During the Aruba Global Travel Conference (AGTC) on September 15, the Aruba Tourism Authority (A.T.A.) honored three tourism professionals as Aruba’s 2026 Local Vacation Heroes. Maidel Yero, John Marvin Kelly and Jandor Lampe, who each have many years of experience in the tourism industry, were recognized for their dedication, positive impact and contributions to Aruba’s tourism sector.
This year’s three winners represent different areas of the industry. Maidel Yero has 24 years of experience in tourism and works in Activities & Entertainment at Playa Linda Beach Resort. She is known for the passion and heart she puts into her work, creating memorable experiences for both adults and children.
Jandor Lampe, a bartender at La Cabana Beach Resort & Casino, has 28 years of experience in the tourism industry. He is known for his positive energy, contagious enthusiasm and warm approach to guests.
John Marvin Kelly, better known as “Uncle Johnny,” is a tour guide at ABC Tours with more than 40 years of experience in tourism. He is known for treating every guest like family and for his dedication and commitment to his work.
All three share a deep love for Aruba.
For the third consecutive year, the Nominate Your Local Vacation Hero campaign has given visitors the opportunity to recognize locals who made a difference during their stay in Aruba. In just three weeks, more than 160 nominations were received from visitors who shared stories of kindness, care and genuine connections with Aruba through local people who helped make their stays special.
What makes the recognition particularly meaningful is that the nominations come directly from visitors, rather than from A.T.A. itself. Through their personal experiences, visitors express their appreciation for the people who made their stays more memorable and strengthened their connection with Aruba.
More than just a destination, Aruba becomes a place that visitors come to know, appreciate and care about through the relationships they form during their stay.
Across the three editions of the campaign, more than 400 nominations have been received. A committee reviews and evaluates the nominations based on established criteria before selecting the winners. Because the tourism industry includes a wide range of professions and departments, three winners are selected each year to represent the different ways tourism professionals contribute to the visitor experience.
“This recognition celebrates the people who, day after day, provide the service, care and hospitality that Aruba is known for. On behalf of A.T.A., we would like to thank not only this year’s winners, but also everyone working in our tourism industry who contributes to creating the genuine connections that remain in the hearts of our visitors,” said Ronella Croes, CEO of A.T.A.
A.T.A. congratulated the three 2026 Local Vacation Heroes and thanked them for their valuable contributions to Aruba’s tourism industry. The organization also expressed its appreciation to all tourism professionals who work every day with dedication and passion.
“Our people are the force behind our industry and what makes Aruba a unique destination.”
