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A14 LOCAL
Tuesday 10 OcTOber 2017

Happiness Index Study Identifies Aruba as Happiest Island In The World

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