Governor Martinez Says the “New Mexico True” Campaign Is Working

By Museum of the American Military Family

At an Albuquerque press conference on June 29, New Mexico Governor Susanna Martinez said that “half-a-million more visitors came to New Mexico in 2014 than in 2013” and that all-in-all, the state counted “32.7 million travelers last year.”

Following her presentation, MAMF Secretary for Public Affairs – Ole – had five minutes of one-on-one conversation with the Governor who was pleased and impressed that a MAMF exhibit had attracted 20,000 visitors in 2014. “You’re doing your share,” she told Ole.

Ole was able to tell her about MAMF and the upcoming exhibition, “Schooling with Uncle Sam,” and she said she would look forward to an invitation. When she told Ole she would plan a visit to the museum, he explained that we are in search of a home and are close to finding a semi-permanent place – and added that “we could use some help.” He gave her a MAMF brochure and told her that MAMF had received some comments from General Colin Powell and a letter of encouragement from Jill Biden.

Ole was also able to spend time with the Tourism Department Communications Director, Heather Bricanti, to tell her about MAMF and its programs. As the conference broke up, Ole gave a MAMF brochure to Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Latham and told her he would like to come talk with her sometime soon.

Latham had told the group that the New Mexico True Campaign promises tourists that they will have experiences “steeped in culture” when visiting the state. Both she and the Governor stressed that tourism initiatives were also focusing on attracting more state residents to travel within New Mexico.

The Governor said she was proud to announce that this was the “third year in a row for record-breaking tourism growth for New Mexico.”