The Aruba Hotel & Tourism Association (AHATA) celebrated 37 outstanding professionals during the AHATA Excellence Awards 2026, an evening filled with pride and appreciation for individuals whose dedication and service contribute to the success of Aruba’s tourism industry.
The ceremony brought together 250 guests at the Astor Ballroom of The St. Regis Aruba Resort to recognize professionals who consistently go above and beyond in their work.
The annual awards serve as an expression of gratitude from the tourism industry to employees who demonstrate exceptional commitment throughout the year. Selected by their respective companies, the honorees represent a wide range of professions and play an important role in supporting Aruba’s economy and strengthening the island’s reputation.
The ceremony placed the honorees at the center of the celebration, recognizing their achievements and the pride they bring to their families, colleagues, and workplaces.
Each of the 37 recipients received a specially designed artistic trophy created by local artist Gilbert Senchi. Shaped like a seashell, the trophy symbolizes the warmth and enduring nature of Aruban hospitality.
AHATA President and CEO Tisa LaSorte presented the awards onstage in front of industry representatives and the honorees’ loved ones.
In the coming weeks, AHATA will share the individual stories of each award recipient on social media, giving the community an opportunity to learn more about the dedication, motivation, and passion behind their work.
AHATA expressed its pride in the event and the professionals who contribute to Aruba’s tourism industry. The association also thanked its sponsors and partners for their essential support: Elite Productions & Entertainment, The St. Regis Aruba Resort, De Palm Corporation, Tropical Bottling, and Wings Global Media.
Special appreciation was extended to the volunteer students from EPI Hospitality, as well as Zahaira Kelly, Ricardo Kock, and Danique Erasmus, for their contributions to the event.
AHATA Excellence Awards 2026 honorees
The following 37 professionals were recognized for their outstanding dedication and contributions to Aruba’s tourism industry.
| # | Honoree | Position | Company |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ana Patricia Jauregui | Housekeeping Manager | Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort |
| 2 | Francis Wernet | IT Manager | De Palm Corporation |
| 3 | Felipe Hill | Barback | Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort |
| 4 | Noeamy Dijkhoff | Commercial & Marketing Coordinator | Julius Penha Aruba |
| 5 | Zayron Ruiz | Front Office Manager | Eagle Aruba Resort |
| 6 | Henry Kock | Head Mechanic | Kini Kini Transfer & Tours |
| 7 | Lorena Paredes Castaño | Housekeeping Supervisor | Marriott’s Aruba Surf Club |
| 8 | Melissa Plessers | Manager | Trinity Quality Care Services |
| 9 | Edier de Jesus Cataño | Stewarding Supervisor | Embassy Suites by Hilton Aruba Resort |
| 10 | Glen Baluarte | Front Desk Agent | Courtyard by Marriott Aruba Resort |
| 11 | Estefani Suarez y Torres | Protection Officer | ARX Protective Services |
| 12 | Itala Moreno-Lugo | Executive Sous Chef | Holiday Inn Resort Aruba |
| 13 | Edgar Espindola Bonilla | Public Relations Manager | Riu Palace Aruba |
| 14 | Francis Petrocchi | F&B Server | Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino |
| 15 | Sabrina Peterson | Event Operations Manager | BEE4 Consultancy & Events |
| 16 | Isabel Cannegieter | Financial Administrator | FLEXO Manpower Services |
| 17 | Roland Hermosen | Associate Director of Commercial | Radisson Blu Aruba |
| 18 | Minerva Polonia Ramirez | First Cook | Divi Aruba Phoenix Beach Resort |
| 19 | Marie Horne Etienne | Housekeeping Supervisor | The Mill Resort & Suites |
| 20 | Sandro Herold | Executive Chef | La Cabana Beach Resort and Casino |
| 21 | Naomie Holsman Ponson | Public Attendant | TRYP by Wyndham Aruba |
| 22 | Rene Genser | Chief Engineer | Divi Dutch Village Beach Resort |
| 23 | Setchel Chris Rijsdijk | Front Desk Supervisor | Manchebo Beach Resort & Spa |
| 24 | Ymari Luydens | Restaurant General Manager | Marriott’s Aruba Ocean Club |
| 25 | Gianny Dijkhoff | Colleague Experience Manager | Hyatt Regency Resort, Spa & Casino |
| 26 | Merian Giel | Assistant Front Desk Manager | Riu Palace Antillas |
| 27 | Ana Maria Giraldo | Station Attendant | GCG Group |
| 28 | Nando Meijer | Executive Sous Chef | The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba |
| 29 | Jhomisal Rivas | Housekeeping Supervisor | JOIA Aruba by Iberostar |
| 30 | Julio de la Cruz | Banquet Houseman | Divi & Tamarijn All Inclusive Resorts |
| 31 | Sandra Steba | Royal Level Manager | Barceló Aruba |
| 32 | Georges Hilairson | Audiovisual Technician | Elite Productions & Entertainment |
| 33 | Dylan Thiel | Acting Junior Housekeeping Supervisor | Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort |
| 34 | Nubia Herrera Escobar | Portfolio Manager | Casiola Aruba Vacation Homes |
| 35 | Wilfred van der Biezen | Casino Manager | The Casino at The Ritz-Carlton |
| 36 | Dwayne Arends | Chef de Partie | The St. Regis Aruba Resort |
| 37 | Fanny Olarte | Housekeeping Manager | voco Surfside Aruba by IHG |
