Trifecta of tourism infrastructure grant programs set to open for applications in March
SANTA FE, NM – Applications for the New Mexico Tourism Department’s three infrastructure and development grants for fiscal year 2025 are set to open during the month of March.
The New Mexico Clean and Beautiful Grant Program, Tourism Event Growth and Sustainability Program and Destination Forward are administered by NMTD to help municipal, county and tribal governments and other eligible tourism entities build and strengthen tourism infrastructure to meet the demand for travel to the Land of Enchantment.
Over the past few years, NMTD has expanded its capabilities to support local and tribal governments with tourism-related infrastructure and product development projects. NMTD unveiled its Tourism Event Growth and Sustainability Program in 2022, followed by the launch of Destination Forward in 2023. These newer programs joined the long-standing New Mexico Clean and Beautiful Grant Program as the agency’s menu of grant funding options for tourism-related infrastructure and product development support.
“Our research has shown us that the demand for travel to New Mexico is back and better than ever,” said Acting Cabinet Secretary Lancing Adams. “These programs help ensure that local destinations and other tourism entities have the infrastructure to support that demand.”
"The response we have seen to these programs over the past couple of years has been incredibly encouraging, and demonstrates to us that communities throughout New Mexico find value in these programs," said Tourism Development Director Holly Kelley. "We encourage all communities looking to build and strengthen sustainable tourism infrastructure to consider applying for these programs."
The New Mexico Clean and Beautiful Grant Program is a competitive grant that offers funding to eligible entities to assist with litter eradication, waste reduction and community beautification initiatives. Applications for this program open Tuesday, March 5, and close Friday, April 5.
The Tourism Event Growth and Sustainability Program provides technical assistance, marketing and sponsorship support to qualified tourism events within New Mexico to support their growth and sustainability. Applications for this program open Monday, March 18, and close Tuesday, April 16.
As the department’s newest program, Destination Forward is a competitive grant that supports the long-term destination development and revitalization of community-based, sustainable tourism infrastructure projects across New Mexico. Applications for this program open Tuesday, March 12, and close Wednesday, April 10.
NMTD awarded over $3.2 million in grant funding to eligible entities through these three programs for FY24.
More information such as eligibility and application deadlines for all three grant programs is available at www.newmexico.org/industry .