AHATA seeks to safeguard Aruba’s tourism through promotion, continued dialogue

ORANJESTAD – The Aruba Hotel and Tourism Association (AHATA) reconfirmed its 2009 goals during the General Assembly of its members, held recently at the Marriott Aruba. AHATA CEO & President Rob Smith addressed current challenges as well as outlined the association’s efforts of establishing a strong marketing presence, continued dialogue with the public sector for advocacy goals, and ongoing cooperative efforts in reaching sustainable tourism objectives.
“The consequences are already being felt by the economic downturn, but there remains opportunities through continued promotion of the island to ensure that we do are best to mitigate the shortfalls. We must also continue the dialogue of our advocacy efforts with current proposed changes to labor and tax laws,” explains Rob Smith.
“We are active not only in marketing the island of Aruba, but in keeping abreast and active on measures that affect the health of our industry and the well-being of the island’s economy. Continued increases in taxation burden will not only affect the competitiveness of our destination at a time of worldwide economic strife, it could also affect the viability of the assets we represent.
In keeping the association on track toward reaching its goals, the new AHATA board for 2009 was officially installed. The new board consists of Chairman Rick Zeolla (Aruba Marriott), First Vice-Chair Alex Nieuwmeyer (Divi) , Second Vice-Chair Warren Stanley (De Palm Tours) , Treasurer Javier Wolter (CMB), Secretary Ewald Biemans (Bucuti), and Directors Susan Santiago (Hyatt Regency Aruba), Eduardo de Veer (Renaissance Aruba), Richard Roy (Westin), Louis Phillippe (Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort), Gary Jutz (Radisson Aruba), Joe Najjar (La Cabana Beach & Racquet Club), Edgar Roelofs (Manchebo) and Andres Pichardo (Occidental Grand).

The majority of AHATA members were represented during the assembly, with attendance by numerous professionals in tourism and its related industries. Guest speakers included Myrna Jansen from the Aruba Tourism Authority (ATA), and Peggy Croes from the Aruba Airport Authority (AAA). For AHATA, additional speakers included Colleen LesSard — pitch hitting for Sanju Luidens (while on maternity leave) – providing an overview on marketing efforts including show participation, airlift support and advertising, and Doreen Kralick on membership affairs, with new members for 2009 including Boolchand’s, The Village and Morgan’s Island waterpark.

“Armed with the enormous amount of expertise represented by our members and partners, and a strong board, we maintain an informed and active role in ensuring Aruba remains a top tourism destination, under any given circumstances, ” comments Smith.
The overall conversation contributed to a better understanding of the island’s position with the current economic state of affairs, as well as the opportunities still available through combined, proactive efforts. After an informative session, AHATA members and guests mixed and mingled to further discuss topics, both business- and community-related, in the social environment afforded by AHATA’s “Networking in Style” event.
AHATA, whose member companies run the wide breadth of the tourism industry, from large hotel properties and timeshare resorts to activity companies and small service providers, utilizes the combined strength and knowledge of its members in supporting positive change locally as well as in acting internationally in carrying out marketing support for the destination of Aruba. AHATA, in cooperation with the Aruba Tourism Authority, is also responsible for the Aruba Convention Bureau in the U.S.

This post was submitted by Patrick.

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