New Mexico Tourism Department to close 4 visitor centers

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) – New Mexico tourism officials are closing four visitor centers next month.

The state Tourism Department confirmed Friday that the closures will take effect Oct. 7 and attributed part of the decision to the greater role that mobile devices and online media play in travel planning.

The Santa Fe New Mexican reports (http://bit.ly/2cfhTWw) that visitor centers in La Bajada, Raton, Chama and Anthony will be affected.

Facilities in Santa Fe, Lordsburg, Glenrio and Manuelito will remain open.
The tourism centers are staffed by state workers who hand out maps and advise travelers.

Tourism Department spokeswoman Heather Briganti says visits to all eight facilities have dropped significantly in recent years.

Gov. Susana Martinez recently called for state agencies to cut budgets by at least 5 percent.