Media Contact:
Brenna Moore/Visit Albuquerque
Office: (505) 222-4349
Moore@VisitABQ.org
Applications Open for 2026 Visit Albuquerque Tourism Grant Program
Program supports growth of diverse and thriving tourism economy in ABQ
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – (April 9, 2026) – Applications for the 2026 Visit Albuquerque Tourism Grant Program are now open.
Visit Albuquerque, the city’s official destination marketing organization (DMO), supports the growth of a diverse and thriving tourism economy in the city through its annual Tourism Grant Program. The program’s goal is to spark innovative ideas that contribute to Albuquerque’s vibrancy and generate creative visitor and resident experiences that build community and benefit tourism. The program is made possible thanks to revenue generated by the Albuquerque Tourism Marketing District (ATMD).
“With the launch of the fourth cycle of our Tourism Grant Program, we’re excited to build on the strong foundation created in previous years and continue investing in ideas that move Albuquerque forward as a destination and advance the goals of Albuquerque’s Destination Master Plan,” said Tania Armenta, President and CEO of Visit Albuquerque. “The Tourism Grant Program serves an important role in bringing the plan to life by supporting projects that celebrate our unique culture, drive sustainable growth, and enhance the visitor experience as well as quality of life for our residents. We look forward to the innovative proposals that will help define the next chapter of Albuquerque’s story.”
Two levels of grant funding are available: the Innovator Level provides up to $100,000 for project implementation with a 1:1 funding match, and the Incubator Level provides up to $10,000 for project implementation. Visit Albuquerque expects to award approximately $500,000 during the 2026 grant cycle.
For-profit businesses and nonprofit organizations may apply. Applicants must be located in New Mexico and registered as a federally recognized for-profit or nonprofit entity. Applications are now open and will close at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, May 22. Awarded projects will be announced in late June.
Organizations can apply here. Applicants are encouraged to review the Tourism Grant Program Guide prior to applying, as well as the information found at VisitABQ.org/TourismGrants. Mandatory informational sessions take place in person on Tuesday, April 21, and virtually on Thursday, May 7. Interested applicants must attend one of the informational sessions to apply for a grant.
Potential project types may include Downtown development and activation; transportation and connectivity enhancements; or programs related to Route 66, outdoor recreation, arts and culture tourism, or culinary, craft beverage and wine tourism, particularly with the state’s 400th wine anniversary approaching in 2029. Preference will be given to applications that demonstrate understanding and alignment of the Visit Albuquerque Tourism Grant Program, the Destination Master Plan and capacity to increase the number of overnight visitors to Albuquerque. View past grant recipients at https://www.visitalbuquerque.org/tourismgrants/awardees.
The ATMD is a coalition of approximately 140 local lodging properties that have organized efforts in order to increase demand for overnight visitation to our city. The ATMD provides additional funds to expand marketing of Albuquerque, enhance visitor services and develop destination assets.
About Visit Albuquerque
Visit Albuquerque is an accredited destination marketing organization (DMO), and a private, not-for-profit organization [501(c)(6)]. The mission of Visit Albuquerque is to stimulate economic growth by marketing Albuquerque as a convention, sports and visitor destination. For more information, go to www.VisitABQ.org.
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