to the December 2013 Aruba Product Update

Transcription

Below we offer a synthesis of some of the most prominent
and important news during the month of December 2013
Aruba Product Update
December 2013
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.
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Click here to play the ATA Christmas Message
ATA News
Happy Holidays!
Major traffic intersections are becoming focal points for seasonal
celebrations as Aruba prepares for holiday celebrations. The
various rotundas around the island may be covered with white
pebbles to simulate snow, but warm holiday cheer abounds.
Traditional Dande music, Christmas lights twinkling at Seroe
Preto and houses, boulevards and resorts; gift giving, family
get-togethers, and shopping nights fill the busy days before
Christmas. The New Year is welcomed in as Aruba skies explode
with dazzling fireworks. Aruba Tourism Authority wishes a
wonderful Holiday Season to all!
Aruba Product Update December 2013 - For more information visit www.aruba.com
Index View Print Exit
2013 MAcY’s ThAnksgiving &
Tourism News
Black Friday
Tourism Update
During a recent press conference, Minister of
Tourism Otmar Oduber reported increases in
the different markets.
This year, approximately 3.5 million people attended the 2013 Macy’s Day
Parade with over 50 million tuned into watch from home.
As the Macy’s Day parade marks the start of the holiday season, Black
Friday traditionally marks the beginning of the shopping season.
Your products and brands were played and seen during the busiest
shopping day - Black Friday. Delivering your message to millions of
consumers.
LightyearMedia
www.lightyearmedia.com
tel: 905-901-3196
Plan Your Happy Escape at
Aruba.com
3.5 million people attended the 2013 Macy’s
Day Parade with over 50 million turned in to
watch it at home. The following day, known
as Black Friday, marks the beginning of the
Holiday Season and is the busiest shopping
day of the year. The message “Plan your
happy escape at aruba.com” was prominently
displayed at Macy’s all day, greeting shoppers
at they entered this iconic store.
Tourism for the period of January to October
showed a 6.8% increase, which was more
than the 3.5% projected by the government
and also the 6% projected by ATA (Aruba
Tourism Authority). When comparing this with
figures presented by the Caribbean Tourism
Organization (CTO), Aruba is positioned as
the leader of destinations in the Caribbean
with regard to visitors, markets and product.
Aruba even excelled with the number of US
visitors, and competing with destinations
such as the Bahamas, Barbados, Jamaica
and others who have experienced a drop in
their arrivals from the USA. Aruba is even
ahead of exclusive destinations like the
Cayman Islands.
While there was no increase in the European
market, the Latin American market continues
to grow. The Venezuelan market is gradually
moving ahead, with an increase of 85%
shown in the last months. By the end of
October, growth expectations for the year
2013 were already surpassed, according to
Minister Oduber.
Eco Destination Management
As part of its 25th anniversary celebration, Eco Destination Management
Services re-launched the Young Leader Incentive Program this year. The
program was personally created by company president Wichita Villacres
to recognize young leaders who have shown outstanding service to the
community, the industry and the professional position they currently
hold, as well as ongoing excellence and involvement with the industry.
ECO Destination Management Services is a full-service destination
management company in the Dutch Caribbean operating on the islands
for over 25 years.
Casino, was selected as the
winner. She will be enjoying
an all-expense paid trip to
Orlando, Florida, where she
will attend the SITE Global
Conference, courtesy of Eco
Destination
Management
Services and the Aruba
Tourism Authority.
Looking ahead to the future, ECO DMS created the Young Leader
Incentive Program a number of years ago, in order to help groom young
executives to be the future leaders in tourism. Ilaina Franco Franka,
Director of Events and Banquets at the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris
The SITE Global Conference is the world’s premier event for incentive
travel and motivational events professionals, attracting attendees from
over 40 countries who focus on creating excellence and establishing
standards in the motivational experiences industry.
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Awards
TripAdvisor’s 2013 Travellers’ Choice Awards
Aruba is again the proud recipient of
TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards 2013:
Eagle Beach garnered the #4 spot of 25
beaches in the Caribbean, while Baby Beach
took the #15 spot.
