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36 LOCAL NEWS AWEMainta Diaranson, 1 November 2023
STRIKING
STRIKING
A BALANCE
A BALANCE
IN ARUBA’S
IN ARUBA’S
TOURISM
TOURISM
DEVELOPMENT
DEVELOPMENT
ARUBA, often hailed as a Caribbean paradise, is facing a A solution to these challenges lies in a delicate equilibrium.
conundrum at the heart of its prosperity: how to strike the Aruba must focus on sustainable tourism, ensuring that
perfect balance between catering to the burgeoning tourist economic growth doesn’t come at the expense of environ-
industry and preserving the island’s environment and local mental preservation and local culture. While it’s true that
culture. Aruba needs its tourists, it’s equally true that they need
Aruba’s authentic charm.
The jewel of the Caribbean is undoubtedly a tourist magnet,
luring visitors with its pristine beaches, azure waters, and Stricter regulations on short-term rentals, particularly in
vibrant culture. The influx of tourists has undoubtedly residential areas, can help restore the housing market’s
boosted the local economy, providing jobs and revenue. balance. Encouraging the growth of local businesses,
However, in the quest for extracting every last dollar from including artisans and traditional shops, can be an economic
tourists, a thorny issue has arisen - the proliferation of lifeline for Arubans.
hotels, Airbnb-type rentals, and condominiums. Additionally, investing in eco-tourism initiatives and sustain-
able infrastructure is paramount. Our natural beauty is our
The proliferation of accommodations, while indeed a testa- biggest asset, and we must protect it to ensure the pros-
ment to Aruba’s popularity, has had unintended conse- perity of generations to come.
quences. Locals are grappling with rising living costs and
a real estate market that often feels like a race to the top. Finding the fine line between enticing tourists with luxu-
This inflationary spiral poses a valid question: Have we over- rious experiences and retaining the authenticity of Aruba
priced Aruba? is a challenge, but it’s one that must be met head-on. As
we continue to welcome visitors, we should remember that
Aruba’s charm lies in its authenticity and the warmth of its what sets Aruba apart is not just its white sandy beaches,
people. Visitors flock here not only for the weather but to but the warmth of its people and the richness of its culture.
experience a slice of Caribbean life. However, the growing
dominance of short-term rentals has the potential to erode The growth of tourism should not come at the expense of
this unique charm. what makes Aruba truly special. Striking a balance that
Local businesses have felt the pressure. As the tourist benefits both tourists and the local community is a neces-
dollar becomes the driving force, many traditional shops sity. Aruba can continue to shine as a Caribbean jewel, as
are making way for international brands and chains, under- long as we remember to protect the precious gems of our
mining Aruba’s distinct character. environment and culture.
