May 2014 - Aruba Agents

Transcription

Below we offer a synthesis of some of the most prominent
and important news during the month of May 2014
ATA News
Aruba Product Update
Aruba Wins Zoover Award in Holland!
May 2014
The Aruba Tourism Authority (ATA)
is the Destination Marketing
Organization for Aruba.
Our Mission:
To be an innovative and effective
DMO that positions the brand
Aruba as a premier tourism
destination, which meets interest
of it’s stakeholders.
Our vision:
For the ATA to be recognized
as the leading and cutting
edge Destination marketing
Organization
Core Values:
Empowerment Productivity
& Ownership Professional
Respect Fun & Passion.
Since 2009, the Zoover Award in Holland has been awarded to the most popular travel organizations.
This year, they added 27 different categories, among them, Vacation/ Travel outside of Europe,
for which Aruba was nominated for the first time and has just been awarded the top prize.
Among the scores in various categories, Aruba scored 9.59 for cordiality and hospitality.
In quality of accommodations offered to visitors, the destination scored 9.41. Its average for all
categories was 9.37.
Tirso Tromp, Area Director for Aruba Tourism Authority in Europe, stated, “We are very proud of
this award. Zoover is a very important indicator in the travel world.” He expressed his gratitude
to all those who work in the tourism industry, contributing to the high score for cordiality and
hospitality. He also thanked the Aruba Hotel & Tourism Association (AHATA), hotels and all those
providing accommodations to Dutch tourists who vacation in Aruba. Tirso added, ”The first three
months of 2014 were impressive for tourism from Europe, during which Aruba welcomed almost
10,000 tourists (9,650), an increase of 7.5% when compared to the first three months of 2013.
In the European market, Holland comes first in the number of Aruba visitors. The Dutch public has
shown their appreciation for our destination and scored us high in hospitality. This confirms to us
that Aruba is indeed “One Happy Island” with warm and welcoming people.”
Zoover also maintains a social network called MyZoover. On this site, users can win points by
adding photos, video or evaluations. The website also allows travelers to do evaluations, share
criticism of hotel accommodations and of destinations and attractions.
For more information, visit zooverawards.nl or the ATA Netherlands website nl.aruba.com.
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Aruba Product Update May 2014 - For more information visit www.aruba.com
Index View Print Exit
World Travel Market
An Aruba delegation recently visited São Paulo, Brazil, to participate
in the World Travel Market for the Latin American market. This is an
important global event for the Latin American travel industry. One of the
objectives is to bring buyers and businesses together, especially aimed
at those that focus on meetings and incentives (MICE).
The delegation from the Aruba Tourism Authority also visited important
tour operators in São Paolo together with hotels and destination
management companies. Aruba made a presentation for all those
present, sharing all the benefits that Aruba can offer to incentive
groups. The Aruba Convention Bureau together with ATA Brazil hosted
a lunch for 20 representatives of top tour operators, providing another
marketing opportunity.
Aruba was represented by Jerusha Rasmijn and Darysse Croes of
the Aruba Convention Bureau. Representing ATA Brazil was Carlos
Barbosa, Director, along with Beatriz Santo and Sandra Dasilva. ACB
is a department of ATA aimed at promoting incentive group business
as well as meetings and conventions. Hotels present were Divi Resorts,
Aruba Marriott Resort & Casino, and Radisson Aruba Resort. De Palm
Tours represented the Destination Management segment. The goal of
this event was to bring top of mind awareness to Aruba and also to bring
group business to the island.
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Resorts
Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino
New Director of Sales & Marketing
Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino is proud to
announce the appointment of Carolina Voullieme
as its director of sales and marketing. Voullieme
brings over ten years of international sales and
marketing experience to Aruba Marriott. Voullieme
comes to Aruba Marriott after three years as
director of sales and marketing at The Ritz-Carlton,
Santiago in Chile.
Having previously worked as director of sales and
marketing at Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort
and prior to that, the San Juan Marriott Resort
& Stellaris Casino, Voullieme has experience in
multiple languages and possesses an array of
cultural sales techniques. In her new role at Aruba
Marriott, Voullieme will be responsible for leading
the hotel sales, marketing and communications
activities, as well as maximizing revenue generation
for the property.
Bonbi came out to play
Young and old at the Aruba Marriott Resort
& Stellaris Casino received a special visit
from Bonbi, Aruba’s official mascot. Bonbi
walked around the hotel to meet and greet
the young ones and their parents who
were all excited to spend time with the
cheerful lizard.
“The One Happy Family Program is a
great initiative for families visiting the
island looking to have a fun time together
seeing that the package includes special
offers on accommodation and family
activities,” shared Keirsin Tjon Pian Gi,
PR & eCommerce Manager of the resort.
Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino
is a proud participant of the One Happy
Family Program and was excited to host
Bonbi’s first resort visit.
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Radisson Aruba Resort, Casino & Spa
Discover Your Family Time
Sunrise Breakfast
The Radisson Aruba Resort, Casino & Spa is excited to announce
the next phase of the Discover Program – Discover Your Family Time.
The brainchild of General Manager Mark Frances, the Discover
Program is a series of complimentary daily activities geared toward this
generation’s energetic and experiential travelers which fall into one of
resort’s four pillars: Rest & Relaxation; Nutrition & Diet; Rejuvenation;
and Exercise & Fitness.
The Radisson Aruba truly knows how to make memorable moments
happen. Last month, the resort arranged for some guests to experience
a sunrise breakfast on top of the Jamanota Hill – the highest point in
Aruba at 620 ft. While the wake-up call was before 5:00 a.m., the result
was an amazing view of the sun coming up on one side, and the rare
Blood Moon moving away on the other. Just another example of the
completely customizable experiences available at Radisson Aruba!
