Page 49 - MIN ECEM 16 JUNE 2017

A16 LOCAL
Friday 16 June 2017
Happiness Index Study Identifies Aruba as Happiest Island In The World

ORANJESTAD - New re- ba’s tourism is not the main
search suggests the “One driver of happiness, the
happy island” of Aruba is successful industry brings
the happiest island in the satisfaction to the local
world, relative to size. Fol- people and yields material
lowing a 5-year Happiness benefits/resources the gov-
Index study conducted in ernment and Aruba Tour-
partnership between Aru- ism Authority use to per-
ba Tourism Authority and petuate local happiness.
the Rosen College of Hospi- Island-wide wellness initia-
tality Management at the tives and downtown de-
University of Central Florida velopments including the
– results confirm 78 percent Linear Park, for instance,
of the Aruban population inspire quality time with
is happy, while 76 percent loved ones and personal
also express longer-term fulfillment, which locals val-
satisfaction with life. ue most.
When compared to the “Among all the destina-
2016 World Happiness Re- tion research projects our
port, commissioned by the university has conducted
United Nations to measure around the world, Aruba
the happiness index of 157 has been one of the most
larger countries, Aruba’s re- compelling islands to make
sults rank higher than No. 1 inquiries about quality of
Denmark at approximately life and happiness,” said
75.3 percent. Dr. Manuel Rivera of UCF.
“It’s important to note that “Throughout the course
while other Caribbean is- of our studies we’ve con-
lands are included in the firmed Aruba’s people are
World Happiness Report, generally happy with their
Aruba is the first and only quality of life as well as with
Caribbean island to ever the imperative connection
measure its own happiness between the destination
index,” said Dr. Robertico and tourism.
Croes of UCF. Happiness in Aruba can
“Over the past five years, be seen as a self-fulfilling
we’ve collected a signifi- cycle, tourism develop-
cant 2,000 surveys, strati- ment drives happiness for
fied across four core groups the residents which in turn
in Aruba, and have seen results in happy tourists.”
the desired stability in the As the exclusive Caribbean
island’s happiness levels.” island to measure its happi-
Aruba’s famous brand – ness index, Aruba encour-
One happy island – has ages nations of all sizes to
been around, with some follow suit.
interruptions, for nearly 40 “It is important to measure
years. the success of a country General, Taleb Rifai. model applied across oth- worldwide.”q
But for Aruba, happiness beyond economic indica- “We would like to see this er Caribbean islands and
is more than a trendy sub- tors and to make happi-
ject or tagline; it’s an inherit ness and well-being an in-
part of the island’s DNA tegral part of our national
that Aruba has committed dialogue and intent,” said
to studying since 2011. Otmar Oduber, Aruba Min-
“As the No. 2 most tourism- ister of Tourism, Transporta-
reliant nation in the world, tion, Primary Sector and
Aruba greatly values the Culture.
happiness of our local peo- “We would also like to see
ple – they are the heart and prestigious World Rank-
soul of Aruba and ensure ing Reports to incorporate
the quality tourism experi- ‘small island development
ence that has defined our states’ such as our One
destination,” said Ronella happy island, in its studies.”
Tjin Asjoe-Croes, CEO of Aruba’s approach to hap-
Aruba Tourism Authority. piness already has caught
“We evaluate the success the attention and support
of our tourism not only by of The United Nations World
its tangible benefits, but Tourism Organization.
also by intangible benefits “We’ve reviewed the re-
including local happiness sults of the study, which is in
and life satisfaction, as that line with our methodology,
directly impacts visitor hap- and believe it merits atten-
piness.” tion on a worldwide level,”
While the study reveals Aru- said UNWTO Secretary-