Mexico City, Mexico - The Tourism Secretariat (Sectur) announced this week that the first annual Atmex National Adventure Tourism Fair will be held from September 5th through the 9th in Boca del Río, Veracruz.

Tourism Secretary Gloria Guevara Manzo said that the fair will help put Mexico on the map for adventure tourism, an industry that generates $9-billion-a-year worldwide, and is growing 17.4 percent a year.

"Mexico has the potential to become a major player in the industry, as it is one of the top five most biodiverse countries in the world," said Guevara Manzo.

The Atmex fair, she added, will make Mexico "a leader in the industry. We have great potential in adventure tourism because of the assets we possess, which are not known outside of the country. It is necessary for us to take advantage of this richness."

Guevara Manzo said that Sectur estimates that the fair will bring about $147 million pesos to the local economy and lead to more than 1,500 agreements between buyers and sellers.

There will be more than 100 exhibitors, 100 international buyers, and 50 national buyers at the event.

The event will also feature 38 speakers, including mountain climber Carlos Carsolio, who will share their experiences and teach attendees about a variety of topics related to the industry, including special destinations, innovation and exploration, consumer tendencies, safety, quality, social responsibility, and environmental awareness.

The Tourism Secretary said that adventure tourists typically spend six to eight days at a destination and spend $3,000 per person, adding that a spike in this type of tourism will benefit small and medium-sized business throughout the country, and will create jobs.