Tevreden: UTV and ATV tour dispute puts livelihoods of 800 workers at risk

ORANJESTAD — Member of Parliament Hendrik Tevreden is warning that the continuing dispute over route closures and regulation of tourist excursions could threaten the livelihoods of around 800 workers and their families.

According to Tevreden, the issue goes beyond disagreement over a single route. He says the sector has operated for years with insufficient regulation, identification and enforcement, while structured dialogue between government, operators and environmental organizations has been lacking.

Legal tour operators say they support protecting Aruba’s natural environment but want clear rules, stronger enforcement against illegal operators and officially designated routes. They also criticize the abrupt closure of routes without prior consultation, arguing that their staff, bookings and business operations depend on these excursions.

Tevreden argues that the court case initiated by Aruba Birdlife Conservation should not become an excuse for government inaction. Businesses, he says, must continue paying salaries and expenses while uncertainty persists.

The MEP parliamentary group is calling on the government to bring together DNM, DTP, DOW, relevant authorities, environmental groups and legal tour operators to identify authorized vehicles, tackle illegal operations, establish official routes and protected zones, and introduce effective enforcement.

Tevreden says Aruba should be able to protect nature while preserving economic activity, but that requires clear regulation and concrete government decisions.