Mexico's tourism secretary, Enrique de la Madrid, has expressed interest in becoming the next presidential candidate for the PRI, Mexico's Institutional Revolutionary Party.
De la Madrid was appointed to the role of tourism secretary by current president Enrique Pena Nieto in 2015. Pena Nieto, whose presidential term ends in 2018, is also a member of the PRI.
De la Madrid is no stranger to politics. He is the son of Miguel de la Madrid, who was president of Mexico from 1982 to 1988. The former PRI federal congressman also holds a law degree and masters in public administration from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.
While de la Madrid has expressed interest in his party's presidential nomination, the process is complicated and "evolving," said travAlliancemedia Managing Director for Mexico Greg Custer, who believes that de la Madrid would make an excellent candidate.
"I have to say, [de la Madrid] is probably the most effective, approachable and publicly active secretary of tourism Mexico has seen in the last 50 years," said Custer.
"He has spearheaded initiatives that will have lasting impact for Mexico's tourism future. His initiatives have addressed Mexico's competitiveness, product diversification, sustainable development models and boosting domestic tourism," Custer added.
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During the nomination process, many others will also be vying for the honor. According to recent polling data from Mexico, the PRI has a marginal chance of winning.
De la Madrid expressed in an interview with Francisco Zea of Grupo Imagen that he would continue to keep the office of tourism on track and that it would be the facts and his good deeds that will speak to his candidacy.
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