The Special Session, which convened May 24 and concluded May 30, was called to order to approve the state budget for FY2018. House Bill 1 was drafted, introduced, voted by the Legislature and approved by Governor Susana Martinez.
New Mexico Hospitality Association had several meetings with legislative council to support the Tourism Department’s budget request. We are pleased to report that the Tourism Department’s original budget request of just over $17M was approved during special session. This is one of the Association’s key policy priorities, and this victory ensures adequate funding for the Tourism Department so it can continue to grow New Mexico’s tourism economy.
This was accomplished through the great work of the Tourism Department proving a strong ROI, the New Mexico Hospitality Association having a consistent presence throughout the regular and special session and the industry (You) connecting with legislators. Your membership and your active participation in our advocacy efforts allows New Mexico Hospitality Association to work with legislators and find real policy solutions that benefit our industry. Thank you!
Celebrating Champions of Tourism from Legislature
During the 2017 New Mexico True Governor’s Conference on Hospitality and Tourism, we took the time to share our appreciation with two individuals who championed our cause during the 2017 Legislative Session earlier this year.
The New Mexico Hospitality Association, along with the support of travel and tourism professionals across New Mexico, formally recognized the efforts from Senator John M. Sapien and Representative Carl Trujillo during the National Travel Day Rally Celebration on Tuesday, May 9th, at the Albuquerque Convention Center.
View more photos from the Travel Day Rally Celebration here.
Special Thanks
Many New Mexico travel and tourism professionals dedicated hours of planning and hard work, from the moment the 2017 Legislative Session began to the moment the 2017 First Special Session concluded with zero cuts to the New Mexico Tourism Department. We want to again thank our Government Affairs Committee for all of their hard work:
Lyn Edwards – Lea County
Randy Randall – Tourism Santa Fe
Ernie CdeBaca – Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce
George Brooks – Ski New Mexico Inc.
Chris Stagg – Taos Ski Valley, Inc.
Tonya Stinson – Farmington Convention & Visitors Bureau
Charlie Gray – Greater Albuquerque Innkeepers Association
Lisa Boeke – Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce
Tania Armenta – Visit Albuquerque
Kim Skinner – Sierra County Recreation & Tourism Advisory Board
Christina Genuario-Gill – Inn on the Alameda
Rick Matthews – La Quinta Inn-Carlsbad
New Mexico Hospitality Association would also like to thank our contract lobbyist Jason Weaks who did a tremendous job representing the best interest of our industry at the Capitol during the entire Legislative Session, as well as the First Special Session. He spent countless hours analyzing the potential impact of various pieces of legislation on our industry and helped garner support for our priority legislation in both chambers. The presence of our industry was truly felt at the Roundhouse this year, and we thank Jason for that.