Governor Bill Richardson will be the closing keynote speaker at the Adventure Travel Trade Association’s (ATTA) Adventure Travel World Summit themed ‘Prosper with Purpose’ set for October 20 in San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas, Mexico.

Known for his work as a diplomat and special envoy on sensitive missions to win the release of hostages, American servicemen and prisoners in North Korea, Iraq, Cuba and Sudan, Richardson has recently founded the Richardson Peace Institute which will train government entities in peacekeeping and hostage negotiations.

“Throughout my travels in the effort of diplomacy worldwide, it has become clear that connecting on a basis of a sense of place can be a lynchpin for creating peace,” said Richardson, who served as Governor of New Mexico between 2002 and 2010.

Richardson’s talk will be about the potential for peace through the development of adventure tourism. An avid outdoorsman, Richardson was known during his tenure for his horsemanship and as a keen marksman. His embrace of all things Western, his progressive policies on clean energy, the development of a powerful film industry, and other issues such as education and health care made him one of the state’s most popular governors. He will address the group in both English and Spanish.

Chiapas was chosen due to its partnership orientation and readiness and willingness to press forward on progressive adventure tourism development. Additionally, it was identified as having potential benefits to the local tourism economy and ATTA members worldwide.

Other keynote speakers include Maryann Fernandez, Founder & President of Philanthropy Indaba; Leilani Latimer, Director, Sustainability Initiatives, Sabre Holdings; Bruce Poon Tip, Founder, GAP Adventures; Ben Sherman, President, Medicine Root, Inc.; Jens Thraenhart, Cofounder & President of Dragon Trail (previously with the Canadian Tourism Commission and Fairmont Hotels & Resorts); and Tensie Whelan, President, Rainforest Alliance.

Partners include the Chiapas Convention and Visitors Bureau, the State Government of Chiapas, the Tourism Ministry of Mexico and the Mexico Tourism Promotion Board; Eddie Bauer is a Major Sponsor.

Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), www.adventuretravelnews.com