to the August 2014 Aruba Product Update

Transcription

Below we offer a synthesis of some of the most prominent
and important news during the month of August 2014
ATA News
Aruba Product Update
August 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.
1
Aruba received 489,871 tourist stopover arrivals
in the first six months of 2014, according to new
data from the Caribbean Tourism Organization.
That represented a 5.3% improvement over the
first half of 2013, according to the CTO. The
number was buoyed by a particularly strong
summer period, which has already shown a
7.4% improvement over the summer of 2013.
Aruba’s growth was among the highest of
Caribbean countries with complete reporting
for the period, according to an analysis by
Aruba Product Update August 2014 - For more information visit www.aruba.com
Caribbean Journal. Last year, Aruba received
979,256 tourist arrivals, an 8.3% increase over
the previous year.
In July 2014, Aruba welcomed 95,952 tourists,
representing an increase of 9.4% over last
July. Performance for the first six months 2014
showed an increase of 1.9% in visitors from
North America; 21.6% increase in visitors from
Latin America, and 3.2% increase in visitors
from Europe year over year.
Index View Print Exit
Mario Arends Named ATA Cruise Manager
With more than 16 years in the tourism industry of which 12
years were with the Aruba Tourism Authority, Mario Arends
brings to his new appointment a wealth of experience
in different aspects of tourism. He was project leader in
developing the new Aruba logo, and was a key contributor
to innovative and ambitious projects for the island, including
various conferences including SITE (Society of Incentive
Travel Executives) and Caribbean Hotel Association
functions. His last position was Branding & Advertising
Specialist of the Aruba Tourism Authority.
As Cruise Manager, Mario will concentrate on maximizing
the positive experiences of cruise passengers from the
moment they disembark on Aruba, also improving their onisland spending and converting them to stayover visitors.
He will also liaise with international cruise lines with the
aim of increasing the number of cruise ship passengers.
For further information about cruise tourism, Mario can be
reached at [email protected]
Resorts
Aruba Renaissance Resort & Casino
Turn up the excitement on a trip to Aruba during the
second annual Electric Festival!
To enjoy Electric Festival in ultimate style, check out the
exclusive BEATS on the BEACH package from Aruba
Renaissance Resort & Casino. For stays from Sept. 1-10,
guests will receive an excellent room rate, daily breakfast,
two tickets to the festival good for Sept. 6-8, a cocktail
credit of $100 per room and access to exclusive pool
parties at BLUE. Additional amenities include access to the
resort’s 40-acre private island paradise featuring the only
private beach in Aruba. For meals outside of the included
breakfast, guests can dine at any of nine on-site restaurants.
Promotional code FVJ must be used at the time of booking,
for a minimum stay of five nights.
2
Radisson Aruba Resort, Casino & Spa
Art Rules Aruba
Aruba By Bike
Radisson Aruba played a part in Art Rules Aruba, the two-week
educational arts program for teens and young adults. In addition to
providing accommodations for three international teachers, the resort
hosted the creative media workshop on-site. 16 students were sent on a
mission to create a series of postcards from inspirational visuals around
the resort. Capturing the essence of the resort and its tropical charm
through their lenses, they manipulated the images to serve as postcards.
The resort recently debuted ten new mountain bikes for guests to use
at their leisure. The bikes will also be incorporated into future Discover
Program activities. Should a guest want to ride with a partner, he or she
can always link up with a Radisson team member who would be happy
to take them on guided tours to the California Lighthouse or the Alto
Vista Chapel. Both rides offer stunning, panoramic views of the island.
Rituals
Radisson’s parent company, Carlson Rezidor, recently unveiled their
partnership with nature-inspired “Rituals” body care line made with
natural, renewable, and organic ingredients. This partnership illustrates
Radisson’s ongoing dedication to environmental responsibility and
personal health and wellness. Their commitment to high-quality and
luxurious accommodations is also reflected in Rituals’ elegant fragrances,
made by the world’s best perfumers. These spa-like amenities are
biodegradable and are completely recyclable.
