Page 14 - AHATA

Wednesday 10 september 2025 locAl
A10

The Price of Paradise: How Mass Tourism Is Unmaking Aruba Episode CCCXX -320

We all know that tourism brings both benefits and
drawbacks to local communities. While often seen
as a benign form of economic development, it also
carries the risk of cultural dislocation. Although tour-
ism has not led to the extinction of native peoples, it
can uproot communities and push ethnic minorities
toward what some describe as ‘cultural annihilation’
or even cultural decimation.

In Aruba, the growing daily concerns of permanent
residents—along with increasing complaints from re-
turning visitors—suggest that something is going very
wrong. This shift may be provoking a rise in tourist pho-
bia. This was the focus of Episode 200: ‘Small Island
Destination’, where we explored how Aruba increas-
ingly reflects the model described by George V. Dox-
ey in 1975. He warned that, without careful manage-
ment, tourism could become a source of community
dissatisfaction.
nic backdrops for consumption—they increasing of the pension alleged age
By the 1990s, policymakers should have adopted are living systems, and commodifying from 60 to 65. Weakening minimum
tools to monitor this growing tension—but failed to act them comes at a real cost. wage`s buying power, while forcing
in its defense. In recent years, tourism has begun to many to obtain a second income. A
We, the traditional inhabitants of Aruba, are not anti- displace local residents—especially in great deal of tourism generated prof-
tourism. The issue is not tourism itself, but the nature the north district and along the coastal its, are repatriated, and when large
and structure of the current tourism model—one that zone of Savaneta. Residential areas portion of the industry’s labor force is
affects us more directly and aggressively than ever are being converted into short-term of foreign descent, more foreign ex-
before. rentals, Airbnb, and boutique hotels, change is expelled to foreign coun-
Tourism in Aruba is expanding rapidly, to the point turning once-quiet neighborhoods into tries. This deficit requires tax increase
where it resembles a stationary cruise ship: cultural disruptive hotspots marked by late- or inflation, the artificial rising costs of
heritage is being commercialized, historical sites and night parties, flooded septic tanks, living through all imports, utilities, food,
Toponyms are misused, nature is under enormous overflowing garbage bins, and speed- gas, health care etc.— If the required
pressure, and long-held traditions are slowly disap- ing off-road vehicles. knowhow and courage don’t appear
pearing beneath layers of indifference. These impacts are felt in daily life. to sustain this tourism model—The gap
Imagine being a local, rising early to between the industry’s luxury offerings
This is why this cultural online platform Island Insight, enjoy a peaceful swim in Malmok, and the everyday lives of the average
created by Etnia Nativa in 2019, was born—to resist and find the area already crowded Aruban resident will continue to widen-
the loss of our roots and ten thousand moons of tradi- with tourists and rental vehicles—many ing by the day.
tion. hoping to swim with the now ‘poor sea This article is written by Etnia Nativa
More than just a blog, Island Insight is a cultural ini- turtles.’ We say ‘poor’ intentionally, that offers a cultural perspective on
tiative led by a one-of-a-kind residential museum, as these creatures are becoming in- the urgent need to rethink Aruba’s
founded by a native artist who has spent decades creasingly scarce. A thin film of oil from tourism future and is a powerful em-
rescuing, documenting, and sharing the true soul of sunscreens and cosmetics often floats bodiment of art, cultural heritage and
Aruba—from its Indigenous roots to its colonial lega- around them—a visible symbol of dis- sustainable living.q
cy. Today, he continues to preserve and celebrate regard for their well-being.
the island’s authentic cultural identity. Our Caribbean Sea—with its clear tur-
In an increasingly interconnected global economy, quoise waters, stunning landscapes,
mass tourism has exploded. While travel is not new, and year-round sunshine—is often But Etnia Nativa isn’t just a place — it’s
the speed and scale at which it now operates are marketed through an exotic one eye a gateway. Quietly tucked away near
overwhelming. Few places remain untouched, and lens. From the glorified image of sea the high-rise hotels, this private resi-
even the most remote destinations are now pack- turtles and exotic birds to the use of so- dence also serves as a cultural sanc-
aged and sold as ‘unique experiences.’ cioeconomic struggles as a marketing tuary, unknown to most tourists. And
Aruba is beginning to push back against the effects tool, these narratives may attract visi- that’s part of its magic. Intentionally
of excessive tourism. The island is exceeding its carry- tors, but they also erase the lived reali- exclusive, it welcomes only those with
ing capacity, leading to serious consequences for our ties of those who for many generations a genuine curiosity and a thirst for au-
environment and native species. Places once sacred call this island home. Unfortunately— thentic discovery.
to locals are now overrun by visitors, generating re- and to the detriment of its native peo-
sentment and unrest among residents. ple—Aruba has shifted its focus from Connect with the spirit and soul of Aru-
Tourism undoubtedly brings financial benefits—offer- high quality to cheap quantity. ba’s ancient heritage through a one-
ing an exchange of goods and services for recre- Foreign investors made great use of of-a-kind experience.
ation and leisure. But this is where we must pause and our tax holidays. However this on the
reconsider. On an island as fragile as ours, the envi- long run only had worsening the situa- WhatsApp: +297 592 2702 or
ronment, culture, and community are not just sce- tion for the local tax payer. Causing the Email: etnianativa03@gmail.com