Upset Department of Tourism staff snubbed Minister Renee Webb by not inviting her to a Christmas party they held in the office.

The staff didn't tell Ms Webb they were having the party on December 17 - which was held because many were refusing to go to the official party the following night at Elbow Beach which was held in conjunction with ECommerce, Telecommunications and Information Technology.

Staff invited former Director of Tourism Judith Hall Bean, who had recently moved to Cabinet Office after requested a move away.

A Tourism source said: "The Minister wasn't invited. People didn't want her to come, but they didn't go out of there way to not invite her. They just said nothing.

"The Minister came in half an hour before it started and left without saying anything. And she saw Judith and must have wondered why she was there.

"Apparently she called up (Acting Directors of Tourism) Richard Eve and Deanna Wade that night to find out why she wasn't invited. She was angry that she was not invited.

"The following night at the official party, there were only about 30 people from four departments," claimed the source.

Last night Ms Webb said: "I didn't even know about it (the party). There was a pot luck and I was out at meetings.

"I found out when there was food on my desk. I'm upset because I didn't get invited? Not at all. All departments have these parties. It's not an issue."