3
Licensed to Wed
Aside from personalized service and more than 24,000 square feet of
magnificent outdoor venue options, all newlyweds leave with a traditional
Aruban license plate personalized with their wedding date, complete
with the island’s “One Happy Island” slogan. The hotel’s wedding
specialists are on-hand to assist with all wedding planning logistics from
civil regulations, floral arrangements, entertainment and more.
Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino
Art Rules Aruba’s Hamburger Contest
Students of the Culinary Arts discipline of Art Rules Aruba gathered on the beach of the Aruba
Marriott to prepare and present their self-created hamburgers to the juries who were very much
impressed by the students’ creativity and originality after tasting the different hamburgers, each
with their own unique condiments and taste.
At the end of the evening the juries awarded The Smoky BBQ Burger, a classic burger with
bacon and homemade BBQ sauce, as the winning hamburger. The winning prize was a full day
experience in the kitchen with the Aruba Marriott Chefs.
Bonbi came out to play
Guests young and old 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.
Bonbi is a blue lizard that stands for the Aruban ‘cododo’ and is part of the One Happy Family
Program, a promotion sponsored by the Aruba Tourism Authority. As part of the program, families
with kids 12 years and younger receive one VIK (Very Important Kid) passport per family when
they mention “One Happy Family Package” at check-in and will be eligible to participate in an
exciting adventure for the chance to win a return family vacation for four. Aruba Marriott Resort &
Stellaris Casino was excited to host Bonbi’s first resort visit.
4
Awards
Aruba For Honeymooners
Fusion, Tapas, Wine & Piano Bar
MSN Living named Palm Beach, Aruba, one of the top 10 beaches for
honeymooners. This was pulled from The Knot, which has consistently
ranked Aruba as a top 50 honeymoon spot.
This stylish island hangout at the Alhambra Casino & Shops has just
been recognized as one of the best establishments on the island, as it
was awarded a Certificate of Excellence by Trip Advisor. The continuous
efforts made by Fusion’s team and the consistency in preparing and
presenting high-quality tapas, dinner specials and cocktails combined
with professional service earned Fusion its important first international
recognition.
The posting read:
Why go: This southern Caribbean favorite isn’t called “one happy island”
for nothing: Besides wide expanses of sand, you’ll soak in seemingly
endless sunny days (it rarely rains), a hopping nightlife, and a variety of
activities on land and at sea. You’ll be one happy couple, that’s for sure.
Where to stay: Fronting gorgeous Palm Beach, The Ritz-Carlton,
Aruba opened last year and is pretty much the definition of posh. Have
breakfast alfresco every morning—all 320 rooms come with balconies
with partial or full ocean views (from $449, RitzCarlton.com/aruba).
What to do: During the day traverse rugged terrain via Land Rover
before refreshing together in the Natural Pool (DePalmTours.com).
Before sunset, head downtown to Oranjestad’s Pinchos Grill & Bar
(PinchosAruba.com), a casual but über-romantic, above-water eatery
that’s located along a picturesque pier.
5
Fusion serves hand-crafted cocktails and fine wines by the glass. Frenchborn Executive Chef Gerard Coste has created a delicious new menu with
late-night-owls in mind offering a piping hot Onion Soup, chilled Caesar
Salad, crisp Fish and Chips, and a savory Veal Milanese, in addition to a
classic US Rib Eye Steak, generous portions of Vegetarian Lasagna and
hearty Spanish Paella. Cold tapas include Salmon Bruschetta, Asian
Style Shrimp Cocktail, Cheese and Prosciutto Platters, and a Charcuterie
Tray loaded with Italian cold cuts. The hot tapas menu features Vineyard
Snails, Mini Chorizos, Southwest Eggrolls, Quesadillas, Garlic Shrimp,
and Beef Churrasco. The desserts are irresistible! Live entertainment
nightly from 8 pm – 11 pm.
CILO City Lounge
Restaurants
Arubaville
Visitors and locals are rediscovering that pier restaurant behind the
airport on Bucutiweg, formerly named Marandi, which underwent a
complete transformation, and now features a more casual eat and drink
experience at the edge of the lagoon, with a double-decker sunset
terrace. The view at this colorfully decorated Caribbean eatery by the sea
is ‘Caribbean-cafe-by the sea’ with a deliciously fresh menu to match the
ambiance. Specialties prepared by local chef Rawlin Silvania range from
Beef Carpaccio to Ahi Tuna Poke to vegetarian Green Iguana, zucchini
stuffed with goat cheese. Bent on including local flavors and ingredients
in his dishes, chef will soon be refreshing his menu to include even
more American, Cajun and Creole, Caribbean and Hawaiian specialties,
including sandwiches, burgers with the accent remaining on seafood!
