NM Tourism Dept. wants their budget doubled

The New Mexico Tourism Department wants the Legislature to increase its advertising budget from $2.5 million to $5 million. 

Department Secretary Monique Jacobson says that doubling the ad budget would let the agency to carry its "New Mexico True" marketing campaign to Chicago and California and launch a more robust promotion of the state's fall and winter attractions. 

Gov. Susana Martinez is recommending the full increase, while the Legislative Finance Committee budget wants to hold the increase to $1.5 million. 

A study by a research firm found that the "New Mexico True" campaign has brought taxpayers $3 for every dollar spent. The campaign's aim was to create a brand that would help the state compete with tourism destinations like Colorado and Arizona.

NM Tourism Dept. wants their budget doubled