Rick Grosser, a tourist who has been visiting Aruba for over 30 years, recently shared his perspective on the island’s tourism development. Grosser, who first set foot on the island in 1991, is well placed to describe how Aruba has changed over the decades.
He began by saying he is not in favor of the extensive construction taking place on the island today, and that he prefers the quieter, simpler Aruba of years past. In those early years, he recalled, Aruba felt different, with far less development. While he understands that building more accommodations is necessary to handle growing tourist numbers, he believes the projects bring negative consequences for the island’s social, economic, and environmental well-being.
Grosser specifically expressed concern about the ongoing development at Baby Beach. He regrets that the area, once a place for locals to relax and enjoy, has now been transformed into yet another tourist zone.
Another point he raised was the declining water quality. Grosser explained that years ago, the sea was so clear that a friend could drop a chain into the water and easily find it again. Today, he says, the water is no longer that transparent.
He wrapped up his remarks by highlighting the excessive growth of hotels and Airbnbs. According to Grosser, this rapid development is making the island unaffordable for locals and almost impossible for them to purchase property. As a tourist with a deep connection to Aruba, he urged the authorities to halt the uncontrolled construction of hotels and Airbnbs, and to adopt urgent regulations to protect the island’s future.
