STATE News:
- 2012 Saw Large Increases In Tourism Spending Leading To Solid Job Growth in Hospitality and Leisure Sectors
ALBUQUERQUE — Gov. Susana Martinez announced Monday that New Mexico tourism has increased for the 3rd straight year, causing tourism spending and jobs in New Mexico to surpass pre-recession levels.
In 2012, direct tourism spending is estimated to have increased 7 percent to a record $5.9 billion. As new tourism dollars flow into the state, new jobs have been added at an increasing rate. In June, Tourism jobs increased to their highest levels ever with 4,200 more jobs than June 2012. Overall tourism numbers were up 2.6 percent as well, with a record 32 million people visiting the state.
“We had 32 million people visit New Mexico last year,” Martinez said. “While we share the beauty of our state with visitors, our economy benefits with healthy tourism spending, increased gross receipts taxes, and new jobs. These jobs can be found in both cities and small towns, at big and small businesses, and in every part of the state. We have incredible job growth momentum in this industry and I am committed to fostering future growth.”
The 7 percent increase in tourism spending in 2012 is on top of the 5.9 percent increase from 2011. For 2012, the average per person spending increased 4.9 percent for overnight trips and 12.9 percent for day trips.
“At Tourism, it is our job to bring new money into the state,” Tourism Secretary Monique Jacobson said. “And we are thrilled to see that Tourism spend levels have reached an all time high. This means more money in the pockets of New Mexicans and a great return on investment for the state’s taxpayers.”
Key indicators suggest that growth will continue in 2013. According to the Rocky Mountain Lodging report, statewide lodging receipts have increased every month in 2013 compared to 2012, and were up 8 percent in June. The Tourism Department also reports that visits to its website have shown strong growth in 2013, with total visits in May and June running 64 percent and 114 percent higher than last year, respectively.