Oranjestad, Aruba took the #8 Caribbean
Destination spot. Boutiques, upscale chain
stores and street vendors, as well as casinos
and a wide range of restaurants, dance
clubs and bars, make Oranjestad a popular
destination in Aruba. In addition to shopping,
dining and entertainment, the island’s capital
city offers museums, a butterfly farm, art
galleries, golf, historical sites and a marina.
The island’s colonization by the Netherlands
shows in Oranjestad’s Dutch colonial
architecture, while the buildings’ bright colors
are distinctly Caribbean.
Aruba Recognized as One of the Three Best Promoted
Destinations in Argentina
During the Blog Awards ceremony for the tourism industry, Aruba was
recognized as one of the top 3 Best Marketed International Destinations
next to Cuba and the United States.
Since 2006, “Mensajero Turístico” encourages travel agents, wholesalers,
traders, members of the airlines, hoteliers, national & foreign tourism
offices and entrepreneurs in the sector to select the best 20 categories,
which includes Best airline, International Hotel Chain, Cruise Company,
operators, car rental companies and destinations among others.
The award granted to the “One Happy Island” was received by Marcos
Sydor, the Director of Argentina for the Aruba Tourism Authority.
Among the 400 attendees were the Minister of Tourism of Argentina,
Enrique Meyer, Tourism Ministers & Secretaries; directors of various
organizations in the sector such as, AAA VyT, AVIABUE, CAT, FEHGRA,
AAOVyT, representatives of tourism international offices, tourism
ambassadors and press members.
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La Cabana Beach Resort & Casino
On November 29, La Cabana Beach Resort & Casino was awarded
EarthCheck Platinum Certification for its 10 year commitment to
responsible business practices.
In recognition of the property’s outstanding achievement in corporate
sustainability principles across the board, Frank Sabjo, Environmental
and Safety Officer, was presented with a Platinum Certified plaque at
an awards ceremony held at La Cabana Beach Resort and Casino in
Aruba. “As a small contributor, but with a huge passion and commitment
for our planet, La Cabana Beach Resort and Casino carries on with
our Green and Health mission to become a role model for others in our
community,” he stated.
EarthCheck Certified, a program delivered by EC3 Global, is the world’s
leading environmental Benchmarking and Certification program for
the travel and tourism sector. Stewart Moore, CEO of EarthCheck and
EC3 Global, congratulated La Cabana Beach Resort and Casino on its
Platinum Certification achievement.
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“The property joins an elite group of EarthCheck members across
the world that are recognised in the marketplace for their long-term
commitment to high standards of sustainability and making social
contributions that benefit their guests, staff and the local community.”
Mr. Moore said.
Looking to the future, Mr. Sabjo said the resort will keep searching for
new products that can contribute to its operational efficiencies without
sacrificing their guest’s comfort, safety or the environment. Some of
the property’s key sustainability initiatives include investing in energyefficient equipment, educating staff and guests about efficient use of
energy and water, employing a dedicated environmental manager and
appointing staff members to its Green and Health Team.
La Cabana Beach Resort and Casino participates in Aruba’s yearly
coastal and reef clean up, and contracts a local scuba diving company
to maintain the swimming area so it is free from plastics and other waste.
The property’s food and beverage team has also adopted a farmer to
cultivate a certain amount and type of herbs to use in their kitchen.
Resorts
Renaissance Aruba Resort
Mr. J.W. “Bill” Marriott, Executive Chairman and Chairman of the Board of Marriott International
officiated at a ribbon cutting ceremony to introduce the newly redesigned guestrooms at
Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino’s adults-exclusive Marina Hotel to media and VIP guests. He
was joined by General Manager Paul Gielen and Chief Financial Officer Rik Timmer.
