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Outdoor Recreation

Elevating Existing Products and Experiences

Albuquerque's strategic partnerships with the City of Albuquerque's Parks and Recreation Department and Economic Development Department provide a strong foundation for positioning the city as a destination for diverse outdoor adventures such as cycling, golfing, hiking, birding, horseback riding, off-roading, bouldering, snow sports and river sports. Despite its proximity to skiing and outdoor recreation opportunities, Albuquerque is not commonly associated with these activities. While the city is among some of the largest metropolitan areas in the U.S. with easy access to skiing, it remains relatively unknown in terms of its outdoor recreation offerings compared to its cultural attractions and ballooning. The number of skiers visiting is significantly lower than the potential, resulting in a missed opportunity for economic impact, which could reach $20-$30 million.

To meet the expectations of outdoor enthusiasts, Albuquerque needs to focus on developing and promoting exceptional outdoor experiences. This includes leveraging its unique geographical advantages, such as the nearby Sandia Mountains, the Rio Grande and the sprawling desert landscapes. The following recommendations and strategies align with Visit Albuquerque’s 2025 marketing plan initiatives while at the same time incorporate stakeholder, resident and visitor feedback throughout the planning process to focus on destination management as well.

Position Albuquerque as the Gateway to Outdoor Adventures and Raise Awareness of Existing Outdoor Recreation Products

Strategy 1: Continue raising awareness about Albuquerque's positioning as the premier gateway to outdoor adventures in New Mexico through strategic communication initiatives. This involves highlighting that if visitors establish their overnight base in Albuquerque, they will have easy and expansive access to a diverse range of outdoor recreation opportunities, showcasing the affordability of experiences and emphasizing the advantage of fewer crowds compared to competing destinations. Enhance public relations activities and collaborate with travel influencers and bloggers to showcase the city's diverse outdoor offerings and accessibility.
Visit Albuquerque's Role
Lead
Partners
Progress Made
The word "Lead" with a graphic of a person leading a group
  • Visit Albuquerque
  • New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division
  • City of Albuquerque Parks and Recreation Department
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Strategy 2: Establish partnerships with local outdoor organizations, outdoor gear companies, nature conservation groups and government entities to further promote Albuquerque as a destination for outdoor activities. Collaborate on joint initiatives, such as information campaigns, to highlight the city's natural assets and position it as a hub for adventure.
The word "Lead" with a graphic of a person leading a group
  • Visit Albuquerque
  • New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division
  • City of Albuquerque Parks and Recreation Department
  • New Mexico State Parks
  • Albuquerque Open Space Division
  • Sandia Peak Tramway
  • Rio Grande Nature Center State Park
  • Ski NM
  • University of New Mexico
  • Local Outdoor Organizations
  • Outdoor Gear Companies
  • Nature Conservation Groups
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Strategy 3: Highlight the proximity of Albuquerque to natural attractions, such as national parks, scenic trails and outdoor recreation areas, to encourage visitors, especially those flying into Albuquerque International Sunport to use the city as a base for exploring the region.
The word "Lead" with a graphic of a person leading a group
  • Visit Albuquerque
  • New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division
  • City of Albuquerque Parks and Recreation Department
  • Local Outdoor Organizations
  • Outdoor Gear Companies
  • Albuquerque International Sunport

 

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Foster Collaboration to Upgrade, Expand and Diversify Outdoor Recreation Demand Drivers

Based on the evaluation of the Demand Driver Scorecard, it is evident that the majority of current demand drivers at the regional-national level are in the cultural category, with most outdoor recreation experiences and assets falling within the local demand driver category. To further amplify the appeal and draw visitors seeking outdoor adventures, additional investment and collaboration efforts are necessary.

Strategy 1: Garner investment and foster collaboration by engaging with local stakeholders, outdoor recreation businesses and government entities. Create a platform for regular dialogue and cooperation to enhance and diversify local demand drivers for outdoor recreational experiences.
Visit Albuquerque's Role
Lead
Partners
Progress Made
The word "Advocate" with a communication icon
  • Visit Albuquerque
  • New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division
  • City of Albuquerque Parks and Recreation Department
  • Albuquerque Open Space Division
  • Sandia Peak Tramway
  • Rio Grande Nature Center State Park
  • Ski NM
  • University of New Mexico
  • Local Outdoor Organizations
  • Outdoor Gear Companies
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Strategy 2: Advocate for and support the modernization of the ski area infrastructure to align with industry standards and enhance the overall skiing experience. This includes advocating for an increased investment in improvements such as chairlift upgrades, snowmaking systems and other necessary facilities to ensure the ski areas are on par with other leading destinations.

