Office of Outdoor Recreation begins next chapter with new Executive Director
Next era of outdoor recreation will blend new partnerships and proven programs

SANTA FE — The Office of Outdoor Recreation has a new Executive Director. Ana Karina Armijo, who most recently served as Marketing and Tourism Director for the Town of Taos, was hired to fill the role of Executive Director for the Office of Outdoor Recreation. Armijo will officially enter the role on Sept. 18, 2023.

Armijo first began her role with the Town of Taos in 2015. Since then, Armijo implemented a tourism promotion strategy that grew annual Lodgers’ Tax collections from $800,000 to $1.75 million.

One of Armijo’s significant accomplishments during her time with the Town of Taos was successfully implementing short-term rental policy changes that brought more equity and accountability for the community. Armijo directed the effort to create the short-term rental ordinance for the Town of Taos after the passage of House Bill 117 during the 2020 Legislative Session, which enabled local governments to collect Lodgers’ Tax from short-term rental properties. In addition, Armijo negotiated the first Volunteer Collections Agreement with Airbnb in the state, which resulted in a 20 percent increase in Lodgers’ Tax collection for the Town of Taos.

Armijo also directed the process for the Town of Taos in their successful effort to become an official MainStreet community and played a key role in establishing the first scheduled public charter air service for the region.

Armijo served as a Board Member for the Taos County Chamber of Commerce since 2022 and a Board Director for the New Mexico Hospitality Association (NMHA) since 2020. Armijo was named Tourism Professional of the Year by NMHA in 2022 and has earned a series of awards and accolades for tourism marketing and promotion over the years on behalf of Visit Taos.

Armijo received a master’s degree in Tourism Management from Colorado State University and a bachelor’s degree in design from the University of Cincinnati, and will soon receive a Professional Certificate in Sustainable Tourism Destination Management from George Washington University.

“New Mexico has been my home for almost 30 years, and I'm so honored to serve in this role where I can champion a sustainable and equitable outdoor recreation economy that celebrates the diverse people, culture, and landscape of our beautiful state,” Armijo said.

“Karina has been a reliable stakeholder and a trusted voice in the space of tourism and outdoor recreation for years. Her collaborative demeanor, extensive experience with community engagement and environmental stewardship is the ideal blend for success in this role,” said Acting Tourism Secretary Lancing Adams. “I’m incredibly grateful to have Karina lead the Office of Outdoor Recreation as we enter this new chapter and I’m fully confident in her ability and potential to deliver for New Mexico.”

Additionally, on August 4, 2023, the New Mexico Tourism Department (NMTD) and the New Mexico Economic Development Department (NMEDD) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will reinforce the strong trajectory of the Office of Outdoor Recreation.
 
Outdoor Recreation was identified in the NMEDD 20-year plan as 1 of 9 target industries for economic diversification; many of the recommended strategies were to align outdoor recreation closer to tourism efforts. The MOU represents a renewed commitment from the state to prioritize access, equity and promotion of outdoor recreation opportunities for both residents and visitors. The MOU states that NMTD shall assume all responsibility of the functions, personnel, records, property, established programs, grants, appropriations and overall supervision of the Office of Outdoor Recreation.
 
“By aligning the Office of Outdoor Recreation with the New Mexico Tourism Department, we will be able to forge new partnerships through existing marketing and development programs to ensure that residents and visitors alike can gain from the public health, environmental and economic benefits of sustainable outdoor recreation,” said Adams.
 
The Economic Development Department has been home to New Mexico’s first-ever Office of Outdoor Recreation since Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham created the Office in 2019. “The staff has led with innovative programs, investing in recreational infrastructure, and expanding access to the outdoors for thousands of youths,” said EDD Acting Secretary Jon Clark. “EDD remains committed to growing our outdoor economy and creating outdoor recreation jobs as the Office begins its next chapter under the Tourism Department’s leadership and benefits from the department’s class-leading marketing expertise.”
 
According to the U.S. Department of Commerce Bureau of Economic Analysis 2021 annual report, outdoor recreation generated $2.3 billion in economic impact for New Mexico.
 
With the established programs and initiatives of NMTD, the Office of Outdoor Recreation will be able to build upon the partnerships and campaigns that promote outdoor recreation and advocate for investment in sustainable infrastructure development. Ever since its inception over 10 years ago, outdoor adventure has been a centerpiece of the New Mexico True creative marketing strategy. Recent research highlights the strength of New Mexico’s position as a premier destination for outdoor recreation. According to 2022 data, 60 percent of trips to New Mexico included an outdoor activity whereas the U.S. average is only 48 percent. Additionally, a brand impact effectiveness study conducted in 2019 indicates that New Mexico rates well alongside its competitors in outdoor activities.
 
Existing employees with the Outdoor Recreation Division from the Economic Development Department, including Deputy Director Alyssa Renwick, have transitioned to the Tourism Department. Staff members of the Office of Outdoor Recreation be reached at nmoutside.com.