“They are the ones who laid the solid and strong foundation on which we can continue to build today. We are saying goodbye to another person who meant so much to our tourism,” said Ronella Croes, CEO of the Aruba Tourism Authority. She was referring to the passing of Remigio Wever, who in the past managed and led the tourism office before it became Sui Generis.
The Aruba Tourism Office was established in 1953 . 73 years ago. Along the journey to reach where we are today, many figures worked hard and tirelessly, with different visions but common goals, so that today Aruba can be considered one of the preferred destinations in the entire Caribbean. One of these pioneers is Remigio “Mimi” Wever, who passed away this week.
It is worth remembering that in 1985, the Aruba Tourism Bureau was transformed into the Aruba Tourism Authority, under the vision and leadership of various individuals, including Mr. Remigio Wever. They ensured sustainable tourism management during stable seasons, but also during challenging times. Mr. Michael Kuiperi was also present this week at the launch of the book ‘40 Jaar Status Aparte: Tussen voortgaan en stilstaan’, following Aruba’s progress closely.
Thanks to the collective effort of every director and their respective teams and partners and of all those who have continued and are still working tirelessly today,Aruba now has a strong tourism sector. Just like building a house always begins with a foundation, today it is clear to everyone that Aruba’s tourism is anchored in a good, solid foundation. Consequently, the house built upon it is also strong, capable of withstanding times of sunshine, rainstorms, and trade winds.
For us today, it is simply a matter of continuing to strengthen the house and work on the home — and yes, addressing the challenges that growth brings with it! That is part of the major focus today in the current phase of our tourism evolution.
The Aruba Tourism Authority extends words of gratitude and condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Remigio Wever.
About Remigio Wever
After completing his studies in the Netherlands in the late 1960s, Remigio “Mimi” Wever’s first job was at the Aruba Caribbean Hotel, in various positions. In the 1970s, he worked at Kroonvlag KNSM-Nedlloyd as Resident Manager until it closed its operations in 1984.
He then worked at Divi Divi Hotel as an auditor for about one year, before moving to Aruba Palm Beach Hotel as Personnel Manager until 1989. Remigio Wever assumed the position of Managing Director of the Aruba Tourism Authority until 1994, after which he became Managing Director of the Cruise Tourism Authority a new institution he helped establish for the government. He worked there until his retirement in 2002.
Afterward, his younger brother, Booshi Wever, who served as Minister of Public Health and Environment from 2001 to 2009, asked him to become his chief advisor until 2009. From 2011 to 2013, he also worked for his brother in Parliament while Booshi served as an independent member of Parliament, acting as his faction staff member.