The renovation project focuses heavily on evoking a sense of place, playing off the resort’s location
in the island’s cultural center of Oranjestad and incorporating indigenous elements for a result that
is distinctly Aruban. All the Marina Hotel’s 297 guestrooms now boast a contemporary residential
feel, with design cues referencing that of a custom yacht. Guests will be treated to a soothing
palate of rich woods, silvery creams, off whites and splashes of aqua that balance the natural
colors of Aruba’s crystal clear sea and sparkling sands.
More than $35,000 was invested in each room as part of the renovation. In addition to the
guestrooms, the Marina Hotel pool deck and Blue Bar, L.G. Smith’s Steak & Chophouse, Papagayo
Restaurant on Renaissance Aruba’s private island and Renaissance Island also underwent
significant upgrades.
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Radisson Aruba Resort
GM Charity Run – One vs. Thirty
Earlier this year, the GM’s 5km (3.1 mile) road race was organized in
an effort to encourage the colleagues at the Radisson Aruba Resort
Casino & Spa to get fit, get healthy and eat better. A few colleagues
pitched up for the first event, but it was great fun, so they did it again
on two more occasions with an ever growing number of competitors. In
total this year the management team at the resort has lost over 1,000
pounds in weight altogether, in an effort to get fitter and healthier. A real
achievement which the athletic General Manager of the resort, Mark
Lyttleton-Frances is very proud of.
On Saturday 14th December at 5pm, the race was on again, to see who
can beat the General Manager at his own game. With three wins under
the belt, Mark Lyttleton-Frances became the target of a fair amount of
discussion, will he lead the race again or will the Young Guns from the
pool and beach outrun him?? With over 30 competitors turning out in an
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effort to show their mettle, the road race took off at 5pm.
The race, let by Policemen on Harley Davidson motorbikes, was cheered
on by guests and associates. The group of runners trotted down to
Eagle Beach, then turned around at La Cabana Beach Resort & Casino
and returned to Palm Beach, with Manuel Reyes posting 21:10, Chaim
Alvarez 22:07, Mark Lyttleton-Frances 22:35, Rufino Rodriguez 23:23
and Mark Naber, the Director of Food & Beverage, 24:11.
In the spirit of giving however at this time of the year, the resort decided
to make this a charity race, where all competitors paid a 10 Florin entry
fee. However since the General Manager was defeated all competitors
were refunded their entry fee while the General Manager was charged
with the total amount, Awg 310, as a donation to the Aruba Animal
Shelter.
Sunset Grille – Burger Night
On December 13, Sunset Grille hosted an exclusive, one-night-only
event featuring gourmet burgers designed by Chef “Chino” Lie Kwie.
The special menu of “burgers” included unique combinations of
proteins and breads, for example, coconut and shrimp patties with
avocado sauce. “We wanted to stretch the limits of what people think
of when they think of a burger,” said Mark Naber, Director of Food
and Beverage. “Sunset Grille is a fine dining experience, but set in
a fun and relaxed atmosphere and we thought we would showcase
the restaurant with a unique event. We’ll have some more interesting
concepts coming up, so keep your eyes peeled,” said Naber.
Christmas Brunch
The holidays are a fun and festive time and the
Radisson celebrated the season with a special
Christmas Brunch on December 15. Guests
were treated to champagne and mimosas
in the Grand Caribbean Ballroom and a full
menu of local favorites and brunch classics.
Traditional Aruban favorites Keeshi Yena and
Oyster Soup were served as well as some
holiday-themed menu items. Door prizes and
raffles were handed out and one lucky guest
was winner of a weekend stay at the Radisson.
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Biba Aruba – Holiday style
Every Tuesday night at the Radisson, the pool deck turns into a festival
ground for all things Aruba—Carnival dancers, amazing food, live music,
fire show and more. On December 24, the “and more” will include some
holiday twists. Special menu items and a special guest will delighte
party-goers. The evening will be a great celebration for guests, locals
and staff alike to enjoy the fellowship and holiday spirit, Aruba-style. Bon
pasco y un felis aña nobo.
