Gallup Seeing Tourism Boom

Above, a contestant at last year's NMJHRA Rodeo at Red Rock Park Rodeo Arena. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

While looking for some information on Gallup's El Morro Theater, I came across an article from September about a tourism boom in Gallup.

I noticed quite a number of foreign tourists attending the nightly Indian dancing at the McKinley County Courthouse square in Gallup last summer. The dances are held from Memorial Day to Labor Day annually.

According to the article in the Navajo-Hopi Observer:

GALLUP, N.M. (AP) — A western New Mexico city that bills itself as the gateway to Native American culture is experiencing a tourism boom. 

Officials in Gallup, New Mexico, say the city has seen a 7 to 10 percent increase in visitation over last year, mostly thanks to foreign tourists, the Gallup Independent reports.

Helping drive the interest is a favorable exchange rate that makes it economical for foreign tourists to visit in the summer, and promotions that tout outdoor recreation, and Native American arts and crafts, tourism officials say. 

Bill Lee, director of the Gallup-McKinley County Chamber of Commerce, said the area is seeing visitors from Australia, New Zealand, Germany, France and Belgium. 

"I'm getting really excited about the numbers we are seeing," Lee said. "We are seeing increases from Asian countries as well."

Above, displays at last year's Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

There is much to do in and around Gallup during the summer months, including rodeos and the Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial. Also, the city is the capital of Native American art and there are many trading posts for visitors to shop at.

To read more, go here.