Bolivia dissolves tourism and culture ministries, sparks sector backlash

The Bolivian government announced a restructuring that eliminates the Ministry of Sustainable Tourism, Culture, Folklore and Gastronomy, reducing the number of ministries from fourteen to twelve. The change will replace the ministries with a new National Agency of Tourism, Folklore and Gastronomy, a move presented as a way to increase efficiency and cut bureaucracy.

The Cámara Boliviana de Turismo (Cabotur) condemned the decision, calling it a “black day for tourism.” Cabotur president Luis Ampuero warned that ongoing projects – including a Master Tourism Plan, a country‑brand initiative, gastronomy promotion, regulation of temporary‑accommodation platforms and a draft tourism law – are now at risk, and that tourism will be relegated to an agency with uncertain resources and authority.

Cultural groups organized under Articulados Culturales also voiced strong opposition, demanding a clear explanation of how cultural heritage, the viceministry of culture, and related programs will be managed. They described the closure as an “unacceptable omission of culture” and called for a solid, autonomous cultural institution with sufficient budget. President Rodrigo Paz framed the reform as a step toward a more efficient state, but provided few details on the new agency’s functions.