The City of Albuquerque’s Economic Development Department recently announced it was launching an “ABQ 66” comprehensive marketing campaign to revitalize Albuquerque’s historic Route 66 by boosting consumer activity and sales revenue along the corridor as the city and nation begin to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Here’s a video that touts the campaign:
The campaign also has a dedicated website at ExploreABQ66.com.
According to a news release from the city:
The campaign, which will promote a 14-mile stretch of Central Avenue between Unser and Tramway boulevards, includes fresh branding, special events, light pole banners, a website, videos, and digital and traditional media placements. Albuquerque-based RK Venture was chosen through a request for proposals to develop and implement the campaign, which was approved by City Council last year, using CARES funding.
“ABQ 66 – Explore the Real Original” acknowledges Route 66’s storied past while looking to its very bright future,” said Richard Kuhn, owner and executive creative director of RK Venture. “This campaign serves as an invitation for everyone to drive, walk, or ride public transit along Route 66 and experience all the art, shopping, food, and fun the legendary strip, in all its sun-soaked neon glory, has to offer.”
“We are excited for residents and visitors alike to rediscover the treasures of the Mother Road, whether by ART bus, cruising in a lowrider, walking, or biking,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “Route 66 is an iconic destination that has brought culture and commerce into the Duke City for generations. Today it’s home to businesses that we’re ready to champion, and the capacity to take on new development that we want to support.”
The news release also acknowledges the economic toll from construction on the troubled Albuquerque Rapid Transit system. (Keller was a critic of predecessor Richard Berry’s pet project.)
The release also notes the Route 66 Visitor Center under construction on Nine Mile Hill on the city’s west side, but that won’t be open until next April at the earliest.
(Image of the ABQ 66 campaign via Albuquerque’s Economic Development Department)