As travelers are looking ahead to summer to plan their family getaways,
the new Discover Your Family Time program includes kid-friendly
activities such as sand castle making, cake decorating and scavenger
hunts. Guests will also still be able to choose from Discover Program
staples like yoga, stand up paddle boarding, and bike tours to the
California Lighthouse. All Discover Program activities are complimentary.
A complete schedule of daily activities can be found in the resort’s lobby.
Discover Your Family Time will run June 1 – September 15.
Aruba On the Rocks
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The resort has recently introduced reusable branded tumblers, available
for purchase at any of the F&B outlets for $3.50. When guests use
the tumbler, they will receive $1 off all beverages at any of the resort’s
restaurants. Cheers!
Earth Day
Earth Day (April 22) was commemorated as
colleagues walked, run, rode their bikes and
carpooled to work, encouraged to adjust to a
more environmentally-friendly transportation
routine, while staying fit and healthy.
In the morning, colleagues and guests also
cleaned the beach area near the California
Dunes, and returning with quite some loot,
scoured from the beaches. During the day,
guests were asked to focus on their personal
environmental choices. A letter from the
General Manager, Marc Frances, together
with a tent card, asked guests to turn off nonessential lights, and adjust the air conditioner
to a warmer setting when leaving the room.
All colleagues and guests received a special
pin and t-shirt in honor of Earth Day 2014. The
Earth Day edition of Biba Aruba weekly pooldeck happening featured guest Arikok park
rangers, and an array of unique recycled art
for sale, the proceeds of which were donated
to Arikok National Park.
Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino
Renovation and Upgrades
Full guestroom renovation at the adult
exclusive Marina Hotel, along with upgrades
to restaurants, bars and public spaces await
guests. Completed renovations this spring and
summer include completely redesigned rooms
at the adult exclusive Marina Hotel, renovated
spaces at L.G. Smith’s Steak & Chop House
and Papagayo on Renaissance Island, and a
chic new look at the Blue Bar and Marina Hotel
pool deck.
polished nickel, silver and white porcelain tiles,
white quartz tops accents, back lit mirrors and
spacious showers. Papagayo, Renaissance
Island’s open-air eatery and beach hangout,
debuts a colorful new look this season, along
with a new menu. Guests enjoying the sun and
sand on Aruba’s only private island can enjoy
frozen drinks, sandwiches and light bites,
along with custom pizzas from the new stone
fired pizza oven.
The renovation by Long Island City, N.Y. based
Dash Design was recently completed, and
combines authentic Aruban elements with
contemporary design cues to create a sleek,
functional look. A renovation of the family friendly
Ocean Suites property is on the horizon.
Renaissance Aruba also encourages guests
to “Get Out and Discover” the island through
the Navigator program, which features “In The
Know” itineraries curated by on-site experts
and can feature local food and drink, shopping,
music, entertainment and cultural experiences.
The RLife Live interactive platform provides
guests and locals the opportunity to enjoy
live entertainment and engage directly with
musical, culinary and artistic talent on-site.
Renovated guestrooms are designed to
resemble the design of a custom yacht, and
bathrooms invoke a spa-like experience with
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Earth Hour
This is the third consecutive year that Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino
contributes to ‘Earth Hour’ which is an worldwide event organized once
a year by World Wide Fund of Nature (WWF). The goal of this event is to
encourage households and businesses to take action on climate change
and global movement by turning off lights for one hour. Renaissance
Aruba Resort & Casino also joined in this event and contributed to the
‘Earth Hour’ 2014.
From 8:30 pm till 9:30 pm, Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino turned
off the lights of the parking lot in front of the government offices, all
common light poles, parts of the Renaissance Marina Hotel façade,
Renaissance Marketplace exterior lights, Renaissance Mall exterior
lights, Seaport Casino exterior lights and signs and also the Crystal
Casino tower.
“Renaissance Aruba Resort constantly supports activities that create
awareness on importance of protecting our environment. This year our
community has shown much more interest in the ‘Earth Hour’ and we
are very happy to have been able to turn off the main lights of our resort
and the area around our premises to contribute to this important cause”,
according to marketing executive Zugheila Lindeborg.
La Cabana Beach Resort & Casino
Spearheaded by the Housekeeping and the Engineering
Departments, Earth Day was commemorated at La
Cabana Beach Resort & Casino with a morning cleanup.
At 8 am, members of Housekeeping and Engineering
fanned all over Eagle Beach to scour clean the resort’s
road-sides and gardens.
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Awards
Conde Nast Traveler’s 2014 Reader’s Choice Awards Ballots – Last Chance to Vote
The Aruba Tourism Authority is thrilled to confirm
Aruba’s placement on the Conde Nast Traveler’s
2014 Reader’s Choice Awards ballots. The survey
is available for voting now through June 3 at:
cntraveler.com/vote/readers-choice-survey-2014
— and results will be announced in the November
2014 issue.
Caribbean Cities; Best Islands; Top Caribbean
Resorts; and Best Airports categories.
The award ballots historically present comprehensive
listings of hotels, resorts, cities, islands, airlines,
and cruise ships. Aruba is on the ballot for the Best
As this award is determined by the public, everyone
is encouraged to vote for Aruba. Hotel guests are
encouraged to rate their experiences.
Additionally, this year Condé Nast Traveler expanded
the ballot to inquire about voters’ complete travel
experiences — whether they traveled with family or
friends, for business or pleasure, whether the trip
was worth the cost, etc.
Bucuti & Tara Beach Resorts
Named #1 hotel in Aruba by Zoover.nl
Bucuti & Tara Beach Resorts has been named #1 hotel on Aruba by the users of Dutch
consumer website Zoover.nl. This popular website is a Dutch counterpart to sites
like TripAdvisor.com. Users write their reviews and rate the hotels where they stay on
criteria like location, service, value for money, food and the quality of the rooms. For all
but one of these, Bucuti & Tara Beach Resorts scored at least 8.3 out of 10, with an
overall appreciative score of 9.1, higher than all other four participating resorts on the
island. Zoover-users describe the hotel in their reviews as a ‘wonderful hotel with really
friendly staff, on the most beautiful location in Aruba, Eagle Beach’.
