Meanwhile, as the Government of Aruba prepares to provide clarity on the new policy for the vacation rental sector by June 1st, concern within the industry itself is being felt. Homeowners and sector representatives are advocating for regulation, but are asking for it to align with Aruba’s reality and to move the island forward—especially considering that direct cooperation with them during the preparation of this law was non-existent.
After the Minister of Economic Affairs, Geoffrey Wever, announced that the holistic, inter-ministerial law and policy are in their final stages of completion, the sector’s reaction was quick to follow. Homeowners and operators are giving a resounding ‘yes’ to the very regulation they have been requesting for seven years, but they are raising the alarm over the lack of representation in the final conversations.
Fear of Flawed Comparisons with New York or Amsterdam
Contrary to what many might think, the sector itself does not want a ‘free-for-all’ market. Their own voices explain that they want to be formally regulated so that Aruba continues to be seen as a serious and structured destination. However, the big fear lies in a regulation that is not adapted to an economy that relies entirely on tourism.
“What we are a bit afraid of is a regulation that is unfair, or that doesn’t align with Aruba’s reality. People often compare us to cities like New York or Amsterdam, which are not islands that live 100% off tourism. We want the regulation; we just want to make sure that it is a fair, correct regulation that will benefit the island.” — Alex Cybul, Vacation Rentals owner
Without a Seat at the Table with the Experts
Despite Minister Wever indicating that ‘experts’ are working together with the ministries, the operators who manage this business day in, day out have confirmed that they were not approached to be part of the core conversation on how to structure these laws. Their participation was limited to very superficial initial meetings where some general explanations of ideas were given, without entering into structural details.
Representatives point out that for seven years, under different governments and in meetings with departments such as the Tax Department (DIMP), they have brought this topic forward for regulation.
The Danger of Misunderstanding the ‘Spin-off’
One of the biggest points of concern for the sector is the lack of total understanding and knowledge on the part of decision-makers regarding the actual size of this industry and how far its effects reach into the community.
Operators are asking not to unbalance this ecosystem because they know that thousands of micro-businesses and local individuals from painters, small construction workers, and pool cleaners, to private chefs and the catering sector live directly or indirectly off this new economic pillar.
Despite the lack of direct involvement at the decision-making table, the sector remains optimistic and confident in the fact that finally, after years of trying to achieve regulation, ‘something is happening.’ The industry hopes that in the days remaining before June 1st, the Government can provide the space to listen to their guidelines to give Aruba a regulation that truly protects locals and benefits the entire community.
Vacation Rental Sector Advocates for Fair Regulation, but Regrets Lack of Participation in the New Law
