Mountainair, NM - Recently released statistics indicate a slight (15%) decrease in Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monuments visitation numbers for 2020, with a total of 26,982 visitors - positive results considering the overall impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Weekday visitation has been down, but weekends have been unusually busy. Visitors readily practice mask-wearing and social distancing and are able to safely experience and enjoy the three Pueblo-Mission sites of Abó, Gran Quivira and Quarai that together comprise the national monument. Visitation also has had a direct positive impact on economic factors, supporting local businesses. “We appreciate Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument for continuing to help our community thrive by attracting visitors from all around the globe" said Peter Nieto, Mayor of Mountainair.
For those seeking peace and tranquility, National Park Service units provided an escape and a temporary refuge from the COVID-19 world. “This past year has reminded us how important national parks and public lands are to overall wellbeing," said NPS Deputy Director Shawn Benge. “Throughout the country, national parks provided close-to-home opportunities for people to spend much needed time outdoors for their physical and psychological health." While some NPS units experienced record visitation, most saw reduced visitation numbers due to temporary or partial closures as each unit responded to COVID-19 based on the unique circumstances at each park. Although a 28% decline from 2019 visitation statistics, national park units welcomed 237 million visitors nationwide.
Visitation numbers for any NPS site including Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument can be found at https://irma.nps.gov/STATS/Reports/Park The numbers for Salinas go back nearly a hundred years.
Interesting visitation information for 2020 can be found at Annual Visitation Highlights-Social Science (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov) including a link to the NPS Statistics website.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