This is the third time that Bucuti & Tara Beach Resorts has won this award. Still
operated by its owner, Ewald Biemans, Bucuti was added last year to Condé Nast
Traveler’s prestigious Gold List, recognizing the world’s best places to stay. It was also
selected as a Top Resort in the Caribbean by the readers of that same publication.
Additional accolades include constant placement of Eagle Beach in the Top 25
Beaches in the World by TripAdvisor, and more than two dozen environmental awards
and certifications, including the Highest Achievement Award as the top performing
sustainable travel & tourism business in the Caribbean by Green Globe Certification.
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Aruba Happy Rentals
Paradera Park
‘Top Rental Award’ by Flipkey and ‘Rated Excellent’ by Tripadvisor!
Winner of Zoover Best Apartment Award 2014
Based on exceptional guest reviews and an impressive listing, Aruba
Happy Rentals has been recognized with a “Top Rental Property”
award by FlipKey. Aruba Happy Rentals has also qualified for a “Rated
Excellent” badge from Tripadvisor.
The winners of the 2014 Zoover Awards were recently announced in the
Netherlands. Zoover, the largest independent review site of the Benelux,
named Aruba ‘Best Vacation Destination outside the European Union’.
Aruba Happy Rentals is a great team with professionals to make sure
guests from all over the world enjoy a wonderful vacation and that
homeowners have peace of mind – whether they have a beautiful
apartment, luxury villa or private home. Today, Aruba Happy Rentals has
an inventory of more than 150 properties for short- and long-term rental
and overseas their property management and maintenance.
Products and services offered by the company are: Property
Management, Vacation Villa Rentals, Long Term Rentals, Real Estate,
Investing Opportunities, Local Housing & Development, Construction
Project Management and Guidance. Aruba Happy Rentals serves
all markets, however is very strong in the North American Market,
the Canadian Market, South American and European Market.
www.arubahappyrentals.com
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The 2014 Zoover Award winner for ‘Best Apartments in Aruba’ is Paradera
Park. Paradera Park is family-owned and has successfully hosted
international guests in Aruba for the past 20 years. The 17-unit apartment
complex consists of Deluxe Studios, 1-and 2-bedroom apartments. It is
the first time Paradera Park and Aruba are awarded by this European
review site, which is visited by 185 million users annually. The Zoover
Awards were handed out to accommodations in 60 countries.
“For the past ten consecutive years, American review site TripAdvisor has
recognized and awarded us. Now we can add the highest recognition
of European review site Zoover,” states Managing Director Deborah de
Weerd. “We receive a variety of nationalities at Paradera Park, such as
guests from North- and Latin America, as well as Dutch, other European
and local guests. Being recognized and awarded by two of the most
renowned review sites in our top markets is an indication that our guests
truly appreciate our product and service.”
Restaurants
L. G. Smith’s Chop & Steakhouse Introduces Chef Kelvyn Garcia
Chef Garcia just recently joined the
culinary brigade at the Renaissance
Resorts, where he will be in charge of
its flagship restaurant, L. G. Smith’s,
an American Steakhouse and the
USDA-inspected Certified Angus
Beef headquarters on the island.
topped with scampi King crab, tiger
shrimp, poached lobster and lobster
Hollandaise; or the Steakhouse
Chop Salad with more than 10
delectable ingredients including
applewood smoked bacon and
aged cheddar.
The chef is on a mission to introduce
bolder and bigger flavors in such
dishes as the Big Oscar Prime
Top Sirloin, Certified Angus Beef,
Chef Garcia graduated with honors
from the Culinary Arts School
in Venezuela, also furthering his
training there as a Sommelier.
He worked with great chefs at
Amuse Bistro in Aruba and, prior
to that, at the Hotel Tamanaco
Intercontinental, in Venezuela. He
travelled to Europe and further
honed his skills at the 2 Michelin
stars Mugaritz restaurant, at the 3
Michelin star El Celler de Can Roca
restaurant, and at the 3 Michelin
star Akelare restaurant, all three
renowned establishments in Spain.
Marandi Reopening as Arubaville
Sopranos Piano Bar
Sopranos Piano Bar in the Arawak Garden across from the Occidental
Resort is a great place for an evening filled with fun, a few drinks,
a nightcap or two or a final one-for-the-road. The place is also
excellent for celebrations, whether they are outrageous birthdays,
stag or hen nights, anniversaries or even weddings. Sopranos
sizzles every night of the week, with specials and international
piano players who get the bar hopping. They play requests and the
rowdier the night, the better they play.
Marandi will be closed in May for renovation
and will reopen in June, providing a great local
experience as an informal restaurant that is more
colorful and approachable for tourists and local
guests. The location will remain to be the same,
but the menu won’t. The restaurant will be more
influenced by the island Aruba, with its colorful,
laid back and cozy ‘one happy island’ atmosphere,
where the fun happens! With this change they will
also change our menu. The menu will be more
influenced by the Caribbean. The restaurant’s
new name will be Arubaville.
Live entertainment begins at 5 pm and goes on until 2 am in the
weekends, or until 1 am during weekdays. On Wednesday night,
it’s Couples Night, with $ 4.00 champagne for the ladies and $ 4.00
Heineken draft for the gents. On Fridays, a Happy Hour starts at
5 pm and goes on till 8 pm with a two-for-one special. Saturday is
Unplugged with Jersey Sophia, playing from 8 until midnight.
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Opening of Unique Cocktail Lounge
Amuse Bistro Welcomes New Restaurant Manager
Unique Cocktail Lounge is located in the center of South Beach Mall in
Palm Beach, with its own kind of ambiance and character - classic with
a modern twist.
