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Slovakia establishes new Ministry of Sports and Tourism

The newly-established Ministry will act as a catalyst for growth in tourism

Feb 2, 2024

slovakia_ministry — Photo: SITA/Milan Illík

To help attract more tourists and promising ventures to Slovakia, the Slovakian government has established a new Ministry of Tourism and Sports. Key stakeholders in the tourism industry, followed by stakeholders from the meetings industry, have responded with widespread approval. The former Director of Bratislava Airport, Mr. Dušan Keketi, will lead the new Ministry.

A long-awaited move welcomed by industry experts

Among the advocates who shared their enthusiasm for the newly established Ministry was Igor Rattaj, CEO of Tatry Mountain Resorts (TMR). He sees the establishment of the new government body as a good omen for Slovakia’s tourism. TMR, a prominent operator of mountain resorts, water parks, and hotels, recognises the extraordinary potential tourism has for regional economies.

Sports figures have praised the decision, too. The National Lottery company TIPOS, which will fall under the jurisdiction of the new ministry from January 2024, hailed the development. Peter Deďo, General Director of TIPOS, indicated that the company plans to modify its business strategy to align with the new ministry’s directives for increased direct and indirect support to Slovak athletes.

The department will have two state secretaries, one in charge of sports and the other in charge of tourism. The field of sports will be led by the vice president of the SNS, Ján Krišanda. SNS party spokeswoman Zuzana Škopcová stated that the ministry will be financed from the income tax of betting offices and from the profit of the company Tipos.

A strategic shift in Slovakia’s tourism agenda

The newly-founded Ministry of Tourism and Sports heralds a strategic shift in Slovakia’s national agenda. It underlines the government’s commitment to render tourism and sports a catalyst for economic growth and regional development. Bratislava, the main hub for tourism in Slovakia, is thus expected to welcome even more guests and international conferences.