2025 TopHAT Awards Nominations
The nomination process for our 2025 NMHA TopHAT Awards is now open. Submit your nominations and plan to join us on November 18 at the Albuquerque Sheraton Uptown for an amazing evening of celebration.
Registration for the TopHAT dinner will open on September 22.
New Mexico saw $8.8 billion in direct visitor spending in 2024
Travel and tourism in New Mexico reached new heights last year, with direct visitor spending hitting a record-breaking $8.8 billion. That's a $200 million increase over 2023, and the third straight year of record growth. When factoring in indirect and induced economic effects of that value, the total tourism impact soared up to $12 billion.
The state welcomed 42.6 million visits in 2024, marking the first time annual visitation exceed 42 million. International travelers, while accounting for just 750,000 trips, spent nearly five times more per visit than domestic travelers, contributing $691 million in spending alone.
Visitor dollars flowed across sectors: $2.8 billion in lodging, $2.1 billion in food and beverage, $1.4 billion in retail, and $1.1 billion in recreation and entertainment. $839 million was also generated in state and local taxes, supporting over 95,000 jobs.
The Face of Hospitality in New Mexico
While many people think of hotels as the brand name on the building, those hotels are owned and operated by local people who invest in their people and their communities. In addition, the hospitality and tourism industry provides 200+ diverse employment opportunities ranging from above minimum wage entry level jobs to marketing, technical, sales, and management careers in both rural and urban communities. Check out some of the stories behind the hotels!
NMHA is excited to announce a new giving option for our Hospitality Scholarship Fund. In partnership with the Albuquerque Community Foundation, we have set up a direct link for donations to the Fund. Just use the QR code to access the direct link and make a donation to support the next generation of hospitality professionals. Through November 30, all donors will be entered into a prize drawing. Prizes include hotel stays, jewelry, Nambe, ski passes, and more!
Difficulties donating with the QR code?
Donate Here!
About NMHA
New Mexico Hospitality Association is a nonprofit (501c6) that is focused on serving its members and all segments of the hospitality industry. The association delivers decades of combined experience to lead public policy and workforce development strategy for a more prosperous economy. The association represents member interests at the state and national level, cultivates professional development, and targets opportunity to incubate and foster long-term job and wealth creation statewide. The association’s members are true investors and are playing a crucial role in growing tourism and New Mexico’s economy.
Updates
Scholarship Fund
The New Mexico Hospitality Association is dedicated to developing advocacy, educational and collaborative opportunities to further strengthen the hospitality and tourism industry in New Mexico. Our commitment to educational opportunities through our vision to become the #1 resource for the New Mexico hospitality industry inspired the creation of the Hospitality and Tourism Scholarship Fund, with the purpose to provide students and continued learners in New Mexico the ability to pursue an education and career in hospitality and tourism.
Government Affairs
New Mexico Hospitality Association serves as the advocate, educator and unified voice for New Mexico's tourism industry - working to ensure its growth and success through collaborative efforts. Each year, our industry is faced with several critical issues on both state and federal levels, which could impact visitation to our state and our members’ ability to manage a successful business. We closely monitor all legislation connected to our industry. On a federal level, we work with our partners, American Hotel & Lodging Association as well as the US Travel Association, who represent the interests of our members on Capitol Hill.
Visit Albuquerque
At the heart of New Mexico beats the pulse of a vibrant city. In Albuquerque, diverse cultures, authentic art and dynamic traditions have helped shape our centuries-old story. No matter your interests, the city has countless opportunities for you to explore. Sample traditional New Mexican cuisine that takes minutes to make and hundreds of years to prepare, experience world-class museums, stroll along Central Avenue under the vintage neon glow of Route 66, or soar high above the city in the hot air ballooning capital of the world — a sight sure to change your perspective.
Visit Las Cruces
Nestled at the crossroads of I-10 and I-25, Las Cruces is New Mexico’s second-largest city, blending vibrant culture, bold flavors, and outdoor adventure. Explore the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument, nearly 500,000 acres of rugged beauty, or try sand sledding at White Sands National Park. Stroll revitalized Main Street with its nationally acclaimed farmers market, local shops, and eateries serving chile-infused cuisine. Sip along the historic Wine Trail, trek the Green Chile Trail, and discover the city’s ties to space tourism as the gateway to Spaceport America, home to Virgin Galactic and commercial spaceflight milestones.
TOURISM Santa Fe
Santa Fe, New Mexico is a city unlike any other, truly living up to its tagline, The City Different, at every turn. With legendary history and culture around every corner, an art scene that spans from traditional to contemporary, accommodations with a local feel yet world-class status, award-winning cuisine that’s as eclectic as it is sumptuous, and countless experiences to encounter, you’re sure to uncover something different about yourself when you visit.