Amuse Bistro is tucked charmingly away on the driveway in front of the
Playa Linda Beach Resort. Their Carte Blanche 3- or 5-course menu is
a surprise dinner during which owner/chef Patrick van der Donk shows
off his skills.
Unique is the first of its kind with a wide variety of drinks including
Molecular mixology and cocktails. Their goal is to get to a higher level
of entertainment, owner Kevin explains. “All can come and enjoy a drink
and meet new people or catch up with old friends, no cover charge,
we keep it simple. Unique is a small establishment, with reasonable
prices, yet still high quality drinks and beer.”
Molecular mixology is the term applied to the process of creating
cocktails using the equipment and techniques of molecular gastronomy.
These methods enable the creation of greater intensities and varieties
of flavor, flavor combinations and different ways of presenting drinks,
for example using gels, powders, foams, atomized sprays etc., as well as
affecting the appearance of the cocktail.
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Amuse Bistro serves French-inspired cuisine, from French classics with
a dash of Arubian flair, to gourmet creations such as scargots, tenderloin
and duck liver, Boeuf Bourguignon, crème brûlée and more. Frequented
by some of the best chefs on the island, this wonderfully intimate
restaurant has a stamp of the highest approval.
But now there is another reason to have dinner at Amuse: Christiaan
Hoogland is there as the restaurant’s new manager. An amazing gift
for faces and names has stood him in good stead during his fourteen
years at Madame Janette, before joining Amuse. Christiaan’s favorites at
Amuse Bistro include scallops, rack of New Zealand lamb with thyme,
Parmesan cheese and a red wine sauce, and the short ribs that melt
in your mouth.
Papillon Restaurant Celebrates its
Fifth Anniversary
Chef Erwin’s Seasonal Specials at Screaming Eagle
Screaming Eagle never disappoints with unique seasonal specialties enhancing its menu. Some
latest additions are king crab and crème brulee of avocado. Another seasonal specialty is veal
brains, similar to veal sweetbreads. Cheeks of Iberico pork that gets its distinctive flavor from
an acorn diet is braised until tender and served with chanterelle mushroom and risotto of green
asparagus. Main courses also include Pan fried red bream served with glazed young carrots,
creamy corn meal with tarragon and horseradish sauce.
Among the tasty appetizers are Tataki of yellowfin tuna served with wakame, orange wedges,
vine tomatoes, sweet and sour cucumber, wasabi and soy-sesame dressing; Butter poached
king crab served with crème brulee of avocado, pitahaya cactus fruit, toasted brioche and lemoncrème fraîche; and Crispy confit of chicken thigh served with thai caramelized shrimp, butter
lettuce, atjar of cabbage and cauliflower and oriental mayonnaise. Every dish has a touch of
surprise, such as Creamy pumpkin soup with lobster chunks.
Papillon Restaurant in the Village Mall across
from the Radisson Resort on the hi-rise strip
is well-known for its outstanding cuisine.
The restaurant’s name refers to the world’s
most famous prisoner, Henri Charrière, alias
Papillon, who escaped from Devil’s Island.
The theme-based restaurant with its excellent
French-Caribbean cuisine is celebrating its
fifth anniversary this year. Manager Tina van
Mal and Executive Chef Bas Kuurstra invite
you to join the celebrations which include a
5-course dinner with 5 wines for $ 50.00 per
person; the fifth guest at the table gets 50% off
his cheque. The festivities start on May 5 and
continue until June 5.
The first of the 2014 asparagus harvest from
Holland and Belgium has arrived. Executive
Chef Bas Kuurstra’s menu features the
Crème of Gold asparagus soup made with
smoked salmon and parsley. The Salmon &
Gold features white asparagus with sliced
smoked salmon. The traditional Asparagus
à la Flamande is served with chopped
eggs, nutmeg, parsley and melted butter.
The Asparagus Hollandaise, Halibut & Gold,
and Lamb & Gold are also popular choices.
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Aruba Gastronomic Association Dine Around Program
Sunset Grille Entertains and Updates Press
Committed to excellence in service and product, the Aruba Gastronomic
Association has just welcomed 12 new members to its restaurant roster
and its unique and popular Dine Around program, the only one of its
kind in the Caribbean. This stellar dining experience offers a selection
of delicious ethnic and international specialties served at a host of
diverse restaurants.
The award-winning Radisson Aruba Resort, Casino & Spa played host
to a group of media personalities on the eve of the Easter holiday,
serving AAA Four-Diamond hors d’oeuvres over cocktails, peppered
with information about the resort and its upcoming events.
With the additions, the member restaurants are Amazonia, Aqua
Grill, Aquarius and L. G. Smith’s Steak & Chop House (Renaissance
Aruba Resort), Buccaneer, Carambola, Chef’s Tables, Cuba’s Cookin’,
Driftwood, Elements (Bucuti Beach Resort), French Steak House and
Ike’s Bistro (Manchebo Beach Resort), Gasparito, Hostaria da’ Vittorio,
Iguana Cantina, Iguana Joe’s, La Trattoria El Faro Blanco, Las Ramblas
(La Cabana), Le Petit Café, Mexicado and Ruinas del Mar (Hyatt Aruba
Resort), Promenade, Pure Beach and Pure Ocean (Divi Aruba Beach
Resort), Taj Mahal, Tandoor, Texas de Brazil, and Aruba Wine & Dine
restaurants (Café de Plaza, Fishes & More, Hadicurari, Moomba Beach,
Nos Clubhuis, Salt & Pepper,Tango).
Visit www.arubadining.com to whet your appetite, view a la carte and
special AGA menus and general restaurant information, make restaurant
reservations, find recipes, latest restaurant news, and meet the chefs.
