The Town of Red River has been awarded $40,634 through the New Mexico Tourism Department’s Destination Forward program to install a network of digital information kiosks, officials announced in a press release.
Red River is one of 14 communities statewide selected for the fiscal year 2026 cycle of Destination Forward, which awarded a record $1.8 million in funding this year. The program, now in its third year, supports tourism-related infrastructure projects designed to improve visitors’ experience and to benefit local communities.
“We’re honored to be among the recipients of this transformative funding,” said Max Khudiakov, director of economic development and tourism for the Town of Red River. “These kiosks will help us better connect with our guests, promote local events and businesses, and provide real-time updates that keep our community informed and safe.”
The five kiosks will be placed throughout Red River and will offer visitors up-to-date information on events, business listings, trail and map data, weather and emergency alerts, and transportation options.
Town officials say the kiosks will play a key role in supporting Red River’s tourism-driven economy, where 99% of businesses are family-owned and operated. The digital kiosks are intended to improve wayfinding and communications, especially during peak travel seasons.
“Tourism is the life blood of Red River, and these tools will help us serve visitors more effectively while supporting the resilience of our small business community,” Khudiakov said.
Acting secretary of tourism Lancing Adams praised the 2026 Destination Forward cohort, noting the program’s growing role in statewide tourism development.
“Thoughtful investments in tourism-related infrastructure are essential for proper destination stewardship,” Adams said. “Destination Forward is becoming an increasingly valuable element to our mix of programs that serve the needs of communities throughout New Mexico.”
Since its launch in fiscal year 2024, Destination Forward has funded 36 infrastructure projects across New Mexico, totaling more than $6 million in investments.
