Arends-Reyes(AVP): Aruba must put quality of life at the Center of Tourism’s Future

ORANJESTAD – Member of Parliament Jennifer Arends-Reyes, Chair of Parliament’s Tourism Committee, says Aruba must determine its own tourism direction with a clear vision that prioritizes community well-being, nature protection and quality of life.

Following her participation in AHATA’s “How to Fix Tourism” session, Arends-Reyes said tourism will remain a major pillar of Aruba’s economy, but success should not be measured solely by visitor numbers.

According to her, Aruba must shift from a model focused on volume to one that creates greater value for the country and its people. This includes longer stays, more spending in the local economy, protection of nature and more direct benefits for local entrepreneurs and workers.

Arends-Reyes emphasized that Aruba has limited space and resources and that infrastructure must support both the community and the tourism industry. Growth should therefore be guided by data, planning and a long-term vision.

She also argued that tourism growth should translate into better job opportunities, decent wages, more room for local businesses and investment in neighborhoods.

A national strategy, she said, should also address traffic, housing, human resources, environmental protection and the balance between hotels, short-term rentals and the needs of residents.

Her central message is that Aruba should not allow tourism to grow without direction. “Tourism belongs to Aruba, but Aruba is not only tourism,” Arends-Reyes concluded.