Less is not always worse. In this case, even though the numbers are not all in, all signs are indicating that fewer tourists visited Aruba for the Soul Beach Music Festival. This year was its 20th anniversary and there was a fantastic lineup of performers ranging from local and international artists and comedians. This event usually attracts a lot of tourists as well as locals during this past Memorial Day weekend, which took place from the 24th to the 29th of May.
A few hotels were able to inform us that the guests who came for Soul Beach this year spent a bit more than last year. It is not a significant increase, but an increase all the same. They also informed us that they were under the impression that there were fewer tourists this time. This is not 100% sure, as the official numbers have not yet been confirmed.
A source from the airport commented that the Soul Beach Music Festival visitors appeared to be very “thirsty” this year as they did not skimp on purchasing any alcohol upon their arrival nor on their departure. Apparently, Hennessy was the most-purchased beverage. There was word of record-breaking sales, which is saying a lot as the event has been going on for 20 years now.
One of the most frequented events were Jill Scott, the band The Roots, and Tiffany Haddish. Apparently the comedy event garnered the most attention and was fuller than all the rest. So while there was not a huge crowd, the spending was better than ever!