The word "Advocate" with a communication icon

The word "Support" with a hand icon

 

  • New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division
  • City of Albuquerque Parks and Recreation Department
  • Albuquerque Mountain Rescue Council
  • Ski NM
  • Local Outdoor Organizations
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Strategy 3: Encourage partnerships between Visit Albuquerque, outdoor businesses and educational institutions to organize workshops, seminars and training programs on outdoor safety, required safety gears and responsible tourism. These initiatives will raise awareness among locals and visitors alike, while supporting the growth and development of the local outdoor recreation sector.
The word "Support" with a hand icon

 

  • New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division
  • City of Albuquerque Parks and Recreation Department
  • New Mexico State Parks
  • Albuquerque Open Space Division
  • Albuquerque Mountain Rescue Council
  • Sandia Peak Tramway
  • Rio Grande Nature Center State Park
  • Ski NM
  • University of New Mexico
  • Local Outdoor Organizations
  • Outdoor Gear Companies
  • Nature Conservation Groups

 

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Strategy 4: Identify and support local talent, entrepreneurs and small businesses that contribute to the outdoor recreation industry. Visit Albuquerque can act as a facilitator to connect outdoor recreation businesses to resources, mentorship programs and networking opportunities to help them thrive. This can be further developed by highlighting successful local businesses as examples of Visit Albuquerque's commitment to fostering innovation and sustainable growth within the outdoor recreation sector.

The word "Lead" with a graphic of a person leading a group

The word "Support" with a hand icon

  • Visit Albuquerque
  • New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division
  • Sandia Peak Tramway
  • Ski NM
  • Local Outdoor Organizations
  • Outdoor Gear Companies
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Strategy 5: Actively seek partnerships and collaborations with race event organizers, such as running and cycling race organizers to host such events within the ABQ area. 
The word "Lead" with a graphic of a person leading a group  
  • Sports Organizers
  • Events Organizers
  • City of Albuquerque Parks and Recreation Department
  • Local Outdoor Organizations
  • Outdoor Gear Companies
  • Nature Conservation Groups
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Strategy 6: Advocate for the prioritization of the improvement, expansion and safety of our trail network to promote accessibility and diverse recreational opportunities. This includes completing the 50-mile bike loop, adding gravel cycling trails and conducting thorough repairs of existing bike paths, particularly the North Diversion Channel trail. 
The word "Advocate" with a communication icon  
  • City of Albuquerque Parks and Recreation Department
  • Local Outdoor Organizations
  • Outdoor Gear Companies
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Strategy 7: Collaborate with the City, community organizations and environmental groups to provide the tourism industry’s input on enhancing access and activating the Rio Grande riverfront for outdoor recreational activities. This can include advocating for improving infrastructure, creating signage and wayfinding systems and developing amenities such as picnic areas, viewpoints and points of interest that highlight the river's natural and cultural significance.
The word "Support" with a hand icon  
  • New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division
  • City of Albuquerque Parks and Recreation Department
  • New Mexico State Parks
  • Albuquerque Open Space Division
  • Albuquerque Mountain Rescue Council
  • Rio Grande Nature Center State Park
  • Local Outdoor Organizations
  • Nature Conservation Groups
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Foster Sustainable Tourism Practices and Environmental Stewardship

Strategy 1: Integrate sustainable tourism practices in visitor communication and outdoor recreation marketing materials by promoting responsible outdoor behaviors and environmental stewardship. Provide educational materials and resources that inform visitors about Leave No Trace principles, wildlife protection and responsible waste management during outdoor activities.
Visit Albuquerque's Role
Lead
Partners
Progress Made
The word "Lead" with a graphic of a person leading a group
  • Visit Albuquerque
  • New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division
  • City of Albuquerque Parks and Recreation Department
  • New Mexico State Parks
  • Albuquerque Open Space Division
  • Local Outdoor Organizations
  • Nature Conservation Groups
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Strategy 2: Collaborate with local environmental organizations and encourage partnerships with businesses to implement sustainable practices, such as recycling initiatives, reducing single-use plastics and conserving energy and water resources. Organize volunteer programs and community clean-up events to engage visitors and locals in environmental preservation efforts.
The word "Support" with a hand icon
  • Visit Albuquerque
  • New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division
  • City of Albuquerque Parks and Recreation Department
  • New Mexico State Parks
  • Albuquerque Open Space Division
  • Local Outdoor Organizations
  • Nature Conservation Groups
Zero Percent Progress Bar Graphic