Las Cruces has been named a recipient of Sports Leisure Vacation’s 2012 ‘Outstanding Visitor Experience award’, placing the city among other top U.S. destinations.

The Sacramento-based tour operator published the announcement in the December issue of Courier magazine, the official publication of the National Tour Association. The awards were given based on the feedback of travelers.

“The CVB is especially pleased with this award since we have set customer service as a top priority for working with the industry,” Las Cruces Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Phil San Filippo said.  “The award is especially exciting considering the other destinations that were named alongside Las Cruces.”

La Jolla, California; Victoria, British Columbia; Bryce Canyon, Utah, and the Big Island of Hawaii were also selected. New Mexico was also represented in the attractions category, earning awards for Carlsbad Caverns National Park and the International Balloon Fiesta. Sports Leisure Vacations has conducted several tours to Las Cruces including one in 2009 and two in 2011.  They will likely return again in 2014.

Las Cruces Convention & Visitors Bureau, www.las-cruces.org