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LOCAL Thursday 25 april 2024

Aruba Tourism Authority honors loyal

visitors at Casa del Mar!

The Aruba Tourism Authority recently had the The honorees were:
great pleasure of recognizing Emerald Ambas- Emerald Ambassadors
sadors of Aruba. These Ambassadors were re- Mr. William Shea & Mrs. Donna Shea from Mas-
spectively honored with a certificate acknowl- sachusetts, United States.
edging their years of visits, loyalty, and love for
the island of Aruba. Ms. Marouska Heyliger representing the Aruba
Tourism Authority, and staff members of Casa
The honor certification is presented on behalf of del Mar bestowed the honor certification to
the Minister of Tourism as a token of apprecia- the honorees, presented them with gifts, and
tion and to say “Masha Danki” to guests who thanked them for choosing Aruba as their fa-
have visited Aruba 10, 20, or 35 years or more vorite vacation destination, as their home away
consecutively. from home.

The three honoring levels are as follows: Top reasons for returning to Aruba, provided by
the honorees were:
Distinguished Visitor (10>years consecutively vis- • “Love to bring our family members here.”
iting Aruba) • “The many lifelong friends we have made
Goodwill Ambassador (20>years consecutively here on the island.”
visiting Aruba) • “Aruba is our home away from home.” On behalf of the Aruba Tourism Authority, we
Emerald Ambassador (35>years consecutively • Aruba makes us feel safe + Aruba has the would like to express our sincere gratitude and
visiting Aruba) friendliest people. appreciation to the honoree for his continued
• Aruba is easy to travel too. visits to the “One Happy Island”.q

Aruba’s Nature is to be Cherished

a Least Tern (Sternula antil- ness of Aruba’s birds and other enough to go, see for your-
larum) keeps a strict eye on native flora and fauna. You self. The island has the most
a very special event taking may have seen a ‘pink cloud’ beautiful beaches but it is also
place below on the beach: lately at the Bubali or Span- worthwhile to go beyond this
a majestic Leatherback (Der- ish Lagoon Wetlands areas? and get an idea of our entire
mochelys coriacea) heads It’s most likely to be Roseate island. Lately there is a discus-
back to sea after laying her Spoonbills (Ajaia ajaja) or sion going on about the effect
eggs, while another nest laid ‘Chucharon Cora’ as they certain activities have on our
2 months ago by the same are known in Papiamento. nature, for example the ATV
ST. CRUZ — The national park female hatches. A very rare This unusual looking bird for- vehicles cause a lot of dust,
Arikok comprises almost 18 The national park Arikok takes occurrence of daytime nest- ages in shallow muddy water noise and leave tire tracks.
% of the island. Its rugged you on a memorable journey ing and hatching. Sea turtles while sweeping its flattened Animals live in these areas
terrain, desert-like hills filled of the islands past offering prefer nesting in the cool and bill from side to side to catch where the vehicles run, of-
with tall cacti, breathtaking unique geological, cultural dark hours of the night. And small fish, crustaeceans and ten with high speed and with
coastline and protected lo- and historical sites. These can hatchlings usually wait for the other aquatic invertebrates. detrimental consequences
cal flora and fauna welcome all be enjoyed and explored cue of cooling surface sand The Roseate Spoonbill remains to flora and fauna. Motor-
you to be explored. There is either on your own or during before emerging. an uncommon sight as they ized vehicles are forbidden
numerous wildlife to discover guided tours. A wide variety of are vulnerable to degrada- to drive on the sand dunes in
like for example the sea tur- educational and informative Bubali Magic tion of feeding and nesting the Northern part of the island
tle who lays his eggs on the programs and fun activities This beautiful close-up image habitats (Wetlands). (Source: and all beaches in Aruba are
park’s beaches. There are is available. of the pink bird is courtesy of arikok national park) forbidden for any motorized
more places on the island Did you know that four of the Michiel Oversteegen of the vehicle. Treasure our island
that are a preserved area in total seven species of sea Aruba Birdlife Conservation. The aforementioned is just a to enjoy it like you do: as a
like the Bubali Plas which is turtle lay their eggs on Aruba's This important foundation part of what Aruba’s nature tropical and natural paradise.
a bird sanctuary. beaches? In the national park, showcases and builds aware- has to offer. We cannot stress We truly appreciate it!q