Xola Joins EcoNewMexico Team for Ecotourism Development in New Mexico

(Santa Fe, NM) - September 21, 2009: In a pioneering plan, New Mexico has become the first US state "to develop corner-to-corner initiatives for ecotourism."  Xola Consulting, Inc. joins as a member of the EcoNewMexico team in the winning bid to plan, coordinate, implement and administer New Mexico's Ecotourism Program. Xola and EcoNewMexico won the bid against 11 competing proposals.

The project will inventory NM's resources, educate communities in ecotourism specific marketing, and work in the public and private sectors to establish a sustainable framework for the program.

The team's winning proposal included the following three main activity areas:

1. Identify and Assess New Mexico's Top Opportunities through a system for eco-adventure tourism resource assessment and market development based on the principles of sustainable, responsible adventure market development.
2. Develop an innovative and creative new ecotourism product through a series of workshops and seminars that will draw an all of its team's expertise and experiences from around the world to invent a new and unique eco tourism products (itineraries) that pull together the "Best of the Best" operators, outfitter, guides and accommodation facilities.
3. Inspire, Educate and Unite stakeholders.  Recognizing that the "business" of ecotourism is driven globally by private sector entrepreneurs who choose to make their living "off the beaten path" the EcoNM team will work closely with native american groups and existing outfitters to collaboratively frame the state's ecotourism plan.

With a stunning landscape, outdoor adventure opportunities, and a rich natural and cultural heritage, New Mexico is capitalizing on the opportunity to not only provide tourists with an authentic and enriching experience, but also augment sustainable businesses and partnerships by enhancing the integrity of local communities and wilderness. 

About Xola Consulting, Inc.
Xola Consulting, Inc. (www.xolaconsulting.com) is a consulting and research services firm assisting tour operators, tourism boards and non-profit organizations with sustainable adventure tourism destination and product development, marketing and research. The Xola team is made up of consultants who, in addition to having consulting industry expertise, are also unique in that many of them have owned, operated or guided for adventure travel companies. Xola also publishes Off the Radar (www.travelofftheradar.com), a newsletter and website providing travelers with information about the best adventure operators around the world - those who provide guests with a genuine, personal experience; who believe in sustainable, environmentally sensitive travel; and who believe in incorporating the local people and traditions of the places where they operate.