Albany CVB issues summer 'passport' to boost local attractions, businesses

ALBANY – This summer families can pick their own adventures by visiting attractions, attending events, eating at restaurants and patronizing Albany businesses, with the chance to win a gift basket and be in the running for a big prize.

The Albany Convention & Visitors Bureau has issued the 2024 Summer Passport Challenge, with some 250 qualifying destinations, events and shopping opportunities listed on the passport card.

On Friday, CVB Executive Director Rashelle Minix was passing out the green cards at a food truck frenzy event sponsored by the Albany Downtown Development Authority.

The promotion is the first of its kind for the CVB, which is looking to boost enthusiasm for the area’s businesses, sites and activities.

“With our new brand, we just want to get everybody out moving around town and getting to know what Albany has to offer,” Minix said of the passport. “This is a great way to get families to visit. It encourages people to go to all our attractions, not just one.”

The passport card contains listings for the Albany Civil Rights Institute, Albany Museum of Art, Chehaw Park & Zoo, Flint RiverQuarium, Radium Springs Gardens and Thronateeska Heritage Center. It also contains QR cards for the categories of dining, shopping and events.

To qualify, participants must visit each of the attractions and at least one each under the dining, shopping and events categories.

“Once the passport is completed, they can turn it in to the Welcome Center, and we’ll give you this fun prize package full of goodies,” Minix said. “Once you turn this in, we’ll enter you into a drawing to win a gift basket worth over $300.”

Participants have until Aug. 30 to complete the passport.