CILO offers a super tapas menu available on Thursday evenings with
irresistible tapas choices, varying in price from $ 10 to $ 35. These
include the bread trio with tomato salsa, tzatziki and an olive tapenade;
a tapas platter with Prosciutto ham, aged cheese, marinated olives,
deep-fried jalapeño peppers and breaded grouper. The Land Combo
consisting of chicken wings, spicy meatballs and a Carpaccio wrap,
is followed by beef stew, ribs and a chicken skewer. The Sea Combo
features tuna tataki, crab croquettes and a salmon wrap paired with
grouper, garlic shrimps and a mahi skewer.
CILO also features Happy Hours on Wednesday (9 – 10 pm) and on Friday
(5 – 6 pm), and live music on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and
Saturday evening. Celebrating its fifth anniversary, the relaxed restaurant
and lounge is located on the corner of the Renaissance Marketplace
overlooking the harbor. It is known for its trendy menu, great cocktails,
fresh fruit mojitos and wide range of breakfast, lunch and dinner options.
In line with its name, Arubaville has ambitious plans to expand the fun
factor on and off the pier! For now, their agenda includes a weekly
Sunday BBQ starting at 1 pm and Friday’s Cocktail Happy Hour.
6
The Kitchen Table
Blue Residences, a luxury condominium resort on Aruba’s Eagle Beach is now home to a new
upscale restaurant, The Kitchen Table by White. Under the direction of Chef Urvin Croes and
Restaurant Manager Roxanna Salina, The Kitchen Table will provide a truly unique gastronomic
journey, as dinner will be served nightly in the actual kitchen so that diners can watch as the
expert culinary team prepares an eight-course meal made with locally sourced ingredients and
home grown vegetables and herbs. Just 16 reservations will be accepted each night.
The Frangipani Bar and Terrace and El Mirador support this unique concept. The Frangipani
Bar & Terrace serves Breakfast & Lunch daily, and, at El Mirador, guests will enjoy a wonderful
Aruban sunset accompanied by a wide range of Tapas including stuffed mushrooms, duck confit,
chicken escabeche and shrimp tacos.
Chef Urvin Croes, who also owns the successful White Modern Cuisine Restaurant at Palm
Beach Plaza in Aruba, earned the top spot in the island’s first “Iron Chef Aruba” competition and
has been recognized at the Taste of the Caribbean and Aruba Student Culinary Competition.
Trained in Italy, The Netherlands and Aruba, he also worked at various Aruba hotels.
Blue Residence’s General Manager Jan Van Nes and his staffers invited press for an unforgettable
night at The Kitchen Table. Chef Urvin’s 8-course interpretation of Aruban cuisine specialties
started with an individual mixed hors d’oeuvres tray, including totally reinvented traditional
snacks. VIPs were then treated to fresh fish Tiradito with passion fruit and tiny cocolishi flavored
with banana di reef, a slightly salty seaside weed. This was followed by Snapper Creole with
miniature Pan Bati and pickled onions, a savory slice of pork with a deep fried kale chip and
grapes, and a melt-in-your-mouth beef stoba with grilled onion and carrot.
7
Amazonia
Hosting the beautiful Miss Aruba candidates, Aruba Trading Company provided a delicious wine
pairing, and Amazonia served an impressive assortment of signature specialties such as Tempura
Shrimp, California Rolls, Spicy Tuna Rolls, Crab Salad, and Wakami Salad, courtesy of the chefs of
Sushi Salsa. The Amazonia carvers sliced generously from the perfectly grilled Picanha, Rib Eye
Steak, Fillet Mignon, and Chicken wrapped in Bacon, escorted by sweet fried plantain.
Miss Aruba candidates thoroughly enjoyed the learning experience. Miss Aruba Foundation is
very grateful to Amazonia and Aruba Trading for hosting the event, creating an opportunity for the
candidates to hone their social skills and broaden their knowledge of food and wine.
