In the first quarter of 2024, promising and robust figures can be expected for tourism, as it remains a crucial and significant pillar of Aruba’s economy. A.T.A. emphasizes the “High Value-Low Impact” model, aiming to balance four pillars: Resident Quality of Life, Visitor Experience Quality, Nature & Environmental Protection and Preservation, and Economic Contribution of the Tourism Sector.
The goal is to maintain efforts in line with this balance and achieve a proportionally increased revenue compared to the volume of visitors received. Capacity management remains a focus for the A.T.A. in various ways.
STAYOVER VOLUME INCREASES BY 20.7% IN FEBRUARY 2024 COMPARED TO FEBRUARY 2023
Demand for Aruba remains exceptionally strong and continues to exceed expectations. Airlines have expanded Aruba’s capacity to accommodate this high demand. As of February 2024, Aruba received a total of 241,343 stayover visitors, marking a growth of 20.7% compared to February 2023, where 199,942 stayover visitors were recorded.
TOURISM CREDITS
Visitor quality, measured through different means, includes willingness to pay for a night’s stay and registration through Tourism Credits with the Central Bank of Aruba. In Q3 2023, Tourism Credits increased by 3% compared to the same period in 2022. From Q1 to Q3 2023, Tourism Credits increased by 13% compared to the same period in 2022. A.T.A. expects to receive definitive statistics to report Tourism Credits for Q4 2023 compared to Q4 2022. In 2024, comparisons of Tourism Credit figures with 2023 will continue. Based on A.T.A.’s analysis, a 34% increase in 2023 compared to 2019 is expected to close.
AVERAGE SPENDING PER VISITOR IN 2023
The average spending per Visa credit cardholder reached $690 in 2023. Overall, Visa entry reflects a 13.8% increase compared to 2022.
MARKETS AND ACCOMMODATION CATEGORIES
In February 2024, 81.3% of total stayover visitors to Aruba came from North America, 5.1% from Europe, 11.4% from Latin America, and 2.2% from other parts of the world.
Looking at accommodation categories, in January 2024, 19.1% of visitors stayed in European Plan hotels, 14.2% in All-Inclusive hotels, 30.7% in Timeshare, and 36% in other types of accommodation, also known as short-term vacation rentals (STVR).
SHORT-TERM VACATION RENTALS
A.T.A. has access to a platform displaying the number of houses, apartments, and villas used as vacation rentals, as well as the average price per night, occupancy, and an estimation of the revenue generated. In 2023, according to a study, A.T.A. updated the inventory of existing condominiums and those currently in progress, providing an updated list of short-term stay locations that are not hotels but are available to tourists staying in Aruba for a short period.
Comparing February 2024 to February 2023, the average occupancy of these accommodations increased by 6.6 percentage points, from an average of 71.6% in February 2023 to 78.2% in February 2024.
In terms of revenue, comparing February 2023 to February 2024, the category generated a 16% revenue growth.
ABOUT ARUBA TOURISM AUTHORITY (A.T.A.)
Since January 1, 2011, the Aruba Tourism Authority has operated as a ‘Sui Generis’ entity—an independent organization in the public sphere. The A.T.A. serves as a Destination Marketing and Management Organization (DMMO) and is responsible for uniting tourist interests between local and international stakeholders. A.T.A. emphasizes the “High Value-Low Impact” model, aiming to balance increasing visitor economic value, positioning Aruba as a desirable and sustainable country, and positioning Aruba as a leader in development as a destination. The goal is to maintain efforts in line with this balance and achieve increased revenue through quality tourism rather than the volume our destination receives. Capacity management continues to receive attention from A.T.A.
To receive A.T.A.’s Statistical Monthly Report every month, contact Melanie Kelly at [email protected].
