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Introduction
Since 2011, we have defined our target market as those with an adventurous spirit and thirst for authenticity and seen consecutive year-over-year growth, proving that what New Mexico offers meets the needs of these thought leaders, early adopters, information seekers, and travelers who gravitate toward authentic experiences.
Team True is grateful to the many partners who share our vision, support our mission, align with our brand, and contribute to our collective success. Among many other things, four foundational components are part of our success: (1) building a magnetic brand, (2) inspiring pride of place, (3) unifying and serving the industry, and (4) requiring rigor. Everything we think about and do adheres to one of these strategic planks.
Through the Cooperative Marketing and Advertising Program (CoOp), one of the Department’s longest running and most popular, we partner with eligible entities (tourism-related non-profit organizations, local and tribal governments, e.g. counties and municipalities) who believe in our mission, align with our philosophies, and strive to improve the quality of life in their communities. We especially appreciate all who share our exacting standards for integrity, inclusivity, quality, and accountability.
At the Tourism Department, we adhere to focused advertising that capitalizes on our competitive advantage and encourage our partners to do the same (advertising your destination, attractions, and events more than 60 miles away). These advantages include cultural heritage, arts, culinary, and outdoor adventure. We use these “Experience Pillars” to dispel misperceptions about our state. In addition, they set us apart from our competition and reinforce our brand promise to deliver adventure steeped in culture. Part of CoOp advertising is telling the unique story of your people and places in this context.
Recent Accomplishments
In fiscal year 2020 of the CoOp Program, 33 awarded entities received $600,000 in matching funds to showcase destinations, attractions, and events. Co-branded advertising with total media value of $1.25 million stretched from Texas to Arizona and north to Colorado. Engaging, “sight-doing” content and vivid imagery showed people New Mexico has a lot to offer.
Recent years’ grant partners and marketing efforts have included:
In FY21 (fiscal year spanning July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021), in response to the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department introduced Recovery Readiness Initiatives. Our collaborative efforts with 44 destination marketing organizations (DMOs) and tourism industry partners around New Mexico offer a solid path toward economic comeback. Click HERE for more information about Recovery Readiness Initiatives.
Our Relationship
As Department and Partner, we form a cohesive team striving to accomplish shared goals. We rely on one another to provide the following: respect, professionalism, ongoing and transparent communication, guidance and support as needed, on-time delivery of time-sensitive responses and materials.
Our review committee carefully and thoroughly reviews each eligible, completed, timely submission. Members want to give each application the attention it deserves. Therefore, they delve into application details paying close attention to desired outcomes, rationale, target markets and associated placement selections, budget, justification, and narrative. As you know from completing the process, it takes time. We set aside 3-6 weeks for evaluation and recommendations.
We encourage:
Holistic, strategic planning
Collaboration
Innovative thinking
Multiple funding sources
We ask that you:
Request a reasonable amount, one that complements your overall budget and additional sources of marketing dollars
Take into account an historic budget of $600,000 with annual disbursement to 30-50 entities; the past three fiscal years’ average award totaled $16,382
Ensure any Flex Plan requests are eligible expenses, that they’re supported with estimates, and don’t insinuate any conflict of interest
The Department does not fund agency commissions/fees, printed collateral, advertising within 60 miles, FAM tours, product development, subscriptions, travel, product development, salaries or personnel costs, among other things.
The above represents a partial list. Refer to the published "Eligible & Ineligible Expenses" on the Cooperative Marketing Resources page for more information.
Current and Prior Years Awards
Administrative, Programmatic and Technical Support
For administrative questions regarding the Flex reimbursement or reporting process, contact financial specialist Brandy Velarde at 505-500-7890 or Brandy.Velarde@state.nm.us.
For programmatic or technical support, contact program manager Andrea Lawrence at 505-795-0108 or Andrea.Lawrence@state.nm.us.
The Cooperative Marketing & Advertising Program made big leaps in the past several years. Together, we are part of a national award-winning effort. We will continue to break ground and work together on successful campaigns.
Sign up for Tourism Talk, our bi-weekly e-news, to ensure you don’t miss important announcements.
To review documents for the current cycle and/or plan for future, click on the Resources box.
To read what our partners have to say, click on the Testimonials box.
We’re always looking for ways to improve the process, make our program, and your destinations, attractions, and events even more successful. Please share your ideas for how New Mexico True can work for you.
Planning an unforgettable experience in New Mexico is easy with a free New Mexico Adventure Guide. View the guide online, or request to have one sent to you.
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