44th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2000

REQUESTING THE TOURISM DEPARTMENT TO PROMOTE BIRDWATCHING IN NEW MEXICO.

WHEREAS, tourism is the world's largest industry, and nature tourism represents between forty and sixty percent of that industry; and

WHEREAS, this economic potential should present a powerful incentive to government policymakers and local people to conserve natural and cultural resources that attract outside visitors; and

WHEREAS, New Mexico is blessed with an abundance of unspoiled natural beauty that makes ecotourism a natural selling point; and

WHEREAS, birdwatching is one of the fastest growing segments of the ecotourism market; and

WHEREAS, approximately five hundred species of birds have been confirmed in New Mexico; and

WHEREAS, the Bosque del Apache is one of the most famous birdwatching sites in New Mexico, but there are so many more great birdwatching sites in the state that should be promoted;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the tourism department be requested to promote birdwatching in New Mexico as an important tourist attraction; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the department compile and publicize events around the state in celebration of international migratory bird day as well as other information that will encourage birdwatchers to spend time in New Mexico; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be transmitted to the secretary of tourism.