by Matthew Mora We’ve all had the angry customer, the unhappy individual or group that has shown unhappiness for your service or product, and chooses to express this unhappiness over the internet. More specifically on social media pages, yelp, or on your google business review. In the cyber realm, it feels as if you can’t do anything about these negative … Read More

Written by Matthew Mora There are so many aspects that make a hotel culinary experience amazing for guests. Some aspects are incredibly obvious, and there are not so obvious aspects for highlighting your hotel’s dining experience. Here are a few not-so-obvious tips for communicating the unique aspects of your restaurant. These tips go beyond just the quality or the wait-staff, … Read More

Gubernatorial Candidates & 2019 Legislative Session Even though the dust has just settled with the 2018 Legislative Session, NM Hospitality Association’s government affairs committee met this week to begin our plans for this year. Having a strategic approach to interim session will provide an excellent opportunity for NM Hospitality Association to be preemptive of several undesirable pieces of legislation and … Read More

The New Mexico Tourism Hall of Fame is one of the greatest honors bestowed upon New Mexico hospitality and tourism professionals. The New Mexico Tourism Hall of Fame celebrates the lifelong achievement of professionals in our industry and the contributions they have made to support and strengthen New Mexico tourism throughout their career. Nominations for the 2018 inductees to the … Read More

Summary This short 30-day, financially-focused session was about as busy as expected given the current political climate. Though just under 700 bills were introduced, only a fraction actually passed. Though relatively quiet, this session was productive for the tourism and lodging industry because several important measures were passed while no negative pieces of legislation made it to the Governor’s desk. … Read More

Governor Martinez released her administration’s budget proposal which calls for a $3.5 million increase for the New Mexico Tourism Department to be used for a significant marketing push in the San Francisco area. “Governor Martinez continues to demonstrate her commitment to growing New Mexico’s economy through her prioritization of the Tourism Department’s marketing budget. Year after year, New Mexico True … Read More

2017 Tourism Professional of the Year Finalist Kelly Stewart Marketing Specialist – Los Alamos County What was your first job in the hospitality industry? After I graduated from college with a degree in journalism and international studies, I did a short stint in the hospitality industry, working at several hotels and restaurants on Nantucket Island. While I honed my marketing … Read More

2017 Back-of-House Food & Beverage Employee of the Year Finalist Rocky Durham Executive Chef – Sunrise Springs Spa Resort What was your first job in the hospitality industry? Washing dishes Who has helped/mentored you through your career? Every individual I have worked with has helped shape who I am today. Some of my earlier mentors have passed and I carry … Read More

2017 Front-of-House Food & Beverage of the Year Finalist Jessie Lopez Regional Events Director – Hotel Encanto de Las Cruces What was your first job in the hospitality industry? Best Western Mesilla Valley Inn Who has helped/mentored you through your career? Belia Alvarez, Peggy Smith What has been the highlight of your career? Watching my community smile as they enjoy … Read More

2017 Back-of-House Hospitality Employee of the Year Randall Kludt Executive Housekeeper – The Blake of Taos Ski Valley What was your first job in the hospitality industry? I began working as a line cook. Who has helped/mentored you through your career? I’ve been lucky enough to have many great mentors. Ski bums & Spaniards & S. Rose. I learn something … Read More