The COVID-19 pandemic has reminded us about the essential value of the tourism dollar.
The tourism dollar doesn’t just benefit businesses like hotels and restaurants. Visitor spending boosts local agriculture, industrial services, wholesale trade and other businesses that serve a vital role in New Mexico’s economy.
And New Mexicans understand the importance of the tourism dollar as well. According to a 2020 survey of New Mexico residents about their sentiment and perceptions of tourism, 96% of residents realize the importance of visitor spending for the economy, and 89% of residents said they understand that tourism provides jobs for the community.
Bike trail near Gallup (Courtesy of New Mexico Tourism Department)