On Monday afternoon, the Minister of Tourism and Public Health Dangui Oduber, along with ATA management, ATA Board, AHATA management, Grand Thornton representatives, and the Ministry of Tourism, attended ATA’s annual report meeting. It is noteworthy that the indicators measuring results demonstrated that 2023 was the best year in Aruba’s tourism history.
Minister Dangui’s management is based on:
- Bringing affluent and quality tourists.
- Diversifying our tourism by innovating Aruba’s products.
- Making continuous investments in improving Aruba’s product.
- Growing Aruba with sustainable tourism.
ATA presented the indicators measuring the achievements of 2023, where 90% of the budget was used for marketing and promoting Aruba. The primary indicator measuring the results is tourism receipt, tourism arrivals, and average daily spend. Tourism receipt increased by 13.4% compared to 2019, indicating a strong recovery and more money flowing into our economy. It is worth noting that tourism receipts were higher than tourist arrivals, indicating a positive shift from quantity to quality of tourists.
Remarkably, the growth recorded came from our main market, the North American market. ATA markets in different markets, such as North America, South America, and Europe. Each market has its own way of promoting and adapting the message and promotion.
The Ministry of Tourism is responsible for ensuring that Aruba’s economy continues to grow while leading with the practice of sustainable tourism. Sustainability and innovation projects align with the vision for a more resilient and innovative tourism sector by integrating new technology to enhance the overall visitor experience. ATA presented its “Destination Development Plan” illustrating all the projects that have started and will be executed for a more sustainable tourism.
In conclusion, Minister Dangui Oduber stated that he ensures to continue investing in projects to improve the product and thus enhance the experience of visitors without forgetting our locals. Minister Dangui Oduber mentions that he has worked hard together with ATA, APA, AAA, and other tourism partners such as ATSA, AHATA, Aruba Vacation Rental Association, Ministry of Tourism, and government departments. Special thanks cannot be left unmentioned to the hotel employees, taxi drivers, tour operators, F&B sector, and all those working in the hospitality sector who together achieved new tourism records for the year 2023.
