In a period of approximately five weeks, between the signing of the protocol with the Government in September and the meetings on October 16, Tour Operators Uni has achieved concrete progress in strengthening responsible tourism in Aruba. Joint efforts have brought forward specific proposals to combine environmental protection with the responsible use of existing roads. For the first time in 20 years, local tour operators have a seat at a dialogue table with the Government, and the results show that dialogue is the foundation for a strong relationship.
ABC Tours and its team drafted the initial concept of the Nature Driving Protocol and shared it with other operators as a foundation based on the company’s nearly 30 years of experience. The initiative was created to support the sector, correct misunderstandings, and bring clarity to a topic that has often been discussed without sufficient information or the involvement of long-standing operators.
Tour Operators Uni clarifies that licensed tours operate on existing dirt roads (known as zandwegen), which have been in use since the 1980s and are maintained by DOW itself. The vehicles remain on the road and do not leave the designated path to drive through natural terrain. The term “off-road,” as used by others in various statements, gives the false impression that operators leave existing roads to drive freely through nature. This is not how tours operate. An unpaved road remains a road; driving on it does not mean the vehicle has gone off-road.
Throughout this process, the operators have become more united, forming almost a family within the sector. They have shared experience and joined forces with a common purpose: to protect our nature and jointly take responsibility for how the sector operates. This unity has strengthened the willingness to support one another and to uphold rules that all members must respect.
The signing of the protocol for responsible nature management with the Government formed an important foundation for dialogue. The protocol brought topics such as clear route definitions, monitoring, guide training, and oversight to the table, with the goal of developing long-lasting solutions. On September 28, Tour Operators Uni submitted a broader protocol to the Government, featuring mandatory GPS for every commercial tour vehicle, guide and vehicle verification, and clear penalties for non-compliance: fines for the responsible company, and in cases of serious or repeated violations, suspension or revocation of participation in the protocol. In justified cases, the protocol asks the competent authority to evaluate the excursion operating permit in accordance with applicable rules and procedures. In this way, the operators themselves took the initiative to propose rules and sanctions for those who violate regulations and enter protected zones.
Collaboration has also advanced on the ground. During an inspection at Tera Cora with Minister René Herdé and DNM Director Mr. Gisbert Boekhoudt, operators received direct explanations regarding sensitive areas and the protection of flora and fauna. The visit gave both parties the opportunity to observe the situation together and exchange specific information about the area.
Tour Operators Uni contributed its expertise to the Government’s temporary proposal for Tera Cora, which includes approximately 27 points. This covers the use of approved routes, speed reduction, minimizing disturbance to nature, monitoring, sanctions, and a financial contribution from the sector toward nature protection. The proposal is pending approval and includes data collection for an Environmental Impact Assessment (MER) to guide future decisions.
On the technological front, on October 14, SETAR installed a pilot GPS unit at ABC Tours as part of the joint effort with Tour Operators Uni. During the October 16 meeting at Cocolishi, SETAR presented the system to Tour Operators Uni and Minister Herdé’s staff. Tour Operators Uni shared practical feedback to explore how route and speed monitoring can help protect natural areas, backed by reliable information and clear rules regarding data use and privacy.
On the same date, a meeting with the Aruba Tourism Authority (ATA) created an opportunity to demonstrate systems and procedures that operators already have in place, including GPS, route and speed control, and safety protocols. The exchange provided ATA with a more comprehensive overview of the measures integrated into daily operations. ATA expressed openness to evaluating the proposal for a task force to strengthen collaboration and enforcement within the sector. The possibility of developing a joint certification program with Tour Operators Uni was also discussed as a step toward establishing clearer professional standards.
During the dialogue, Tour Operators Uni highlighted the issue of rental vehicles and illegal operators driving without guides, fixed routes, or oversight, and proposed concrete accountability measures for rental companies. Some rental companies are already transitioning from rentals to guided tours. To restore respect in our industry and, above all, for our nature, the Government must introduce the necessary control and enforcement mechanisms.
A policy that excludes the daily knowledge and expertise of operators will not yield lasting solutions. Therefore, Tour Operators Uni insists on establishing a task force alongside the Government, ACF, ATA, and operators to set clear rules and effective oversight on existing roads.
These advancements reflect the value of working as a united sector. Tour Operators Uni expresses its gratitude to the Government, DNM, SETAR, and ATA for their openness and contributions, and recognizes the dedication of member companies that contributed their practical knowledge to this process. Tour Operators Uni, together with all its operators, is committed to working hand-in-hand with any entity, government department, or NGO to ensure transparent management that benefits nature and our beloved Aruba.
Tour Operators Uni once again extends an invitation to Aruba Birdlife Conservation to join the dialogue. The invitation remains open.
Tour Operators Uni
Together for responsible, safe, and sustainable tourism in Aruba.
