In a joint announcement, the three tourism stakeholders described the decision as historic. The three bodies also said the new deputy ministry would contribute to the further development and protection of a sector that was one of the most vital to the country’s economy.

They stressed that tourism operated within a constantly changing environment that required policy adjustments and the taking of immediate action so that opportunities could be made the most of and unpleasant developments avoided and said they hoped the deputy ministry would be afforded enough flexibility to be able to do this.