Aruba Parliamentarian calls for sustainable tourism shift

Aruban Parliamentarian Jennifer Arends-Reyes, President of the Tourism Commission, has called for a strategic shift in the island’s tourism development. Following the ‘How to Fix Tourism’ meeting organized by AHATA, Arends-Reyes emphasized that the nation must prioritize the well-being of local communities, nature protection, and quality of life over mere visitor volume.

Addressing challenges such as infrastructure pressure, traffic, and labor market needs, Arends-Reyes argued that success should not be measured solely by the number of arrivals. Instead, the focus should shift toward creating more value for Aruba and its people through sustainable tourism that encourages longer stays and increased local economic spending.

The proposed vision advocates for growth based on long-term planning and data, ensuring that tourism translates into better job opportunities, dignified wages, and increased support for local entrepreneurs and districts.