The Divi & Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusives
The Divi & Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusives Sweepstakes Winner Experiences The Ultimate ‘Fashionable’ Trip
From November 6-13, 2013, the Divi & Tamarijn
Aruba All Inclusives provided the Ultimate
Aruba Fashion Experience with fashion design
celebrity, Layana Aguilar of Project Runway
Season 11, to their Sweepstakes winner,
Beth Stipanov and her husband, Luka. As
part of their sweepstakes prize, Beth and
Luka enjoyed an all-inclusive 7-night stay for
two at the Divi Aruba in an Oceanfront Lanai
room, round trip air for two and complimentary
roundtrip airport transfers. In addition, they
received select upgraded in-room amenities
including personalized bathrobes and slippers,
Aruba Aloe toiletries, a bottle of champagne
and an array of delectable food items upon
check-in. Both also were treated to one spa
treatment each at the Indulgence by the Sea
Spa located at the Divi Aruba.
“This entire event has been such a wonderful
experience for me,” said Beth Stipanov. “As a
fan of Project Runway and fashion overall, it
was amazing to have the opportunity to meet
and spend time with Layana Aguilar while also
having a fantastic vacation at the same time
that I otherwise would not have taken. Luka
and I have already been recommending the
Divi & Tamarijn Aruba to our friends, family
and colleagues, as the properties have such
comfortable accommodations set right on a
beautiful beach and all the amenities a traveler
could want as well as great service by an
attentive and friendly staff.”
As additional prize benefits, Beth and Luka
were accompanied by Layana Aguilar as VIPs
to Aruba In Style Fashionweek presentations,
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parties and events. Layana dressed Beth in
her ensembles for the Aruba In Style events
and the Divi & Tamarijn Aruba purchased
one design of Beth’s choice as further prize
perks. Divi & Tamarijn Aruba presented Beth
with a $2,500 shopping spree to her choice of
boutiques and shops on Aruba, accompanied
by the designer.
Klum in one of her TV commercials. Her new
clothing line is LAYANA AGUILAR NEW YORK,
which differentiates itself by combining the
sophistication of New York with the uniqueness
of the Brazilian culture.
The Divi & Tamarijn Aruba “Ultimate Fashion
Experience” Sweepstakes was conducted
from August 14 through September 3, 2013.
Winner Beth Stipanov was selected by random
drawing. Beth and Luka Stipanov reside in
Boston, MA, with their two children and are
co-owners of Barracuda Tavern in the city’s
busy downtown area.
Aruba In Style Fashionweek is a premier event
in Latin America and the Caribbean that is
produced in association with IMG – a first for
the region. Held on November 8-10, 2013 on
Aruba, it brought together top international
fashion designers, media, celebrities and the
jet-set crowd from around the world for a series
of designer presentations of their fashions,
celebrity cocktail parties, premier DJ events,
styling sessions and insider collection-reveals.
Layana Aguilar is an internationally known
fashion designer whose essence is to
enhance the women’s inner beauty. Layana
lives in New York after having been born and
raised in Brazil. In early 2013, Layana Aguilar
became known as one of the designers of hit
TV show Project Runway Season 11, during
which she won consecutive top looks and
even collaborated on a design worn by Heidi
Air Travel News
Airport Authority Visits Miami International Airport
Security experts of the Aruba Airport Authority N.V. (AAA) together
with other experts received an invitation from the international Office
of the US Transportation Security Administration Agency, to visit the
Miami International Airport. The TSA resides under the Department of
Homeland Security of the United States.
During the visit, the Aruba representatives received ample explanation
of the operation of the Miami International Airport, the largest airport in
the area of International Cargo and the second largest in the amount of
international passenger movement. This airport processes an average of
50,000 passengers per day.
They also met with those in charge of the Control Department of the
Miami- Dade County and a visit to the area for processing luggage. They
then had a tour around the parameter of the airport and a visit to the
international cargo facility.
This visit consolidated the relationship Aruba has with TSA. TSA is an
important partner in Aruba’s airport security. The Aruba Airport is the
only airport in the region which offers Pre-Clearance to the USA. Airlines
making use of the facility can offer passengers better transfer services
when they arrive in the USA as their flights are considered domestic
flights once Pre-cleared in Aruba.
