Page 6 - AHATA

A8 LOCAL
Tuesday 30 July 2024
Aruba Tourism Authority honored loyal visitors at Marriott’s Aruba Ocean Club!

The Aruba Tourism Authority recently had the
great pleasure of recognizing Emerald Ambas- Mr. Jorgino Willems representing the Aruba
sadors of Aruba. The honorees were respec- Tourism Authority, and staff members of Marriott
tively honored with a certificate for their years Aruba Ocean Club bestowed the certificate
of visits, loyalty, and love for the island of Aruba. upon the honorees, presented them with gifts,
and thanked them for choosing Aruba as their
The honorary certification is presented on be- favorite vacation destination, as their home
half of the Minister of Tourism as a token of ap- away from home.
preciation and to say “Masha Danki” to guests
who have visited Aruba 10, 20, or 35 years or The top reasons for returning to Aruba provided
more consecutively. by the honorees were:
• Aruba’s people.
The three levels of honor are as follows: • Aruba’s beach.
Distinguished Visitor (10>years consecutively vis- • Aruba’s weather.
iting Aruba) • Aruba’s restaurants.
Goodwill Ambassador (20>years consecutively • Aruba is safe.
visiting Aruba)
Emerald Ambassador (35>years consecutively On behalf of the Aruba Tourism Authority, we
visiting Aruba) would like to express our sincere gratitude and
appreciation to the honorees for their contin-
The honorees were: ued visits to the “One Happy Island”.q
Emerald Ambassadors
Mr. Gerard & Mrs. Jean Kane from Parsippany
New Jersey, United States.

Aruba’s Nature is to be Cherished

ST. CRUZ — The national age of the pink bird is cour- a part of what Aruba’s na-
park Arikok comprises al- tesy of Michiel Overstee- ture has to offer. We can-
most 18 % of the island. Its gen of the Aruba Birdlife not stress enough to go, see
rugged terrain, desert-like Conservation. This impor- for yourself. The island has
hills filled with tall cacti, tant foundation showcases the most beautiful beach-
breathtaking coastline and and builds awareness of es but it is also worthwhile
protected local flora and Aruba’s birds and other na- to go beyond this and get
fauna welcome you to be tive flora and fauna. You an idea of our entire island.
explored. There is numer- may have seen a ‘pink Lately there is a discussion
ous wildlife to discover like cloud’ lately at the Bubali going on about the effect
for example the sea turtle or Spanish Lagoon Wet- certain activities have on
who lays his eggs on the lands areas? It’s most likely our nature, for example the
park’s beaches. There are to be Roseate Spoonbills ATV vehicles cause a lot of
more places on the island (Ajaia ajaja) or ‘Chucharon dust, noise and leave tire
that are a preserved area Cora’ as they are known in tracks. Animals live in these
like the Bubali Plas which is programs and fun activities mochelys coriacea) heads Papiamento. This unusual areas where the vehicles
a bird sanctuary. is available. back to sea after laying looking bird forages in shal- run, often with high speed
her eggs, while another low muddy water while and with detrimental con-
The national park Arikok Did you know that four of nest laid 2 months ago by sweeping its flattened bill sequences to flora and fau-
takes you on a memorable the in total seven species the same female hatches. from side to side to catch na. Motorized vehicles are
journey of the islands past of sea turtle lay their eggs A very rare occurrence small fish, crustaeceans forbidden to drive on the
offering unique geological, on Aruba's beaches? In of daytime nesting and and other aquatic inverte- sand dunes in the Northern
cultural and historical sites. the national park, a Least hatching. Sea turtles pre- brates. The Roseate Spoon- part of the island and all
These can all be enjoyed Tern (Sternula antillarum) fer nesting in the cool and bill remains an uncommon beaches in Aruba are for-
and explored either on keeps a strict eye on a very dark hours of the night. And sight as they are vulnerable bidden for any motorized
your own or during guided special event taking place hatchlings usually wait for to degradation of feeding vehicle. Treasure our island
tours. A wide variety of ed- below on the beach: a the cue of cooling surface and nesting habitats (Wet- to enjoy it like you do: as a
ucational and informative majestic Leatherback (Der- sand before emerging. lands). (Source: arikok na- tropical and natural para-
tional park) dise. We truly appreciate
Bubali Magic it!q
This beautiful close-up im- The aforementioned is just