NM TOURISM DEPARTMENT RELEASED THE 2018 VISITATION REPORT
CLOVIS (KSMX) – The New Mexico Tourism Department released its 2018 visitation report which highlights trips made statewide. The report revealed a total of an estimated 36.6 million trips were made to the state in 2018 which is a 3.4% increase from the previous year and a 22.8% since 2010. The Tourism Department also listed an estimated 20.3 million marketable trips last year. These trips are a result of the tourism departments marketing efforts.
New Mexico Tourism Department Secretary, Jen Paul Schroer noted in a press release that the state saw an estimated 500,000 more overnight trips in 2018 than in 2017 for a total of 16.2 million overnight trips.
According to the visitation report, New Mexico beat the national average in growth of overnight visits by 79% last year. During a overnight trip in New Mexico, the study reports that people are participating in specific activities at a higher rate than the U.S. average overnight trip. Those visiting New Mexico, visit National or State Parks 22% of the time compared to the 10% national average.
Also according the report, people are visiting New Mexico for the rich, diverse cultural experiences.