Order forms for the Dine Around program and gift certificates are found
there as well, along with a link to Facebook.
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Nunette Maduro, the Radisson’s PR & Communication Executive
greeted the dignitaries on behalf of management and shared the latest
information festivities and promotions, also introducing Audrey Wolff,
Catering & Convention Services Manager who spoke about the resort’s
plans for Holy Communion celebrations and the upcoming Spring and
Summer weddings.
Press members enjoying the legendary hospitality of the Sunset Grille
Restaurant included local radio, TV and newspaper personalities who
were pampered with grilled-to-perfection Lamb Chops, USDA Certified
Angus Beef tips, and colorful just-made sushi rolls, all prepared in the
exhibition kitchen under the watchful eye of the resort’s culinary artists.
The beautiful décor in the AAA Four Diamond Sunset Grille Restaurant
spills over to Mira Solo Martini Bar, aimed at maximizing guests’
waterfront experience, from every angle.
Culture
Art Rules is Back and Celebrating Five Years!
Caribbean Queen
The educational arts program that took Aruba by storm in
2010 will now celebrate five years with an extravagant kick
off party on July 5, 2014. What started as a vision of Ira and
Ayra Kip, Founders of Art Rules and directors of the Pancake
Gallery Foundation, has become Aruba’s biggest summer
festival for hungry artistic teens to explore and train their
artistic side.
Every month, Caribbean Queen at Palm Beach
Plaza Mall honors one local female artist who
lives and creates here. The CQ program was
launched when the store opened in late 2011.
For the month of May 2014, local artist Maja
Lepsanovic is the boutique’s celebrated CQ,
showcasing her art for locals and visitors
to admire and purchase. Born in Belgrade,
Serbia, Maja came to Aruba 2-1/2 years ago
and started painting owls and geckos on
driftwood. Her art combines driftwood with
different materials such as stones, pearls and
bamboo while incorporationg different painting
techniques in the colors of Aruba.
With the help of loyal partners such as Aruba Airport Authority, Art Rules Aruba has since 2010
trained more than 700 individuals cultivating their artistic talents and skills. The project has
motivated numerous Aruban teens to either pursue a study in the Arts abroad and inspire young
people to become young professionals in their field.
From exhibitions, album launches to even a space in the short film corner of Cannes Film Festival
in France, Art Rules students are showing the world how artistic and talented the youth of Aruba
is and how much they have to offer in the global playing field of the Arts.
This year, Cas di Cultura will be the playground for Art Rules Aruba and host the whole program
and all its classes and events for 2 weeks with the support of Da Vinci Academy next door
Those interested can sign up now for one of the 250 spaces Art Rules Aruba has to offer in one
of the disciplines including, DJ, Music & Performance, Dance, Theater, Culinary Arts, Fashion,
Creative Media and this years bonus workshop Art Rules Junior, a special workshop created for
9-12 year olds. www.artrulesaruba.com
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Juan Chabaya “Padu” Lampe
As composer, musician, artist and author Juan Chabaya “Padu” Lampe turned 94 on April 26. Each year,
the island paid tribute to the many cultural contributions he has made to Aruba and internationally. A free
concert was also organized at the Cas di Cultura on Sunday night following his birthday by Johnny Croes of
the Rufo Wever Music School. It featured a full program of some of the island’s most respected musicians
and vocalists performing several of Padu’s most popular compositions.
The event was attended by many of the composer’s fans, including Prime Minister Mike Eman and his wife.
Though appearing frail and recuperating from a broken hip, Padu was there with his daughter, Vivien.
Juan Chabaya “Padu” Lampe is perhaps best known as the co-composer, with Rufo Wever, of Aruba’s
national anthem “Aruba Dushi Terra,” – “Sweet Land Aruba.” The song was not originally written to be the
national anthem, and is a rhythmic waltz, a signature work of Padu.
Appearing on Sunday’s concert playbill titled “A Bo So,” after one of his most popular ballads, were vocalists
Gilda Fernandez and Miguel Genser in duet, Arlene Wever-Croes, Tica Giel, Rachel Kraaijvanger, Edwin
Abath, Etty Toppenberg and Victor Samuel. Since many of his waltzes, mazurkas and tumbas were written
for the keyboard, his work was interpreted by pianists Albert Croes, Victor Camacho, Catherine ProvenceHanrath and Rob Rijnbout, Angelique Janssen, and Jonathan Vieira, director of the Cas di Cultura.
UNOCA Gallery
On May 2, the work of Aruban artist Rudyomar Leysner went on display in his first solo show at the
UNOCA art gallery. The UNOCA building is located on the Stationweg in Oranjestad, very close to
the Aruba Entertainment Center. The work was on display until Friday May 16.
The 26-year old demonstrated various techniques and mediums that he favors, from stylized
pencil portraits to manipulating images in the computer. Rudyomar has achieved international
attention with his work being selected for an exposition at the Univeristy of Calda in Manizales,
Colombia in 2011 and earning mention of merit during his participation in the Lara Primer Course
in realistic painting, drawing and sculpture in Spain.
This exhibition is a precursor to his participation in a group show at the Lucid Gallery in Miami,
Florida, with a theme “Psychedelic.” Along with his many works on the gallery walls, he provided
a small preview of some of the work he will be showing in the U.S.
The artist expressed that he is inspired by the physical world, nature, the elements, translating
them to comment on abstract and emotional concepts such as evolution, joy, innocence
and corruption.
The UNOCA building is located on the Stationweg in Oranjestad, very close to the Aruba
Entertainment Center.
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L’America Gallery
L’America Gallery, located behind Certified Mall on Italiestraat, features
fabulous art pieces from the Americas as well as small interesting
museum, frame-making services, and exclusive wines.
