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About EcoTourism in New Mexico
THE VISION
For New Mexico to become the premier role model and destination for ecotourism and conservation initiatives in the United States of America.
A DEFINITION
Ecotourism is a nature-based form of specialty travel defined as “responsible travel” to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local community. It offers an authentic and engaging experience to travelers who want an off-the-beaten-path adventure that connects them with natural beauty and indigenous traditions. It is sensitive to the environment, allowing unique access while treading lightly on the land. And for the local communities it provides a rewarding and sustainable business model and enterprise.
THE BENEFITS
Wilderness adventures abound in New Mexico and are a real draw for eco-tourists that reflect current trends. “When you bring people into contact with wild places, ancient cultures and extraordinary wildlife, something changes them from within and they become advocates and partners in the preservation process.
By leveraging these authentic New Mexican experiences, we will create transformative journeys that will change the way travelers and residents alike experience New Mexico’s vibrant natural landscapes, cultural heritage and bio-diversity. These experiences will provide economic stimulus to the local and outlying communities.
Having an authentic hands-on experience with the landscape attracts the kind of visitor that is interested in leaving only footprints and could potentially invest in eco-conscious endeavors in the State. Each destination will serve as a steward for the land that it embraces and will provide an authentic gateway into New Mexico’s wilderness and ancient cultures.
THE EXPERIENCE
Wilderness experiences that enrichen and educate: guided horseback trips, backcountry hiking, birdwatching, stargazing, and mountain biking expeditions, to name a few. Visit Native American communities and ancient lands that are living museums with their natural beauty and unfolding stories. Inspire action through involvement - educate visitors to wilderness issues, environmental initiatives and wildlife preservation through hands-on experiences in the wilds.
HOW WE BEGIN
By creating a network of partnerships through the state - business owners, conservationists, native leaders, wildlife specialists, outfitters, community leaders - that will bring together creative energy and expertise resulting in an innovative and comprehensive tourism product.
BRANDING & MARKETING
Once we have defined and identified the amazing authentic experiences around the state, it’s time to match them up wth the people who would be attracted and moved by them. When that time comes, a plan for a focused branding effort for Ecotourism New Mexico will be put into action, to work alongside the general market New Mexico Tourism Department campaign ‘Be Enchanted’ to add further dimension to the ‘Land of Enchantment’ positioning. A comprehensive communications plan will ensure the best possibilty of success for all participants and the State of New Mexico as a whole.
SUPPORT
The NMTD is comitted to this site being a hub that can serve to Inspire, Educate and Instigate action for all those seeking to know more about how to participate or share information with others in this unfolding initiative. It is the hope that the NEW/EVENTS/RESOURCES can become that ‘eco café’.
OUTREACH
We will have completed three of the six workshop seminars around the state by the time of going live and will give details on each of these here, which were hugely successful. With the ongoing participation and dialog of leader groups in each sector, a lot of ground has already been covered in setting up a statewide network to create community among outfitters, guides, conservationists, community leaders and other stakeholders to share insights and maintain focus across the state.
