During discussions about a possible increase in tourist taxes in Aruba, Tisa LaSorte, CEO of the Aruba Hotel & Tourism Association (AHATA), expressed concern about the lack of a transitional phase when implementing the new rates for visitors.
This increase is one that the government has presented to the Parliament in the draft law to privatize the RWZI, the sewage water purification plant, with the goal of building a new facility and financing its operation and maintenance.
LaSorte indicated that it is crucial to provide a transitional period to adequately inform tourists about any changes in costs, especially for those who have already booked their vacations and have a fixed budget.
According to LaSorte, the introduction of a new tax could have a negative impact if not clearly communicated well in advance to tourists and businesses in the sector. In her statement, she mentioned that the approach could cause inconvenience to visitors and hotel operations.
Regarding the interaction between AHATA and the government, LaSorte indicated that the association has maintained conversations with Utilities NV, the company responsible for the new NV that will manage the sewage system and wastewater treatment plants (RWZI), but not directly with the government. Although there was dialogue with the Minister of Nature about the plans and the possible cost implications, AHATA did not receive complete details about the expenses and the justification for the new tax.
LaSorte emphasized the need for extensive dialogue to also include the Minister of Infrastructure, responsible for the Department of Public Works (DOW), to better understand the existing infrastructure and how tax decisions could impact the tourism sector and travelers.
