He hails from the village of Očová in the Zvolen region and, professionally, has followed in the footsteps of another local native, former Prime Minister Jozef Moravčík, who is thirty years his senior. Rudolf Huliak, chairman of the NK/NEKA party, is the minister of tourism and sport.
What are your priorities in tourism and sport?
Our main priority is to revive and strengthen the strategic role of tourism and sport as key pillars of regional development in Slovakia. In tourism, we’re focusing on supporting lesser-known but attractive regions, developing infrastructure, promoting digitalization, and presenting Slovakia more effectively abroad. We are preparing fundamental changes to the support system for tourism organizations to make it more efficient and better targeted.
How is Slovakia currently doing in terms of foreign visitor numbers?
After the difficult COVID-19 pandemic period, Slovakia is gradually reclaiming its place on Europe’s tourist map. We are seeing a rise in the number of foreign visitors, with 2024 bringing the highest number of overnight stays by international tourists since 2019. This is due not only to the natural recovery of travel but also to our ministry’s targeted support of domestic and inbound tourism. In terms of services, the highest interest is in wellness stays, hiking, cycling, and cultural and historical landmarks. We are also seeing significant growth in experience-based and agro-tourism. Slovakia has a lot to offer, and our ambition is to showcase this diversity even more strongly to the world.
You’re known as an opponent of migration. Yet a country like Czechia would face serious problems in some sectors without foreign workers...
I have no issue with migration from countries that are historically close to us. For example, I advocate for people from third countries who have historical roots here, such as Vietnamese or Chinese – people from nations that had a significant presence here during the former regime and were well regarded by our population. They adapted to our culture but also brought elements of their own culture that Slovaks found acceptable. At the same time, I must point out: when a Slovak goes abroad, they must adapt to the local culture, religion, and customs. I would like to see foreign workers behave the same way here. Everyone who is willing to adapt to our social values and religion is welcome. But what matters most to me is that Slovakia remains safe – that our women and children can walk the streets at night without fear.
As chairman of the Národná koalícia (National Coalition) party, what’s your take on the governing coalition’s actions? Have you had to make major compromises?
I definitely would have approached the investigation of the previous government’s scandals differently – more forcefully. Especially the failures related to managing the COVID-19 pandemic. We witnessed the denial of healthcare, which resulted in the deaths of over 25,000 seniors. And at the same time, there was widespread economic crime flourishing during that period. I would focus on opportunities to boost the national economy – such as food self-sufficiency, building agricultural cooperatives in rural areas, involving marginalized groups in cooperative work and addressing their needs. I would also pursue a different policy when it comes to managing large carnivorous animals. Politics is about compromise, and we are striving to contribute to solving pressing issues.
The recently introduced transaction tax caused quite a stir in Slovakia. Is it really necessary?
The introduction of the transaction tax has sparked a variety of reactions, which is natural with any systemic change. But we need to realize that Slovakia has long struggled with issues caused by the mismanagement of public finances by the former government. Is the tax necessary? At this stage, yes – it’s part of a broader package of measures to consolidate public finances. That said, if adjustments or corrections are needed, I’m open to professional debate. The main goal is still a fair and self-sufficient state capable of investing in its people. And I keep saying this: we need to tax banks, multinational corporations, and car manufacturers that take their capital out of Slovakia.
You’re the minister of tourism and sport. What is your personal relationship with travel and sports? Which places in Slovakia would you recommend to foreign visitors?
I’ve been building physical strength all my life whenever time and duties allow. Movement is part of a man’s life. I’ve always been drawn to motorsports and sport aviation, but in my heart I’m mostly a shooter – sport shooting is closest to my heart. As for travel – if I were to recommend something to our Czech brethren, it would definitely be Poľana – that’s the heart of Slovakia. But also Hrochotská Valley, Kyslinky, Gemer, Spiš, the Súľov Rocks, Bojnice… And of course, our majestic mountains – the High Tatras. Slovakia is a beautiful and diverse country, and every corner has its own charm. Picking just a few places is really difficult – you need to explore and experience the whole country.
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Rudolf Huliak (born May 5, 1975, in Očová) is Slovakia’s minister of tourism and sport and chairman of the party Národná koalícia/Nezávislí kandidáti (National Coalition/Independent Candidates).
He studied transport and road and urban transport economics at the University of Žilina.
He first ran for parliament in 2020 on the ĽSNS ticket but only got into the National Council three years later on the SNS ticket. In March 2025, he was appointed minister of tourism and sport.
He comes from the village of Očová (Zvolen district), where he served as mayor for two and a half years starting in November 2022. In 2005, he joined the presidency of the Slovak Hunting Chamber, where he also chairs the shooting committee.
He has a partner and two children. In his free time, he enjoys spending time in nature – especially in the mountains and forests. His hobbies include sport shooting, motorsports, sport aviation, and working around the house. He doesn’t consider rest to be idleness but rather active labor that clears his mind and keeps him fit – far from the everyday noise of politics. He is also an avid hunter.
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