(Las Vegas, January 19, 2026) – TripAdvisor has released its list of Travelers’ choice awards for 2026, recognizing top hotels, restaurants, and experiences worldwide. Concurrently, construction of data centers is increasing across New Mexico, notably in Santa Fe.
Travelers’ Choice Awards were announced by TripAdvisor, while New Mexico sees growth in data center infrastructure.
TripAdvisor’s annual Travelers’ Choice Awards are based on reviews and opinions from travelers around the globe, according to the company.The awards recognize establishments that consistently deliver exceptional experiences. This year’s awards reflect a continued preference for experiential travel and sustainable tourism options, with a notable increase in recognition for locally-owned businesses.
In New Mexico, the construction of data centers is ramping up across the state, with Santa Fe being a key location for this development, sources indicate. Digital Realty and Switch are among the companies leading the expansion, citing New Mexico’s affordable land, renewable energy resources, and favorable tax incentives. The increase in data center construction suggests a growing demand for data storage and processing capabilities in the region, driven by cloud computing and the increasing digitization of businesses.
Why It Matters
The simultaneous announcements, while seemingly unrelated, point to broader trends in the travel and technology sectors. TripAdvisor’s awards reflect evolving traveler preferences and the ongoing recovery of the tourism industry. The growth of data centers in New Mexico highlights the increasing importance of digital infrastructure and the geographic diversification of these facilities. This expansion could bring economic benefits to Santa Fe, including job creation and increased tax revenue, but also raises questions about resource consumption – particularly water – and environmental impact, issues that will likely be debated as the projects progress.
The convergence of these developments underscores the interconnectedness of travel, technology, and economic development in the 21st century.
