Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort welcomed a six-member delegation from the Netherlands’ Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate on November 2. The delegation was led by Heleen Herbert, Minister of Economic Affairs and Climate of the Netherlands, and included Wendrick Cicilia, Aruba’s Minister of Tourism, Transport and Labor. Organized through the Representation of the Netherlands in Aruba (VNO), the visit focused on how environmental responsibility, business success and employee well-being can work together.
With economic affairs and climate combined in her ministerial portfolio, Herbert and her delegation visited the resort to learn how Bucuti & Tara incorporates sustainability into its business operations. Managing Director Crescenzia Biemans presented the resort’s more than 30 years of work under its founder, Ewald Biemans, explaining how investments in the environment, community initiatives and employee well-being have become part of its business model.
During the visit, Minister Cicilia said he considers Bucuti & Tara an example for other hotels and businesses in Aruba, particularly because of the way it cares for and supports its employees. His comments highlighted the role of employee well-being in the resort’s approach to responsible tourism.
“My grandfather’s love of nature and his sense of responsibility to Aruba have guided this work from the beginning,” said Crescenzia Biemans. “Many of these investments were made for the future we share.”
Bucuti & Tara has been certified carbon neutral since 2018 and has invested in renewable energy, energy and water efficiency, waste reduction and responsible purchasing. According to the resort, these efforts save 3.5 million gallons of water annually and keep 65 percent of its waste out of landfills.
The resort also holds Green Globe Platinum, LEED Gold and Travelife Gold certifications. In 2020, it received a United Nations Global Climate Action Award in the Climate Neutral Now category. Its next goal is to obtain net-zero certification for Scope 1 and 2 emissions, which cover direct emissions and those associated with purchased energy.
Investing in the future of Aruba
Through the Bucuti & Tara – GMC Nature Preservation Foundation, the resort’s environmental efforts now include approximately 130,000 square meters, or 13 hectares, of natural land in Noord. More than 1,200 native trees have been planted as part of efforts to restore vegetation, protect biodiversity and provide opportunities for environmental education.
The initiative builds on the resort’s longstanding beach cleanups and wildlife conservation activities. It represents another step in its efforts to protect the environment and support the restoration of Aruba’s natural surroundings.
The resort also extends its commitment to its employees and their families. Its employee benefits include salaries above the living-wage benchmark, performance bonuses and retirement contributions, as well as childcare subsidies and assistance with elder care.
Health benefits include insurance, preventive health screenings, mental health support and fitness and wellness programs. Employees also have opportunities for further development through sponsored university studies, language courses and leadership training.
In addition, the employee Savings & Loans Association offers savings opportunities and affordable financing, including green loans for electric vehicles, solar panels and energy-efficient home improvements.
These programs are based on the belief that business success should also benefit the people who contribute to it. As an independently owned and locally operated Aruban business, Bucuti & Tara reinvests in the island and its community.
During the presentation, the resort explained how savings from reduced water and energy consumption and waste management help fund further investments in employees, community programs and clean energy. These measures also help reduce the business’s exposure to fluctuations in fuel prices.
The resort reports an average year-round occupancy rate of approximately 97 percent. Guests are drawn to its focus on romance, tranquility and personal service, with sustainability incorporated into the overall experience.
Its business model combines these priorities with long-term guest loyalty and employee retention, with some associates having worked at the resort for decades. The resort presented its approach as a source of practical ideas that other tourism businesses could adapt to their own operations.
“We are honored to share our experience,” said Crescenzia Biemans. “Our hope is that other businesses will find ideas they can adapt to their own destinations. For us, the responsibility continues: to care for Aruba, support our people and invest in a future that benefits those who come after us.”
About Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort
Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort is an adults-only boutique resort located on Eagle Beach in Aruba. It focuses on romance, tranquility and sustainability. The independently owned and locally operated resort has been certified carbon neutral since 2018.
For more information, visit www.bucuti.com.
