Hotwire.com index ranks Duke City No. 9 in travel value for 2012

Albuquerque offers travelers a healthy bang for their buck, according to a new ranking by Hotwire.com.

The Duke City, a newcomer to the Hotwire Travel Value Index, ranked ninth of 10 cities around the nation offering “the best combination of value, entertainment options and attractions throughout 2012,” a news release on the ranking says.

“… Albuquerque, is the epicenter of Southwestern culture, and is widely recognized as one of the most diverse cities in the country,” said the release. “Visitors must take advantage of the excellent weather, outdoor adventures, skiing and the world’s most photographed event, the International Balloon Fiesta in October.”

Albuquerque’s “highest scoring category” was low prices.

Albuquerque beat out Miami, Fla., at No. 10 and was just behind Charlotte, N.C., at No. 8. Phoenix was No. 5 and Denver was No. 7. Orlando, Fla., was No. 1 and has appeared on the list for the past four years.

The index “is based on a statistical model combining both in-house and third-party research,” the release said.
— This article appeared on page B1 of the Albuquerque Journal