The local association representing the tourism industry, AHATA, offered its members an exclusive session to connect on the urgent need for a change in Aruba’s tourism direction. The program for the session “How to Fix Tourism” began with the international tourism expert, Mr. Doug Lansky, and continued with remarks from the Minister of Tourism, Transport, and Labor of Aruba, Mr. Wendrick Cicilia. The program concluded with an opportunity for business representatives to ask questions to Minister Cicilia and the international speaker to delve deeper into the topic.
Mr. Lansky traveled from Stockholm to Aruba to present his recommendations based on experiences in various destinations and with an understanding of the consequences if changes are not implemented. With good examples, a bit of humor, and vision, Mr. Lansky challenged Aruba to be a leader in a new tourism strategy that limits the number of visitors coming to the country, in order to mitigate the negative consequences created by too many people experiencing our island at the same time. At the same time, he presented the reality that our economy and income can still grow with fewer visitors if we focus on attracting those who contribute more to our economy and well-being, and attracting fewer visitors who contribute less to our country. Examples of some decisions that can start with the low-hanging fruit in a new administration are limiting foreign owners of short-term vacation rentals and capping the number of cruise passengers who can arrive in a single day.
The Minister of Tourism, Transport, and Labor, Mr. Wendrick Cicilia, presented an explanation of the process that is concluding to create an Implementation Plan to recalibrate Aruba’s tourism. Minister Cicilia’s vision includes stronger growth in value rather than quantity, and a focus on the quality of life of our citizens.
The members of AHATA appreciated the unique opportunity for an important conversation about the future of Aruba, with the presence of Member of Parliament, Ms. Jennifer Arends-Reyes, and the CMO of ATA, Ms. Sanju Luidens-Daryanani. AHATA thanks Minister Cicilia for his participation in the program and for his efforts to introduce a new strategy.
AHATA has 160 members: companies that offer various services and products in the tourism industry, or that serve the tourism industry. The goal of the association is to promote productivity and lasting success for Aruba’s tourism industry and the socioeconomic well-being of our entire Aruban community.
