SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) - Gov. Bill Richardson is traveling in California with a business group to promote tourism and economic development in New Mexico.

The governor's office said Monday that Richardson joined Tourism Secretary Mike Cerletti and the New Mexico Amigos, a private organization of business leaders, on a trip that includes stops in Palm Desert and Los Angeles. The New Mexicans are to meet with California business and community officials.

On Tuesday, the group will tour a facility at the Mojave Air and Space Port north of Los Angeles where Virgin Galactic is testing a space tourism rocket. Sir Richard Branson's space tourism venture has committed to using a spaceport under construction in southern New Mexico.

Richardson is to return to New Mexico on Thursday.

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