This month’s feature artist is Doniel Espinoza who has participated in
more than 30 group shows in Guatemala, El Salvador, Ecuador, the
United States and Germany. Known as “the poet of the extraordinary”,
his paintings are characterized by strength of color showing powerful
emotion.His penetrating look goes further than instinct, allowing him
freedom to express his creativity.
Activities
Fofoti Tours and Transfers Kids Tour Free Offer
Fofoti Tours and Transfers, Aruba’s luxury full service tour and transfer
operator, is enticing families to take their kids on the Family Fun Tour with
its new, limited time only “Kids Tour Free” offer. The adventurous family
who makes a new reservation on the company’s website or facebook
page can take advantage of this exclusive offer. Guests must book their
tour from May 1st through July 31, 2014.
The Family Fun Tour starts off with a visit to the island’s unusual
countryside to admire all of nature’s different tints and colorful cunucu
houses. This is followed by a visit to the Aloe Museum & Factory with a
walk through the factory for an educational tour, then onto the Casibari
Rock Formations for a more active climb to admire the view. The tour
continues with a visit to the Natural Bridge ruins, followed by a short stop
at the Bushiribana Gold Mills ruins for a quick picture on the way over
to Philip’s Animal Garden where visitors can get up close and personal
with the animals. Refreshments and snacks are served at this location.
The last stop before returning to the hotel is the historic Alto Vista Chapel.
15
De Palm Tours
New Cycle & Snorkel tour
Sixteen years sailing with De Palm Tours
In preparation for De Palm’s new off-road Cycle & Snorkel Adventure,
some members of the management team were the so-called talent for
the tour video and photo shoot. Together with \a video production team
and their new Trek Fuel EX 6 and Trek Lush mountain bikes, they went to
the north coast for the start of the tour. Though the official tour will start
at the Natural Bridge, the shoot started at Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins.
The tour guide and bikers went along the coast to Alto Vista Chapel
followed by a Land Rover with camera crew. Like real actors, they had
to bike the same path over and over again, climb hills twice, bike past
the cameraman in the middle of the road and pose for beautiful shots
along the way.
Sixteen years ago George & Sandra Clavet and Al & Sandra Pepin set
foot on Aruba for the first time and have coming back ever since. One
of the highlights of their Aruba vacations is a sailing trip on De Palm
Tours catamarans. In the early days Sea Venture was the vessel of
choice which was replaced for a short time by Fun Factory and now the
luxurious Palm Pleasure. Both couples have never missed a trip on Palm
Pleasure, in fact they go multiple times during each visit.
The tour itself will follow the coastline up to the Arashi area where
it will come to a refreshing end with a dip in the crystal clear water.
Here participants will have a moment to snorkel (equipment provided),
swim or just relax. The tour officially started in April.
16
Aside from the vessel and the beautiful Caribbean Sea, what keeps them
coming back every time? It’s the crew. They have come to know Captain
Nymrod Mac Farlane, his son Randy Mac Farlane for the past sixteen
years as well as longtime crew members Cesar Maduro and Patrick de
Windt. They and the crew have developed such a strong bond they keep
in contact throughout the year. Although both couples don’t snorkel
anymore when on board they say, “We just want to be on board and
feel like one of the crew”. In fact every time they go on Palm Pleasure
they wear outfits that look exactly like the uniforms worn by the crew.
As a token of appreciation De Palm Tours extended complimentary
sailing trips to both couples for their loyalty to Aruba and the company.
Kukoo Kunuku
Aruba Motorcycle Tours
Now is the time to hop on board the Kukoo Kunuku bus for either their
Dinner & Nightlife Tour or the Pub Krawl. They have been entertaining
guests and locals on Aruba for over 20 years and know how to
do it right!
Aruba Motorcycle Tours owners Arjen Hof and Lucienne Hof-Kalis have
been living on Aruba for more then 15 years. Arjen, known as “the Harley
doctor”, opened his own shop in 2011, “The Bike Clinic”.
Every month, scores of birthdays are celebrated, as well as anniversaries,
honeymoons, engagements, bachelorette parties, sisterhood, in love
again, girls’ getaways, spring break and all kinds of creative milestones.
It is the perfect choice for an outing with an incentive trip or convention,
such as the recent Aruba Meets Europe event for international
tourism partners.
But you don’t need a special celebration to hop on board the Kukoo
Kunuku! Come and join everyone else’s celebration/ You can even
plan out your own private island tour complete with great Caribbean
music and maracas to shake along the way. The Kukoo Kunuku offers
many different packages besides their famous Dinner & Nightlife Tour &
Pub Krawls. www.kukookunuku.com
17
“We offer Harley island tours in small groups daily in the morning as well
as in the afternoon with experienced tour guides. Our tour guides keeps
you out of busy traffic, so more touring for you! If that’s not your thing
and you prefer to tour the island by yourself, not a problem at all with our
rental offers. Either way you will enjoy riding through the endless variety
of island landscapes Aruba has to offer with stunning scenery all along –
and all that paired with the comfort of our Harley Davidson Motorcycles.
Your safety is important to us so we provide DOT approved helmets.”
Aruba Motorcycle Tours offers a choice of 4 different types of Harley
Davidsons, all well-maintained and clean at all times: Harley Davidson
Roadking: Excellent bike for touring a heavy bike suited for the
experienced rider; Harley Davidson Heritage Softail: A smooth ride low
seat perfect easy handling; Harley Davidson Dyna: Powerful bike with a
sporty riding position; and Harley Davidson Sportster: 1200cc’s of power
easy to handle great for shorter & women riders. They also provide free
pick up and dropoff service. www.arubamotorcycletours.com
Safety and Security
Aruba Wine and Dine
Nature and Environment
Arikok National Park
A U.S. National Park Service (NPS) team traveled to Aruba to provide technical advice on the
management of Aruba’s Arikok National Park and a proposed system of more than a dozen
smaller protected areas. NPS Chief of Planning Patrick Gregerson, Superintendent Pat Kenney
with the Cape Lookout National Seashore, and Jon Putnam of the Office of International Affairs
met with high-level Aruban governmental officials and management and board of Arikok National
Park Foundation (FNPA) during their visit. NPS is preparing initial recommendations for FNPA,
and there are plans for a follow-up workshop to help Arikok staff develop a management
planning document.
