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22 AWEMainta Diaranson, 29 Maart 2023

Aruba Tourism Authority Honors Michele

and Pio Bergamo of Vineland NJ.

on March 27th, Aruba Tourism Authority
(ATA) a honored two loyal vistors of our island,
naming them “Distinguished Ambassador”.

With an emotional yet professional speech, Ms

Olga Ruiz of ATA thanked the couple Pio and
Michele Bergamo from the bottom of her heart
for their loyalty to Aruba and in addition to their

Certificate, presented them with some souve-
nirs of Aruba: Frames for their car’s number-
plates and two One Happy Island magnetic pins

that they can wear any day of the week. The
ceremony was held at Jupiterstraat 6, home
of George and Margareth Leiter – Kelberer

Ms. Olga Ruiz of ATA addresses the honorees, Michele and Pio Bergamo
before presenting them with the certificate of ‘Distinguished’ Ambassador.

Photo by George Leiter

Ms. Ruiz described briefly the three types/

levels of ATA’s ambassadors. “Distinguished”
for those who visit Aruba more than 10 years

consecutively; “Goodwill” for more tan 20
years and “Emerald” for more than 35years.
The close relationship the Bergamo couple has

with Aruba started 12 years ago. In the begin-
ning they would stay at a different place every
year, but the last few years they enjoyed the

amenities at Tierra del Sol. The grounds, the
golf course, the restaurant.... One place they
did visit every time they came to our island

was the home of Clyde Harms, Michele’s uncle.

Michele and Pio live in Vineland, NJ. They
have stated to ATA that their most impor-
tant reasons for returning to Aruba ev-

ery year are: Beauty of the isaland, es-
pecially the beaches; personal safety;

friendliness of the Aruban people; diversity
of culture and geography; friends and family.

The Bergamo couple confessed that the From left to right, Ms. Olga Ruiz, Pio and Michele Bergamo,
ceremony made them feel emotional at times, Clyde and Milagro Harms.
but assured all present that they would be Photo by George Leiter

back in 2024.