquerque’s visitor economy.
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