NM governor announces summer tourism promotion

Governor announces summer tourism promotion for New Mexico at conference in Albuquerque

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) -- New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez on Monday kicked off the state Tourism Department's newest promotion, a contest that invites travelers to share their stories and pictures for a chance to win $5,000.

The 14-week "New Mexico True Stories" contest is an extension of the New Mexico True campaign the state launched with ads last spring in Texas, Colorado and Arizona.

The campaign encourages people to post pictures and stories about their travel in New Mexico. The top vote-getter will win $5,000. Prizes of $450 gas cards will also be given out. And the top 20 stories will be featured in the state's 2014 Vacation Guide.

Martinez kicked off the contest at the governor's annual tourism conference, held this year at the Hotel Albuquerque.