State Tourism Contracts EcoNewMexico to Administer Innovative Ecotourism Program

Ecotourism - the fastest growing segment in the world’s largest industry- is about to welcome a new major player

Santa Fe, NM, September 17, 2009 –
“Eco-tourists spend more money, stay longer, and have a desire for authentic, hands-on experiences in places where their time and money will benefit the local communities,” said Michael Cerletti, Secretary of the New Mexico Tourism Department. “Ecotourism promotes and preserves nature-based travel experiences, outdoor adventure, and cultural heritage. If you combine that with the fact that no other state in the US has developed a corner-to-corner initiative for Ecotourism, it means New Mexico is poised to become one of the world’s best Ecotourism destinations.”

In an effort to allow New Mexico the opportunity to capitalize on a golden opportunity to reach this growing market – with thanks to the foresight and fiscal support of Governor Bill Richardson and the state legislature – the Tourism Department announces the awarding of a contract “to plan, coordinate, implement and administer its Ecotourism Program” to EcoNewMexico, LLC of Santa Fe in response to a Request For Proposals issued June 8, 2009.

The Department received 11 proposals through the RFP. The New Mexico Legislature, with the support of Gov. Richardson, approved a special $250,000 appropriation to fund the Department’s Ecotourism project in Fiscal Year 2010. The contract amount is $242,500. The contract term is through June 30, 2010.

Deputy Secretary Hobson is spear-heading the project “Ecotourism has the potential to make New Mexico an even more enthralling destination for travelers from around the world,” Dep. Sec. Hobson said. “We welcome EcoNewMexico to our team as we will build on the equity and add further dimension to our ‘Land of Enchantment’ marketing initiatives. We believe EcoNewMexico will help us create vibrant partnerships that will result in new and sustainable business and economic opportunities to communities throughout our state.”

EcoNewMexico’s scope of work under the contract will include taking inventory of Ecotourism assets throughout the state; educating communities throughout the state on Ecotourism and teaching Ecotourism marketing skills; and working with statewide agencies and other public and private entities.

“EcoNewMexico is honored to partner with the Tourism Department in creating a vision for the State of New Mexico through the Ecotourism Program Initiative,” said Charles “Chip” Cunningham, Managing Director of EcoNewMexico, LLC. “Our aim is to fulfill our shared vision of making New Mexico the premier role model and destination for Ecotourism and conservation in the United States. We’ll get there by defining and identifying what a world-class Ecotourism experience can be, and work with the state to ensure that the beneficiaries are not only those who come to experience New Mexico’s enchantment, but the local communities and wilderness places that are at the heart of these experiences.”

Chip and Sandy Cunningham have developed and grown one of the world’s premier Safari & Travel companies, Uncharted Outposts – unchartedoutposts.com - into an industry leader. Uncharted Outposts now manages a portfolio of eco and community-driven projects and tourism destinations worldwide. These activities have a focus that remains simple and effective – support community-partnered projects and eco-camps that are committed to conservation.

The contract may be extended for up to three additional one-year periods at the discretion of the Department, pursuant to funding availability and other factors.

For more information specific to the Ecotourism initiative contact:
Deputy Secretary Jennifer Hobson
505-827-6674
jennifer.hobson@state.nm.us

Mike Stauffer
Communications Director
New Mexico Tourism Department
505-827-7379
mike.stauffer@state.nm.us