In a joint effort, the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Tourism have worked together to allocate funding, made available through the Aruba Tourism Authority (ATA), to establish a strategic agreement with Stichting EPB and Colegio EPI. The goal is to support culinary education and prepare the next generation of local chefs. This 181,000 florin investment is part of ATA’s broader “Culinary Education Plan 2025” and reflects a stronger collaboration between Aruba’s tourism and education sectors.
The investment aligns with ATA’s vision of forming long-term, strategic partnerships with institutions that contribute to Aruba’s sustainable development. Similar agreements have already been made, such as a previous partnership with CEDE Aruba. With more collaborations currently in development, this latest agreement with EPI and EPB is a key milestone.
Tourism and Education: A Strategic Alliance
“We’re celebrating and expanding the collaboration between tourism and education,” said Ronella Croes, CEO of the Aruba Tourism Authority, during the signing ceremony on Tuesday morning. Croes emphasized the long-standing relationship between ATA and both educational institutions and highlighted the importance of culinary education—not only as a workforce development strategy but also as a way to preserve and promote Aruba’s cultural heritage.
“There’s no international chef who can make our local food the way we do. We have the technique, the flavor, and the creole touch,” Croes said, underscoring the value of authentic local cuisine as a key part of Aruba’s identity and tourism appeal.
Supporting the Next Generation of Chefs
Both EPI and EPB have produced successful chefs over the years, but the island’s culinary industry continues to grow and evolve, requiring more local talent. The new agreement includes funding for workshops, hands-on training opportunities, internships, and even international experiences for top-performing students. All activities are being coordinated with the schools to align with their academic calendars.
Croes noted that the program will be evaluated after its first phase to assess its impact and determine how it might evolve into a multi-year initiative. “For us, it’s a great honor to invest in education in this way, especially in areas that are so essential to our tourism product,” she said.
These programs not only develop skills but also instill pride in Aruba’s culinary traditions. Early education in local recipes and cooking methods helps ensure that authentic Aruban cuisine continues to be passed down and integrated into the island’s offerings.
A Culinary Identity for Aruba
As Aruba continues to rely heavily on tourism, ATA plays a crucial role in ensuring sustainable and diverse development. The island is already known for its white-sand beaches, safety, hospitality, and cleanliness. Now, with this new investment in culinary education, the goal is to add one more reason for travelers to choose Aruba: its cuisine.
For years, Aruba depended on international chefs to lead kitchens in top hotels and restaurants. But over the past decade, that trend has shifted. Today, many of the island’s most celebrated chefs are locals, including EPI graduates who now own and operate their own successful establishments. Their success stories serve as a compelling reason to keep investing in local talent.
Looking Ahead
Through the “Culinary Education Plan 2025,” ATA, EPI, and EPB are taking a national approach to workforce development, tourism diversification, and youth empowerment. The initiative responds to industry demands while strengthening Aruba’s education system and helping the island maintain its competitive edge in global tourism.
This investment marks a significant step forward in cultivating homegrown talent that can elevate Aruba’s culinary reputation and contribute meaningfully to its economy.
