The Aruba Tourism Product Enhancement Fund has a budget of 3.8 million florins for 2025. This was announced in the national ordinance published on July 23rd, 2025, in issue number 21 of the Afkondigingsblad van Aruba.
Of the total amount, 2 million florins are designated for operational expenses, such as maintenance and other day-to-day costs. The remaining 1.8 million florins are set aside for long-term investment projects. The fund’s finances are balanced, with expenses and income evenly split between regular and capital revenue sources.
While the overall budget remains the same as in 2024, the distribution of funds has changed. Last year, the full 3.8 million florins were used for operational costs, and 1.93 million florins were allocated for investments. This means that investment funding will decrease by over 100,000 florins in 2025.
The Advisory Council (Raad van Advies) has repeatedly raised concerns about the management and transparency of the fund. In its 2024 budget review, the council noted once again that the required summary of liabilities was missing, as mandated by Article 40 of the 1989 Government Accounts Regulation.
The council also emphasized that investments in tourism should not be separated from broader social policy goals. It called for better coordination among the ministries responsible for environment, infrastructure, justice, and culture.
In the past, the Advisory Council issued what it termed a “dictum 5” on this fund, highlighting serious structural objections that, in its view, cannot be easily resolved.
