ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. —

The 2025 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, starting in just over a week, is expected to bring at least 800,000 visitors to Albuquerque, providing a significant economic boost to the city.

Del Esparza, former chairman of the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce, said this year's event will attract three-quarters of a million people, with 85% coming from out of state.

"A lot of them are coming from drive markets from Arizona, from Colorado, from Texas, but we're getting them from all over the country," Esparza said.

Esparza and Balloon Fiesta Executive Director Julie Morgas Baca said these visitors could generate over $200 million in revenue, with more than half going directly to local businesses.

"[A] significant impact on the economy here in Albuquerque

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