UP, UP AND AWAY…..

750 hot air balloons of all colors and shapes will fill the sky over Albuquerque, New Mexico for the “International Balloon Fiesta” this October. This is the largest assembly of hot air balloons and also the most photographed.

It’s time to start planning your visits for this top 2009 ballooning event.

For 9 days, every October, this event attracts balloons, pilots and crews from all over the world. It’s so popular with the hot air ballooning pilots that the organizers had to limit the number of competing balloons to 750 (from over 1000 inscriptions!) to limit the crowding in the sky! Over 100 000 spectators enjoy musical entertainment, food, fireworks and other activities at the “Balloon Fiesta Park” added to the main event, the nine days of “Mass Ascension” of the balloons in two waves. Balloon rides can be booked and VIP viewing sites and packages are available.

The various ballooning competition events are:

-The Fiesta Challenge, where balloonists attempt to drop markers closest to a target.

-The America's Challenge Gas Balloon Race, where special long-distance gas balloons are inflated and then launched. The winner of the race is the balloon that travels the farthest.

-The Flight of the Nations Mass Ascension, where balloonists from each nation launch, one at a time, to their national anthem and waving their nation's flag

-Other piloting, skill, and speed competitions.

So, after your clients meetings in Denver or Phoenix, the convention in San Diego, the incentive excursion into American Indian territory plan a day or two in Albuquerque next October.

We are ready to help and offer you interesting packages.

Regards,

Beat Fisher

For more information please contact Beat Fischer at groups@visitamerica.com