Mateo Estrella has officially resigned from his position as Vice Minister of Tourism in Ecuador, a role he held as part of the Ministry of Production, Foreign Trade, and Investments. He announced his departure through a video on his X account on the night of March 15. Estrella initially assumed the role of Acting Minister of Tourism in August 2024, replacing Niels Olsen, who became President of the National Assembly. He was later confirmed as the minister in May 2025 before transitioning to the vice ministry in October 2025, as the tourism portfolio was integrated into the larger Ministry of Production.

In his farewell video, Estrella did not provide specific reasons for his resignation but noted his administration’s efforts to position Ecuador on the global tourism map and enhance its international brand. He expressed gratitude for the time spent leading the tourism sector under the government, highlighting that tourism remains a crucial part of Ecuador's economic strategy. His leadership aimed to attract more international attention and visitors to the country, emphasizing the importance of tourism for Ecuador's recovery and growth.

Estrella's departure raises questions about future leadership in the tourism sector and whether his initiatives will continue. Given the significance of tourism for Ecuador's economy, his resignation may impact ongoing efforts to recover from challenges faced by the industry, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. The new leadership will need to address these challenges and maintain the momentum in making Ecuador a competitive destination on the international stage.