Los Alamos tourism group targets families and seniors to boost economic growth

The Los Alamos County Council meeting on March 11, 2025, highlighted significant developments in local tourism strategies aimed at boosting economic growth. The discussion centered around the formation of a working group focused on enhancing tourism in the area, which includes representatives from national parks, hotels, and local businesses.

The tourism initiative, launched by a county official in July, has fostered collaboration among community members involved in tourism. This group has been effective in addressing challenges faced by local businesses and has received positive feedback for its efforts. One of the key strategies discussed was the outreach for sporting events, such as a hockey tournament, which included providing local restaurant information to participants to encourage spending in the community.

Additionally, the group has consolidated event calendars to prevent scheduling conflicts and improve planning for local events. This effort aims to enhance the visibility of activities in Los Alamos and attract more visitors.

Concerns were raised about potential staffing issues at national parks due to federal layoffs, which could impact tourism this summer. In response, the tourism group is actively seeking volunteers to support park operations and maintain visitor access.

The meeting also addressed targeting niche markets for tourism, specifically senior citizens and families. Plans are underway to promote Los Alamos as a family-friendly destination, especially in light of recent feedback indicating that nearby Santa Fe is not perceived as such. A marketing campaign for spring break activities aimed at families has already been launched.

Furthermore, the county is collaborating with the New Mexico Tourism Department to reach out to national bus tour companies, aiming to include Los Alamos in their itineraries. This initiative seeks to capture a broader audience and increase tourism-related revenue.

Overall, the discussions at the council meeting underscored a proactive approach to tourism development in Los Alamos, with a focus on collaboration, strategic marketing, and community engagement to enhance the local economy.