The Aruba Hotel & Tourism Association (AHATA) represents the entire accommodation sector: hotels, timeshares, short-term vacation rentals, and other companies that depend on Aruba’s tourism industry for success.
With a comprehensive list, AHATA outlines its position on tourism development in Aruba:
AHATA advocates for a moratorium on hotels and condominiums in the Eagle Beach and Palm Beach areas. Since 2018, AHATA has publicly recommended such a moratorium.
The vacation rental (STR) sector is equally important to our industry as hotels and timeshares.
Vacation rental accommodations in Aruba have grown by 70% since 2018, while hotel accommodations have not increased.
There is a lack of registration, regulation, and tax compliance within the vacation rental sector.
All business owners must comply with tax and legal requirements, including obtaining the necessary permits and hotel or lodging licenses from the government.
To operate a hotel or vacation rental, one must obtain an appropriate government land lease (erfpacht) and comply with the Spatial Development Plan (ROPV).
In the past, the government has granted certain investors permits and land leases for development, providing those investors with a legal right to execute their projects.
To intervene in those legal rights, determine development timelines, or consider any other investments in Aruba, the government must engage directly with the investors.
AHATA recommends a tourism strategy that prioritizes value growth (a higher percentage of high-spending visitors) and limits volume growth (the total number of tourists). Avoiding overtourism and its negative impacts is essential for the well-being of the main pillar of our economy.
AHATA recommends limiting the number of cruise passengers arriving in Aruba on the same day, in order to reduce overcrowding on beaches, streets, and attractions.
11. AHATA advocates for the introduction of regulation and control of UTVs and watersports.
Press release: Aruba Hotel & Tourism Association (AHATA)