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a14 local
Wednesday 6 september 2017

Happiness Index Study Identifies Aruba as Happiest Island In The World

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