Renewal of Contract with Schiphol Group
Minister Oduber recently met with the Board of Commissioners and management of the Aruba
Airport Authority (AAA) to discuss contract renewal with the Schiphol Group of the Netherlands
and loan plans for the airport’s new financing. They also discussed plans up until 2020 with regard
to increasing passenger capacity from the current 2.1 million passengers to 3 million passengers,
requiring additional investment. There is currently work in progress for the accommodation of two
aircrafts and a new gate to meet the demand for Aruba.
The decision was made to continue working with the Schiphol Group. The airport has seen
significant progress and positive development under Schiphol’s leadership and management.
They have demonstrated capability and expertise in the operation and management of the airport.
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LAN Colombia’s Inaugural Flight
Aruba’s Minister of Tourism, Transport, Culture and Primary Sector
Otmar Oduber officially welcomed the first LAN flight from Bogotá,
Colombia on December 2.
This is the second airline to provide essential, direct service to this
important Colombian city, and as part of the LATAM Airlines Group, it
offers connections to twenty other vital South American destinations for
business or leisure travel.
LAN is the flag carrier of Chile, the predominant airline in Chile, Perú
and Ecuador, and the second largest carrier in Argentina and Colombia
through its local subsidiaries. LAN is currently positioned amongst
the largest airlines in Latin America, serving Latin America, North
America, the Caribbean, Oceania, and Europe. Its main hub is Santiago
International Airport.
CEO of the Aruba Airport Authority (AAA) Peter Steinmetz, along with
CEO of the Aruba Tourism Authority (ATA) Ronella Tjin Asjoe-Croes were
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also on hand to extend a hand of greeting to LAN Colombia’s Director,
Cristian Ortiz Valenzuela. Also present was the Consul of Colombia
on Aruba, Mirza Gnecco Pla. The group jointly cut the ribbon for the
inauguration of the twice-weekly service, followed by a champagne toast
to what is expected to be a long and mutually advantageous partnership
between the AAA, ATA and LAN, “with the strong belief of the eventuality
of daily service.”
It is projected that LAN will bring more than 36,000 visitors and
businesspersons to Aruba annually. The twice-weekly flights depart
Colombia on Wednesday and Sunday, to return from Aruba in the wee
hours on Thursdays and Mondays.
The LAN Colombia flight on an Airbus 320 with a capacity of 174
passengers departs Bogotá at around midnight to arrive on Aruba
approximately at 1:30 AM. It turns around and heads back to Colombia
at 2:00 AM. The arrival time in Bogotá also allows passengers ample
time to connect to early morning flights to other Latin American cities.
Arubans In The News
Jan Van Nes Named GM of Blue Residences
Blue Residences, the first luxury condo resort
on Aruba’s famous Eagle Beach in 20 years,
has announced the appointment of travel
industry veteran Jan van Nes as general
manager of the property. Van Nes is a former
director of tourism for Aruba. The resort is
scheduled to open March 1, 2014 and van
Nes has assumed his role as general manager
effective immediately to oversee the launch
of the property as well as manage overall
operations.
“We’re very fortunate to have Jan van Nes
sign on as the general manager of Blue
Residences,”
said
Herber
Valkenberg,
president of Icon Hotel Marketing, the North
American representative for the resort. “We’re
confident that his extensive experience and
innovative ideas coupled with his knowledge
of Aruba will be instrumental in making the
property a success.”
Blue Residences is currently under the final
phase of development and will consist of three
residential towers, with the debut of its first
tower scheduled for March 1, 2014. The resort
will offer unobstructed views of the ocean,
elevated ceilings in the bedrooms, living rooms
and dining rooms, private Jacuzzi terraces,
fully loaded kitchens featuring upscale
appliances and wireless Internet throughout.
On-site amenities will include a private beach,
poolside service, concierge services and golf
privileges at two nearby courses.
