Tribes in New Mexico are tapping into the state's $5 billion tourist economy in hopes of bringing more visitors to their lands.

Acoma Pueblo just opened a $15 million, 40,000-square-foot cultural center and museum. Jemez Pueblo has a cultural center and has developed tours for people who come to the Jemez Mountain Trail National Scenic Byway.

Off the reservation, New Mexico's 19 Pueblos attract more than 200,000 visitors to the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center in Albuquerque. And tens of thousands attend the annual Gathering of Nations Powwow in Albuquerque.

The state Tourism Department plans to initiate a study on the economic impact of tribes on the tourism industry.

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Tribal events, sites contribute to NM's tourist traffic (The New Mexico Business Weekly 5/29)