Government announces a new policy for vacation rentals, including a halt on the development of new projects.
Member of Parliament Dangui Oduber seriously questions the AVP-Futuro government’s new policy for the vacation rental sector. The government’s measures include an immediate halt on the development of new vacation rentals, while existing operators will be given the opportunity to register and legalise their activities.
“How is it possible that large investors who already own 10 or 20 properties can continue operating without issue, while a local who wants to buy land and build two or three apartments gets the door shut in their face?” Oduber questions.
Protection for the big players vs. Opportunity for the people
According to Oduber, Aruba needs regulation, but it cannot become an instrument to protect the position of large investors and limit opportunities for our own people.
Therefore, the MP demands that Minister Geoffrey Wever present:
- The legal basis and the economic study that justify this halt.
- Clarity regarding the future of locals who have already made investments in land, construction plans, or who already have bank commitments.
“The Government cannot use the housing problem as a justification to limit local investment without proving that this measure will actually create more affordable housing for our people,” Oduber emphasizes. Furthermore, the MP highlights that the vacation rental sector generates direct economic activity for many Aruban families, including jobs in construction, cleaning, maintenance, and other services.
“We want an economy of opportunity, not an economy of privilege. Minister Wever must guarantee that this new policy does not create a monopoly for the big players while our locals are left out,” the MP added.
A different intention for the sector
The MP concluded by highlighting the contrast between the current vision and the work done in the past. Oduber recalled that under the previous administration, a draft bill was left ready to regulate the vacation rental sector and establish a new authority: the Aruba Quality Hospitality Authority. The goal of this entity was to oversee the registration, quality, and hygiene of the properties.
According to Oduber, the intention was never to stop our own people from investing, but to raise the standard of the sector. However, the current Government’s policy does the exact opposite: it takes away the Aruban’s right to progress and directly harms all locals who have the desire and ambition to invest in their own country.