Van Nes was the general manager of Playa
Linda Beach Resort in Aruba for the past 13
years with partner Jan Leysner and he has
also held positions as the director of tourism
for the Aruba Tourism Authority, executive
director for the Aruba Timeshare Association,
board member at Aruba Beach Club and Casa
del Mar and general manager at Aruba Beach
Club and Casa del Mar.
Thashaina Seraus
Aruban athletes continue to mark great
successes in international tournaments.
Recently, bowlers Thashaina Seraus and
Laurence Wilming visited the city of Sibiryak in
the capital of Krasnoyarsky, Siberia, Russia for
the AMF World Bowling Cup.
Both athletes performed excellently. Thashaina
surprised everyone by winning 6th place out
of 64 countries. She ended up being the best
female bowler of the world. This is the first time
in history that Aruba has achieved this much
in an international championship. The nation
of Aruba and the Aruban bowling federation,
ARBAS, are extremely proud of their athlete
Seraus’ achievement.
Van Nes was also instrumental in co-founding
the Aruba Hospitality & Security Foundation,
reviving the Aruba Timeshare Association and
formalizing the Tourism Product Enhancement
Fund (TPEF) with the Minister of Tourism.
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Xander Bogaerts
Aruba’s native son, Xander Bogaerts has dominated headlines in the
last few months as one of the youngest and freshest rookies in history
to be part of the post-season playoffs, only two months after coming up
from the minors. When the Boston Red Sox won the 2013 World Series
on October 30, after being last place in 2012, they were the second
Major League team to ever accomplish such a feat. Many sportswriters
pointed to the enthusiastic young rookie from Aruba for sparking the
team’s spirit and infusing the veteran players with his fresh face and
attitude, as well as supreme poise under pressure.
Xander returned to Aruba shortly after, to a hero’s welcome. He has
been enjoying time with family, but also considering how he can most
positively deploy his new found fame for the betterment of Aruba and
island youth.
On November 26, in the neighborhood center where he grew up,
Centro di Bario Lago Heights, Xander and his mother, Sandra Brown,
announced their foundation, Dare to Dream.
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Dare to Dream is mainly targeting island youth wishing to participate in
Little League Baseball, but whose parents lack the financial means to
develop the talent of a potential Major League player. The foundation
plans to finance equipment for those who are in need, as well as
arranging transportation to the various ball fields.
In addition, youth who demonstrate talent for other sports or the arts,
or need assistance with tutoring for school, are also eligible for financial
assistance from the foundation.
Sponsoring Dare to Dream in their work are SETAR N.V., Aruba’s
national telecommunications company and Balashi Malta, a natural,
non-alcoholic energy beverage from Aruba’s national brewery. They will
also sponsor events for public awareness, where island youth will have
the opportunity to meet and interact with Xander Bogaerts. The first
such event took place on Sunday, December 8, at the Lago Heights
Community Center. On that day, the ball field adjacent was re-christened
“Xander Bogaerts Ball Field”.
ELMAR
In order to create a modern distribution of
electricity to equip Aruba with a secure and high
capacity long term wireless coverage, ELMAR
has implemented a modern infrastructure
from General Electric. This very modern
system will measure the “RF Grid IQ point-tomultipoint (P2MP).
Island Developments
SETAR
Alcatel-Lucent has deployed a 4G LTE network for SETAR, Aruba’s leading telecommunications
service provider, using 20 MHz of spectrum in the 1800MHz frequency band to deliver an improved
quality of experience for subscribers when using smart phones, tablets and other mobile devices
on one of the world’s fastest 4G LTE networks. SETAR has also deployed small cells in strategic
locations around the island to increase indoor access to SETAR’s 3G (WCDMA) network.
SETAR will deliver world-class mobile broadband service in Aruba to both tourists and citizens
wherever they want it, both across the island and inside buildings. SETAR’s utilization of 20 MHz
of bandwidth provides their customers island-wide ultra-broadband access on one of the fastest
4G LTE networks in the world.
