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.
Advocacy & Government Affairs
New Mexico Hospitality Association is the unified voice for our industry.
We monitor legislation, propose policy, and partner with national bodies to ensure our members’ interests are represented at every level.
Key priorities:
- Building tourism investment & promotion
- Ensuring fair lodging tax policy
- Supporting capital, infrastructure, and broadband expansion
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 our state’s premier economic driver. This professional membership association brings state and national level initiatives, provides professional development, and targets opportunities to industries and foster long-term job and wealth creation statewide. The association’s members are true innovators and are playing a crucial role in growing tourism and New Mexico’s economy.
Tourism Impact
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.
Hospitality & Tourism Scholarship Fund
NMHA is excited to announce a new giving option: The Hospitality Scholarship Fund. In partnership with the Albuquerque Community Foundation, we’ve set up a fund to deliver scholarships to future staff, from all sides of the hospitality sector (food & beverage, travel, and accommodation) to support the next generation of hospitality professionals.
Through November 8th, all donations will continue to directly benefit students and professionals from every county, from hospitality, tourism, and culinary areas.
Difficulties donating with the QR code?
The Face of Hospitality in New Mexico
While many people think of tourism as the travel and fun side, this building block relies on several exceptional people proud of the creative life, people, and the service mentality that keeps visitors returning to New Mexico. The New Mexico Hospitality Association is excited to keep sharing these amazing personal stories and honor every local job in marketing, hospitality, hotel service, and management careers in every town and cultural destination. Check out some of our stories featured below!
Partner Highlights
Visit Albuquerque
As the Heart of New Mexico, Albuquerque offers the perfect balance of city adventure and outdoor exploration. With a rich history, vibrant arts scene, and famous annual Balloon Fiesta, Albuquerque welcomes millions of visitors every year. From exploring Old Town to hiking in the Sandia Mountains, there’s something for everyone.
Visit Las Cruces
Nestled in the heart of southern New Mexico, Las Cruces is known for its natural beauty, friendly charm, and delicious local cuisine. Enjoy festivals celebrating everything from wine to chile, explore White Sands National Park, and experience the unique mix of cultures that makes this city a true gem of the Southwest.
TOURISM Santa Fe
Santa Fe, “The City Different,” is a city unlike any other. With its high desert setting, deep history, and thriving arts scene, Santa Fe brings together beauty, heritage, and adventure. From Canyon Road’s galleries to world-class cuisine, this is a destination where every visitor discovers something different and special.
