During a recent meeting of the Tourism Committee, held with representatives from AHATA, data was presented regarding hotel occupancy rates for the month of September.
According to MP Jennifer Arends-Reyes, the current tourism situation does not show a decline in visitor arrivals to Aruba, but rather highlights a shift in tourists’ accommodation preferences.
Arends-Reyes noted that Aruba now has more hotel rooms available than in previous years, and since 2018 there has been a steady increase in the use of short-term vacation rentals, such as apartments and private homes for short stays.
While the Average Daily Rate (ADR) remains relatively high — further supported by the opening of several high-end hotels — the significant growth in short-term vacation rentals demands more structural oversight.
“This is not only a market issue, but also one of compliance, hygiene, and safety,” explained Arends-Reyes.
“Many properties meet their fiscal obligations and maintain good standards, but there is also a significant group that does not.
This sector operates as a business and should be treated as such — to ensure fair competition and to protect Aruba’s tourism reputation.”
From Parliament, Arends-Reyes has submitted a motion urging the government to present a clear action plan for the regulation and compliance of short-term vacation rentals.
The goal is to maintain a healthy balance between hotels, tourists, and the local community — without hindering growth, but by promoting transparency and responsibility.
Press release: AVP