For the second year in a row, a First Aid and
AED course has been taught to the managers
of the Aruba Wine and Dine group (AWD).
The course, taught by Sue Ann Lin at the end
of March, served as both a refresher course
and first-time, hands-on training. The course
had been divided into two parts: CPR and
first aid. The students learned what to do in
the case of a heart attack and other medical
emergencies, among them the use of the
automatic defibrillator (AED). There are now
AED devices ready for use at Salt & Pepper
Restaurant and MooMba Beach Restaurant.
The managers of the AWD group are on
professional stand-by for whatever calamity
may occur.
The park receives approximately 100,000 visitors yearly, the majority of which are tourists.
Arikok employs over 40 personnel, including entrance cashiers, administrative staff, and rangers
that guide visitors, work with school groups and maintain the park’s trails and facilities.
18
Dr. Horacio E. Oduber Hospital
As part of the observance of the National Day of Emergency Responders
in Holland on April 28, Horacio E. Oduber Hospital organized a series
of forums on the topic of Safety and Security, inviting partners from
different sectors to create a prepared chain of response in case of an
emergency.
along with Sjaak Koeten, Director Special Operation Training Unit,
who shared safety and security policies and procedures at the hospital.
Other presenters included Glenn Rock WEB (national utility company),
Walter Mohamed of Playa Linda Beach Resort, and Herbert Domacassee
of Aruba Airport Authority.
The hotel and private sector was invited to attend the first forum,
providing the opportunity for an exchange of ideas aimed at setting up
and/or improving the emergency response team in an organization
The goals of the forums include building a network of professionals in their
field, promoting the importance of emergency response, and instituting
memoranda of understanding between the hospital and various parties
in order to speed up response time. Future focus groups will include Red
Cross, Dutch Marines, and public sector including health department,
social affairs; AZV and IMSAN (health care providers).
Among the speakers were Milka Schoop-Wernet, Security Manager,
and John Fun, Facility Manager, both at Dr. Horacio E. Oduber Hospital,
Retail
Renaissance Mall Welcomes Dolce & Gabbana,
and Pretty Ballerinas
The latest additions to the upscale Renaissance Mall are Pretty Ballerinas
and Dolce & Gabbana. Stores are open from Mondays - Saturdays from
10 am - 8pm.
Dolce & Gabbana is an iconic name in luxury fashion worldwide, based on
a cinematic dream of Sicily. With a succession of curvy movie-world muses
including Anna Magnani, Sophia Loren, Monica Bellucci, and Scarlett
Johansson, the stylistic signature has remained consistent over the years,
emphasizing tailoring, la bella figura, leopard print, lingerie, and lace, all with an
air of playful mischief.
Pretty Ballerinas is luxury Spanish brand creating fine footwear and ballerina
shoes since 1918. Eminently comfortable and supremely feminine, their designs
and quality made celebrities like Angelina Jolie, Sarah Jessica Parker, Princess
Leticia of Spain, Kate Middleton, Claudia Schiffer, Nickie Hilton and many others
be regular customers of their shops.
19
FX Aruba Surf Shop, for the Active Vacationer
First there was windsurfing, then Kitesurfing was added, Landsailing
snuck in as a natural choice for the active vacationer, then Stand Up
Boarding became a hit, and just recently Mountain Biking joined the
repertory of fun activities at Aruba Active Vacation, AAV.
AAV was started in 1992 as a windsurfing school at Fisherman’s Huts.
Nowadays it offers quality windsurfing and kitesurfing lessons with a
rental program of windsurf, kite, SUP, and snorkel equipment and the
latest happy addition, Marin mountain bikes!
Wim Eelens teamed up with Geert van den Berg, a well-known name
in the global surfing community, to create Fiberworx, located in Rooi
Santo (Noord), stocking boards, sails and accessories by brands such
as JP-Australia, Neil Pryde, Stareboard, Chinook, Fanatic, Select Fin
and Loftsails, as well as kites by Cabrinha, Core and North, in addition
to surf gear extras.
Professional advice comes with the territory. If your idea of a good
time is a combination of relaxation and active exploration of the island,
you have come to the right place. [email protected]
Island Developments
Dr. Horacio E. Oduber Hospital
Signers of the contract to renew, enlarge and modernize the hospital were
Minister of Public Health Dr. Alex Schwengle, Minister of Infrastructure
Benny Sevinger, and Prime Minister Mike Eman, representing the Aruban
Government. For SOGA, the entity created to assume the project and
its financing were John Hogdson and Jassy Simon. On behalf of the
Aruba investment was Frendsel Giel, and for OHL, Mr. Vilar. Signing
the agreement on behalf of the hospital was its Financial Director
Theo de Kool.
Mr. de Kool explained that more space will be provided for privacy and
optimal functionality and outpatient treatment will be expanded. Patients
20
will be well accommodated while the daily work goes on. HOH has a
team making necessary preparations for the move and will inform the
public of changes in service through various media channels.
This monumental hospital project starting this month will last 4-1/2 years.
Phase 1A is the renovation of the tower where the rooms will be located,
Phase 1B is the Medical Office Building, where the specialists will have
their offices and Phase II is the renovation of the remaining existing part
of the hospital. The Emergency Department will have two entrances.
Trauma patients will arrive at the Emergency Room through a separate
entrance. Rooms will have beds for only two patients.
Events
Aruba Primed for World Cup Fever!
