This New Mexico Town Wants to Increase Tourism With Vegan Food

Carolyn Scott has been hired by the town of Ruidoso, New Mexico to increase tourism by bringing vegan dishes to restaurants across town. Recognizing the need to modernize its culinary offerings, the town sponsored a project to work with six local restaurants and a major casino to create more vegan-friendly menus. Scott organized a retreat for restaurant managers and chefs to showcase the ease and tastiness of vegan dishes, with plans for follow-up visits in the spring.

The town believes that offering vegan options will attract tourists, cater to families with food allergies, and create a new market. Scott's mission also extends globally, as she will be consulting with the executive chefs of three major hotel chains to introduce vegan options at their properties. As vegan, vegetarian, and dairy-free travelers become a substantial part of global tourism, Scott emphasizes the importance of businesses adapting to cater to this growing demographic for customer satisfaction, loyalty, and business growth.