Balloon Fiesta Travelers Reward New Mexico with High Safety Confidence, Exceptional Service Ratings, and Strong Intent to Return

Published on December 2, 2025

Out-of-state travelers visiting New Mexico for the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta offered exceptionally positive feedback on safety, hospitality, and overall visitor experience, according to the latest annual Balloon Fiesta visitor survey conducted by the New Mexico Tourism Department. The findings highlight the enduring strength of New Mexico’s largest tourism event and its growing appeal among both domestic and in-state audiences.

The survey, completed on-site throughout the Balloon Fiesta, serves as one of the state’s most valuable tools for understanding traveler perceptions, trip motivations, and awareness of New Mexico’s broader tourism offerings. This year’s results reflect an overwhelmingly positive impression of the state, particularly regarding personal safety and the quality of service provided by tourism-related businesses.

Safety emerged as one of the strongest areas of visitor confidence. The survey showed that 91 percent of travelers agreed with the statement “I felt safe during my visit to New Mexico,” signaling consistent trust among attendees. Only a small share, less than 2 percent, expressed disagreement, while approximately 7 percent offered a neutral response. These findings reinforce New Mexico’s efforts to ensure a welcoming and comfortable environment for large-scale events that draw substantial national attention.

Visitor satisfaction with service quality was similarly high. Around 94 percent of respondents reported being satisfied or very satisfied with the service they received across restaurants, hotels, attractions, and other hospitality services. Fewer than 2 percent expressed dissatisfaction, underscoring widespread approval of New Mexico’s tourism workforce and customer service standards. Another 5 percent indicated they felt neutral about their experience, suggesting minimal concerns among the broader visitor base.

Interest in returning to New Mexico was also exceptionally strong. Nearly 94 percent of travelers said they were likely or very likely to visit the state again for a future vacation. Only 1 percent stated they were unlikely to return, demonstrating the Balloon Fiesta’s powerful role in encouraging repeat visitation and strengthening long-term visitor loyalty.

The survey also revealed compelling insights into New Mexicans’ own engagement with the event and the state’s tourism assets. Approximately 84 percent of New Mexico residents said they were likely or very likely to recommend the state as a travel destination to friends and family, highlighting strong local advocacy. More than 8 percent of New Mexican attendees were experiencing the Balloon Fiesta for the first time, compared with nearly 60 percent of out-of-state travelers, a sign of the event’s ongoing ability to attract new audiences year after year.

Outdoor recreation remains an important part of New Mexico’s identity, with 55 percent of New Mexicans saying they had visited a state or national park within the past year. This aligns closely with broader tourism trends, especially among visitors seeking nature, culture, and adventure in the American Southwest.

The origins of out-of-state guests also reaffirm New Mexico’s reach across key domestic markets. The most common states represented were Texas, Arizona, Colorado, California, and Florida, reflecting a mix of regional drive markets and long-haul travelers drawn by the Balloon Fiesta’s global reputation.

“Sometimes the best way to glean insights about safety and quality of service during the visitor experience is to just ask travelers themselves,” said Acting Secretary Lancing Adams. “We’re thrilled to see so many 2025 Balloon Fiesta visitors had such a positive experience during their trip. As New Mexicans, we should be proud of the fact that visitors overwhelming enjoy their time in the Land of Enchantment per their own lived experience.”

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta reported an estimated attendance of 851,994 guests in 2025, solidifying its status as one of the world’s premier hot air ballooning events. While an economic impact report was not yet released for 2025, the most recent available data from the 2024 event documented an economic impact of $216 million, underscoring the substantial contribution the Fiesta makes to New Mexico’s economy.

The latest survey confirms that the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta continues to be a cornerstone of New Mexico’s tourism sector, delivering strong visitor satisfaction, boosting economic vitality, and enhancing the state’s image as a safe, vibrant, and welcoming destination.