Survey: New Mexico outdoor recreation businesses expect growth

Aug. 12—New Mexico's outdoor recreation businesses are expecting growth but are in need of marketing support, according to a recent survey. The New Mexico Economic Development Department's Outdoor Recreation Division is seeking to help with that.

According to the survey conducted by the division and endeavOR, which collected 105 responses from outdoor recreation businesses across 21 of New Mexico's 33 counties, almost 69% of the businesses expect growth over the next three years, while only 4% expect a decline.

"The findings from this survey provide valuable insights into the needs and aspirations of our outdoor recreation businesses," division Director Karina Armijo said in a statement. "Respondents highlighted critical areas for improvement, emerging trends, and challenges facing the future of the industry."

The survey found nearly 60% of the businesses are attempting to reach audiences outside New Mexico, but the majority expressed a need for marketing support. The division said it is trying to address this with programs such as the recently launched ActivatOR Outdoor Recreation Growth Accelerator, which will provide workshops, mentorship and networking opportunities to 18 New Mexico-based outdoor recreation businesses in a 14-week program. The program will be offered for free for three years.

"New Mexico is poised to continue growing in the outdoor recreation sector," acting Economic Development Department Cabinet Secretary Mark Roper said in a statement.