The first quarter of the year in Aruba proved to be a success as the island enjoyed a remarkable increase in US arrivals by 6.52 percent in January, 6.13 percent in February, and an incredible 10.15 percent in March. Year-to-date US arrivals spiked an impressive 7.71 percent representing nearly 10,000 more travellers to the island. Worldwide arrival numbers are up an amazing 9.8 percent for the first quarter.
“The island’s outstanding visitor numbers over the course of the first quarter show that Aruba’s tourism-driven economy remains robust. The statistics highlight our commitment to maintaining the island’s extraordinary tourism vacation experience and underline Aruba’s dedication to its valued guests,” said Managing Director for the Aruba Tourism Authority, Myrna Jansen. “With the consistent development of tourist amenities, attractions and services on the island, we anticipate 2007 will be successful.”
Aruba has continued with its $350m in investments in the tourism sector which include the completion of remarkable hotel and resort renovations, the opening of the first-ever Fixed Based Operation (FBO) terminal for private jets, expanded air service from major gateways, and much more. Additionally, the tropical oasis hosted one of the tourism industry’s most significant events, the 28th Annual Caribbean Hotel Association (CHA) Marketplace. Aruba also welcomed exclusive luxury retail stores to the island, adding to its reputation as a burgeoning shopper’s paradise.
Hotels and resorts
The Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort and Casino has nearly completed a $40m redesign and boasts a new open-air lobby, upgrades to all guestrooms/suites, the chic Palms Restaurant and Bar and more.
The Westin Aruba Resort completed the first phase of its $24m renovation including improvements to all guestrooms/suites. Additionally, Starwood announced its plans to launch the first Westin-branded, vacation ownership resort on Aruba. This resort will be located on land adjacent to the hotel and will feature 154 two-bedroom villas.
The Manchebo Beach Resort & Spa completed renovations to its 71 guestrooms and received an upgrade to the AAA Three Diamond level. The Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort Aruba has recently finished nearly $15m in renovations to 400 of its 600 guestrooms as well as building a new ballroom, two new restaurants and a new pool deck with an additional pool.
Air service
JetBlue Airways announced the first-ever Saturday service from Boston’s Logan International Airport to Aruba starting in June. Service have also increased from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JKF) to twice daily from May 1st until September 5th, 2007.
Delta Air Lines increased weekend capacity on February 18th with additional direct Sunday service from JFK. Opened in January, the island’s first-ever Fixed Based Operation (FBO) terminal for private planes offers a stand-alone facility for travelers including a VIP lounge, on-site customs and immigration, a duty-free shop, as well as coordination of ground transportation, airport fees, rental car service, 24-hour security arrangements, catering and more.
Aruba’s luxury shopping
To cater to the island’s growing luxury market, the Renaissance Mall welcomed exclusive brand name stores for the first time ever, including Louis Vuitton, Salvatorre Feragamo, Chopard and Furla.
Polo is upgrading its inventory and renovating its interior design to the Ralph Lauren standard, after which they will sell only Polo merchandise.
“Aruba headed into 2007 with notable investments and developments in virtually every aspect of the tourism sector,” said Minister of Tourism and Transportation, Edison Briesen. “The $350m being poured into the travel industry coupled with airlines increasing service, underscores the commitment of Aruba’s tourism partners to the island and our strength as a major travel destination in the region.”
