President Paz said the new entity is intended to provide greater flexibility in tourism promotion, facilitate cooperation with investors, tour operators and international organizations, and strengthen coordination with regional and municipal governments. According to the president, the objective is not only to maintain but also to enhance the development of Bolivia’s tourism industry through a leaner and less bureaucratic administrative structure.
The decision has attracted considerable attention because of tourism’s importance to Bolivia, a country renowned for its diverse natural landscapes, rich cultural traditions and historical heritage. Attractions such as the Salar de Uyuni, Lake Titicaca, Madidi National Park, the Jesuit Missions, Sucre, Potosí and numerous Indigenous communities are among the destinations that have helped position Bolivia as an increasingly attractive destination for both domestic and international travelers.
Beyond enhancing the country's global image, tourism is also a major source of employment and income for thousands of families working in hotels, restaurants, travel agencies, transportation services, handicrafts, gastronomy and other related industries. As a result, any change to the institutional framework overseeing the sector raises questions about the continuity of policies supporting tourism promotion, investment and long-term development.
The president stressed that eliminating the ministry does not mean tourism will cease to be a government priority. On the contrary, he argued that the new agency will allow authorities to focus their efforts on promoting Bolivia as an international destination while reducing administrative procedures and facilitating projects designed to attract more visitors and strengthen the tourism economy.
The reform also includes the elimination of the Ministry of Development Planning, with its responsibilities set to be redistributed among other state institutions. President Paz explained that strategic planning functions will continue without interruption but will operate within a more streamlined administrative structure with fewer bureaucratic layers.
During the presentation of the new government structure, Paz said the reduction in the number of ministries fulfills a commitment made at the beginning of his administration to build a more efficient and fiscally responsible state. He argued that simplifying the executive branch would accelerate decision-making, improve coordination among government institutions and optimize the use of public resources.
The president added that the restructuring marks the beginning of a new phase for his administration, one focused on advancing administrative and economic reforms designed to strengthen public management and enable the government to respond more effectively to the country's challenges.
Although the government insists that tourism will continue to play a central role in Bolivia’s national development strategy, the restructuring represents a significant institutional shift for one of the country's sectors with the greatest economic growth potential. In the coming months, greater clarity is expected regarding how the new agency will operate, the scope of its responsibilities, and the way it will coordinate the promotion of Bolivia’s tourist destinations, the preservation of its cultural heritage, and the development of its gastronomy and traditional customs—elements widely regarded as essential to strengthening Bolivia’s competitiveness in the international tourism market.
