"Recent developments and the pressure I was exposed to resulted in a decision which, in my estimate, was the only right one at this moment. Despite the absence of any concrete evidence, I was exposed to an everyday campaign against me which prevented me from doing my job in the professional manner I set at the ministry for my associates and myself. I reiterate: I did nothing illegal," Ostojic said in the press release.
"I came to the government with an open heart, as a professional, as a person who has been in tourism his entire life and has a clear vision of its development, wishing to make headway, in cooperation with other ministries, the private sector, professional organisations and all interested parties, first and foremost in the sector's competitiveness, which is the key to the future of Croatia's tourism," Ostojic said, adding that the results achieved in tourism in the last 15 months were what Croatian tourism had been waiting for for years.
"A graduated VAT rate was introduced whose effects in the years ahead will certainly be clearly seen, we drew up a good development strategy by 2020 with clearly defined and quantifiable goals, we revived investments by doubling them in comparison to last year. We made targeted amendments to the law on the hospitality industry, prepared comprehensive amendments to a series of laws, of which I would like to highlight the law on tourism land, made significant changes to the Croatian National Tourist Board's operational marketing plan as well as to communication with the market. Finally, the last tourist season was the best in Croatian history."
He voiced hope that the Tourism Ministry "will pursue the direction we took and continue with the projects we have begun" for Croatia's good, voicing confidence that his associates would be able to to that.
He thanked his team at the ministry and especially the workers in the tourism sector "who make us proud with their work."