The PAMAC 2025 meetings continued on Wednesday morning in Aruba with a general session attended by key executives from the cruise industry. During the event, Aruba’s Minister of Tourism, Wendrick Cicilia, delivered a compelling and passionate address highlighting the country’s strong partnership with the cruise sector.
Minister Cicilia began by expressing his pride in being part of the PAMAC conference and his appreciation for the significant interest the cruise industry continues to show in Aruba. He noted that this industry deliberately chooses to build a working relationship with the island, a sentiment reflected in the many productive conversations held in recent days.
Summing up these discussions, Minister Cicilia shared that stakeholders consider Aruba a strategic and valuable partner—many even described the island as part of the family.
Cruise tourism has long played a vital role in Aruba’s development. The island’s first cruise visits date back to the 1950s, beginning with the Voyager Line and its ship Libertador, followed by Tradewinds, Santa Rosa, and Santa Paola.
Today, Aruba maintains close partnerships with some of the world’s leading cruise lines. What started as a commercial opportunity has grown into a vital economic force that benefits many locals. Minister Cicilia emphasized that this is something Aruba should recognize and value every day.
“We understand the responsibility that comes with this partnership,” he said.
Each time a cruise ship docks in Aruba, it impacts countless lives—from merchants at Welcome Plaza and tour guides to taxi drivers, restaurants, and shopkeepers along Caya Grandi and beyond. Everyone feels the ripple effect.
There were challenges in the past, including tense discussions with the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA). However, those concerns were heard and addressed. Since then, Aruba has launched several major projects, including a tram line, new parking facilities for tour guides, and the complete renovation of the city center.
As part of the new government’s vision, Aruba aims to continue evolving as a cruise destination that aligns with industry needs. Despite being in office for just three months, the AVP-FUTURO Cabinet has already begun implementing initiatives to further enhance the downtown area.
This includes events that integrate tourism with the local community—such as Ban Bek Caya—and renewed investment in areas like Wilhelminastraat, which plays a key role in the broader revitalization of the capital.
The government is also committed to a sustainable tourism model that strengthens long-term collaboration with the cruise industry.
“We reaffirm our commitment to the cruise industry,” Minister Cicilia concluded. “We will continue investing in enhancing Aruba’s tourism product.”