Whether you are a year-round soccer fanatic that has been anticipating the FIFA World Cup
matches since the last ball was kicked in the previous World Cup four years ago, or you just
enjoy getting caught up in all the festivities and action, Aruba’s many bars, restaurants,
and entertainment venues are already gearing up for an exciting season this June and July.
Traditional Dutch cafés, American-style sports bars, and even toes-in-the-sand beach venues are
setting up multiple viewing screens and offering food and drink specials for fans.
Below is a sample of some of the festivities to look forward to:
Plaza Copa Mundial Aruba
Plaza Daniel Leo, the large picturesque public space in the heart of
downtown Oranjestad, will be transformed into “Plaza Copa Mundial
Aruba” (Plaza World Cup Aruba) especially for soccer fans during the
World Cup season. Live broadcasts of the matches will be seen on the
largest LED screen in the Caribbean, with a food and beverage and
shopping bazaar selling FIFA-approved World Cup souvenirs on site.
Local radio station, Cool FM, and television station, Tele Aruba, will be
broadcasting the festivities live. All soccer fans can come together and
get a close-up view of all the games of the World Cup 2014. Funds will
also be raised for the Aruba Football Bond, to promote and raise the
level of this sport on Aruba.
Marinus Wegereef of Sport Caribe, the principal organizer representing
Adidas, one of the main sponsors of the World Cup, explained that,
through Fan Plaza, the community of Aruba can enjoy all the games and
experience the ambiance that the World Cup brings to Brazil.
In addition to televising the World Cup games, different activities will also
take place. The objective of this Plaza is to bring the Aruban community
as well as the visitors together in a fun and festive atmosphere. Partners
of this plaza are Sport Caribe, Coca Cola, Aruba Tourism Authority, RBC
Royal Bank, High Performance Aruba, Cool Aruba FM, and Brand-it!
21
PR & Marketing. A first for Aruba, the Fan Plaza phenomenon is well
known around the world as a place where the entire community gets
together to experience the emotional moments of the World Cup Games.
For more information about local activities and the Brazil soccer games,
Like and Share Plaza Copa Mundial Aruba on Facebook.
Café the Plaza
Hollywood Smokehouse
This Dutch café has been a local favorite for World Cup matches for
many years, especially when Holland is playing. Guests here cannot
help but get caught up in the frenzy!
- 2 flat screens and a big screen set up inside
The two-time winner of Battle of the Food Trucks and Trip Advisor’s
Award of Excellence is opening their new restaurant at the Alhambra
Shops in the Eagle Beach area just in time for World Cup. This family
owned and operated restaurant, serving authentic smoked pulled pork,
beef brisket, and ribs, also has the only bourbon bar in Aruba, as well as
hand-crafted cocktails.
- Bar and snack bar will be set up outside
- 2 60” flat screens and 3 42” flat screens
- Food and drink specials
- Extra chairs and cocktail tables will be available outside
- Drink specials when the U.S.A. or Holland play, as well as when the
semi final and final matches are played
Moomba Beach Bar
Salt & Pepper
Don’t want to leave the beach? Located right on Palm Beach, this beach
bar will surely make your World Cup experience unique.
- 1 mega screen set up at the beach
The Holland and Spain matches should bring out quite the crowd,
as this Dutch pub, located in the heart of the high-rise hotel area,
is known for it’s Spanish-style tapas menu and homemade sangria.
- 4 flat screens in the bar area
- 1 big screen inside
- Extra tables and chairs will be available on the beach
- 2 flat screens inside
- 1 mega screen set up outside
-Entertainment
22
Radisson’s Mira Solo Lounge
The Pelican Pier
Lush tropical surroundings will be enjoyed at this al fresco lounge located
atop a waterfall at the Radisson Aruba Resort, Casino & Spa.
It will surely be a party on the pier during World Cup. Every time a goal is
scored, those wearing that team’s shirt receive a free glass of sangria or
a shot. “Guess the score” games with prizes will also be enjoyed along
with Pelican Pier’s front row seats for fabulous Aruba sunsets.
- Flat screens set up for all matches
- For semi-final and final matches, there will be Brazilian cocktails and
mega screens for viewing.
Zeerovers
De Palm Island
This quaint, seaside bar, located in the fishing village of Savaneta,
will be featuring Dutch specialties like erwten soep, rookworst,
and Dutch snacks during the Holland matches.
Watch all FIFA World Cup matches at De Palm Island while your kids
play. Aruba’s only all-inclusive attraction accommodates family fun and
lounging for lovers. Tickets can be purchased at your hotel activity desk
or at De Palm Tours Sales Office.
23
To our tourism partners:
Thank you for providing us
with your updates
To ensure that your news is featured in
the monthly Aruba Product Update of
the Aruba Tourism Authority, please send
information as it becomes available to:
[email protected]
with a copy to:
[email protected]
[email protected]
and [email protected]
by the 25th of each month.
A special thank you to Aruba Daily,
Aruba Today, Columnist Rona Coster
and our tourism partners for
their contributions.
20th Edition of National Polesitting Championship
At the Renaissance Marketplace, volunteers including many VIPs will be sitting on a wooden pole
for four days and four nights to help raise money for this year’s charity, the Bon Nochi, Drumi Bon
foundation. Starting on May 29, expect four fun-filled days with live music every night, lots of oldfashioned Dutch games, a kids corner, food and beer specials, raffles, dance shows and much
more.
The record, broken time and time again by veteran polesitters Liesbeth and Shurman, stands at
88 hours. Volunteers of the charity will do their utmost to keep everyone alert and awake during
the 4-day ordeal.
Fundacion Bon Nochi Drumi Bon instills the joy of reading in young children with the help
of volunteers, parents and grandparents. Established in 2009, starting with home visits,
the foundation now has a TV program, a DVD, workshops and a fun closing of the school year
event, a pajama reading party with parents.
24

May 2014 - Aruba Agents

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