Roland Croes, SETAR’s Managing Director, stated, “SETAR has always been the leader in
telecommunications for Aruba. Being the first to give our subscribers access to the benefits of
a 4G LTE network was the obvious next step for us and our successful delivery confirms our
leadership position. Improved indoor reception through the use of small cells is one more way we
are improving the quality of experience for our customers.”
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With the installation of the so called AMI, or
“Advanced Metering Infrastructure,” they
will create an extensive wireless measuring
distribution. This will provide ELMAR with
crucial data regarding the use and generation
of electricity to be able to function more
efficiently on their distribution network. This
will also facilitate integration of the energy
sources of sustainable energy on ELMAR’s
distribution network.
According to Robert Henriquez, ELMAR’s
director, their plan is to generate more
sustainable energy and implement this in
their electricity red with the long term goal
of becoming a 100% green Aruba. The “Grid
IQ P2MP AMI” will provide the company with
important information such as how much
current is being generated by the wind mill
park and the solar energy facility.
The Grid IQ P2MP AMI operates on a global
frequency and has no license costs. Making
electricity on Aruba as modern and efficient as
possible will reduce the cost to the consumer.
Red Sail Sports Concierge Staff Warmly Welcomed and Pampered by
Arikok National Park
Activities
Kukoo Kunuku
Kukoo Kunuku is offering the Rocks &
Beaches Tour every Friday, where guests
will hop aboard the Kukoo Kunuku open-air
bus for a scenic and fun ride accompanied
by Caribbean music and maracas to shake,
shake, shake along the way to San Nicolas
and Baby Beach on the Sunrise Side of the
island. Here, off the beaten path they will have
an opportunity to enjoy some time in the sun
and a swim or snorkel in Aruba’s beautiful
waters. Along the way they will visit Casibari
Rock Formation, then the bus will head
south through Frenchman Pass and the final
destination is Baby Beach.
Wanting to create a tour for families to be
offered over holiday vacation time, visitors
of the One Happy Island can climb aboard
the open-air Kukoo Kunuku bus for an
adventurous time for Animal Lovers and
Families. First stop is the Donkey Sanctuary
which was founded in 1997 with a very simple
mission “Save the Donkeys!” Second stop is
at Phillips Animal Garden, where they take a
look at exotic animals, and last but not least
they will visit the Butterfly Farm.
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The Arikok National Park management team
recently hosted staff members of Red Sail
Sports Concierge Desks to exclusively educate
and inform them of the uniqueness of Aruba’s
natural park, covering 20% of the island. A
delicious outdoor breakfast served at Hofi
Shon Shoco was followed by a special tour
of the park. Hosts of the VIP tour were Arikok
Park’s director Diego Marquez and research
& education expert Indra Zaandam, together
with a park ranger driving one of the parks own
Land Rovers.
The tour included a visit to Moro (Little Aruba)
and the Natural Pool, stops at magnificent
viewpoints such as Arikok Hilltop and main
attractions like the caves inside the national
park. Meanwhile Aruba’s concierges were
educated on the ancient history of Aruba’s lava
rock formation, dating back to some 95 million
years ago. Park director Diego Marquez also
explained the park’s geological and ecological
importance and its diversity of flora and fauna
inside the park. The Red Sail Sports Concierge
staff was even invited to taste the fruits of one
of many cactus species inside the park.
organizes, such as the open-air Monthly Movie
Night, the Junior Rangers Camp and the Bat
Program. She also mentioned that volunteers
are always welcome to join and participate in
special projects.
Arikok National Park is a foundation, dedicated
to nature conservation and education, as well
as the preservation of Aruba’s cultural heritage.
Aruba’s National Park covers 20% of the island
and is home to diverse local flora and fauna. Its
mission is to protect and conserve the natural
and cultural surroundings of the National Park.
In paying a conservation fee every visitor
contributes to the conservation and protection
of the natural beauty in Aruba. More information
is available at www.arubanationalpark.org or
on Facebook/Arikok National Park.
Park management also elaborated on new
developments and future plans such as
further development of the Miralamar Gold
Mine Ruins inside the park, placement of
new information signs at main attractions and
the launch of a new (road) map for the park,
including a brochure with more information on
sites to visit. Indra Zaandam focused on the
importance of awareness for the park and
explained about the many initiatives the park
Retail
Diamonds International
As Diamonds International continues with their
multi-million dollar renovation of the Port of Call
mall, they are making all efforts to keep up the
appearance of the building.
The latest efforts showcase a project that
was developed together with Aruba’s youth.
Diamonds International sponsored four schools
to create a gallery of artwork, providing a sunny
welcome to all visitors entering through the port.
The goal of the project was to paint a mural that
represents Aruba. The children and teachers
from Reina Beatrix Basis school, Princes
Amalia Basisschool, St. Franciscus College and
St. Dominicus College did a truly impressive job
– including all of the highlights that make Aruba
unique, Hooiberg, Cascabel, Shoco, Cavepaintings, Bushi Cactus, Yuwana, Divi Tree and
the California Lighthouse to name but a few.
General Manager of Diamonds International
Keisha Williams commented, “The gallery looks
absolutely wonderful, and truly contributes to the
tourist experience of Aruba. We would like to say
a big thank you to the young creative talents and
their teachers who worked hard on this fantastic
project.” The Young Aruban Artwork Project has
been installed opposite Gate A of the Cruise Ship
Port, and is accessible to the public at all times.
Events
Royal Visit Comes to an End
After a two-day visit to Aruba, several days in the Dutch Caribbean,
and courtesy visits to Venezuela and Colombia, the Royal Couple and
accompanying delegation left the island with feelings of great satisfaction.
Wherever they went on Aruba, they were warmly received with open
arms. They enjoyed the island’s natural beauty, the spectacular program
prepared for them, and a never-before-seen show at Bushiribana.
The King called Aruba the ‘natural bridge’ between the two continents.
Holland’s investment in this concept was heavily reinforced during
their visit with President Santos of Colombia and President Maduro of
Venezuela. According to Prime Minister Eman, a resounding theme is
the King and Queen’s support of Aruba’s gateway concept between
Europe and Latin America.
Governor Rejunjol, Prime Minister Mike Eman, members of the Organizing
Committee and Commander of the Aruba Marines bid goodbye to the
Royal couple. King Willem-Alexander took his place behind the cockpit
of the PH-KBX which he himself piloted to Curaçao. There, they boarded
a KLM plane to Holland.
Aruba is seen as a positive force in changes planned for the Dutch
Kingdom. Prime Minister Eman is very pleased with the enthusiasm
during this high level visit, taking Aruba on its road to social and
economic development, providing Aruba with even more impetus for a
closer working relationship with Holland.
15
Sailing Races
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, The Morning news,
Columnist Rona Coster and our tourism
partners for their contributions.
The second annual OAK (Open
Arubaanse Kampioenschappen)
sailing races, an exciting fourday event delighting participants
as well as spectators, took place
in Aruba.
With at least 30 different
international catamarans, both
big and small, the fleet and
competition
challenged
last
years’ trophy winners even more.
Participants included international
sailing champions Thijs Visser
(world champion Formula 18),
Thierry Schmitter (silver medalist
London)
and
David
Lloyd
(European and World champion
Dart 18). The event began with
competitions along the coast of
Malmok beach, in front of Aruba
Watersport Center, and ended
with a bang at Aruba Watersports
Center with the official award
ceremony and fun evening open
to sailors, family and friends.
Movie Night in the Park
The next season of Movie Night in the Park at Arikok National Park
begins on January 14 with a nature-themed documentary and special
presentation. This evening is a perfect opportunity to experience the
serenity and beauty of the park.
These evenings of food, film and fun have featured such BBC
documentaries as Ice Worlds, Great Plains, Caves and Deserts.
Arikok’s natural setting is the perfect backdrop for these unique
educational events.
16

to the December 2013 Aruba Product Update

Transcription

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