Environment
Leading Sustainable Tourism in Latin America and the Caribbean
On Oct 20 – 21, 2014, the Aruba Management Institute for Sustainable Tourism And Development
(AMISTAD) is organizing a two-day international forum with executive seminars on the theme
“Leading Sustainable Tourism in Latin America and the Caribbean”. As the official launch of
AMISTAD, it is geared to tourism managers and hospitality executives across the Latin American
and Caribbean region.
AMISTAD is focused on contributing to the sustainable development and social, ecological, and
economic resilience of tourism and (regional and national) hospitality industries in Latin America
and the Caribbean. It is a public-private business venture established by Marriott International and
the Government of Aruba, in collaboration with three educational institutions (University of Aruba,
University of South Carolina and the Hague Hotel Management School).
The International Executive Forum will feature distinguished regional and international executives,
ministers, policy-makers and scholars, including Mary Snyder (Marriott International’s President
for Corporate Social Responsibility), Guido Bauer (CEO Green Globe), Simon Hudson (Director of
the Center for Economic Excellence in Tourism and Travel), and Ewald Biemans, the Caribbean’s
own ‘green resort guru’. Speakers will delve into such areas as environmental management,
sustainable hospitality and gastronomy, green tourism trends, corporate social responsibility, and
social media strategies and technologies.
The forum will explore new ways Latin America and the Caribbean can lead sustainable tourism and
destination innovation, in terms of creativity, competitiveness, collaboration and competencies. By
means of a series of specialized interactive seminars, round table and expert panel discussions,
it will explore and examine leadership strategies from both regional, national as well industry and
business perspectives. For more information and reservations, visit www.arubamistad.com.
8
Activities
Kukoo Kunuku
Kukoo Kunuku offers party bus tours and other adventures that take guests on a whirlwind tour
of some of Aruba’s best sites as well as fun places where they can relax and grab a drink. Kukoo
Kunuku is staffed by an eclectic mix of valued employees as diverse and interesting as Aruba
itself. Their motto, “The perfect way for the old and the reckless and the young and the restless
to spend an evening in paradise,” speaks for itself.
Aruba’s latest dinner under the stars location, Casibari Grill, is now featured on the Kukoo
Kunuku Dinner and Barhopping Tour. Kukoo Kunuku guests can now enjoy a great local BBQ
meal with all the trimmings before embarking on a fun barhopping and nightlife adventure.
The newly renovated Casibari, is now open to the public seven days a week serving delicious
drinks and an exciting array of menu options. It is full of character with an unbeatable island
atmosphere!
More information and reviews of Kukoo Kunuku can be found on TripAdvisor, highly recommended
by travelers all around the world!
Arubans In The News
Sarah-Quita Offringa
At the Fuerteventura PWA Grand Slam, 23-year-old professional windsurfer Sarah-Quita Offringa
(Starboard / Mystic / Chris Benz / Maui Ultra Fins) reinforced her title as the Queen of freestyle with
another brilliant victory in the double elimination, defeating Olya Raskina of Russia. Sarah-Quita
Offringa defends her crown, “I’m always really happy and today we had some little waves, which
made things fun. Overall, I’m pleased with my performance on the water and happy to win.”
In 2011, following back-to-back 2010/2011 PWA Women’s Freestyle World Championship titles
wins together with winning the 2011 PWA Slalom World Championship, Aruba’s own Sarah-Quita
was nominated by the International Sailing Federation for the ISAF World Sailor of the Year Awards.
In 2012 and 2013, she took the World Champion Freestyle titles.
9
Nutzbeatz
Aruba-born Nutzbeatz, (aka Eldrick Boekhoudt) has become one of the biggest electronic music DJ’s on the Dutch
Caribbean islands, also performing at important gigs in Latin America, USA and the Netherlands. He has played an
important role in the introduction of EDM in Aruba and Curacao and his fan base is expanding to neighboring Latin
American countries, especially Venezuela.
As part of the EF program, there will be an exciting GET NUTZ Pool Party at Renaissance Marina Hotel featuring
Nutzbeatz, Sky Blu, Sensato, Jasmine V and Gian Varela, on September 4 at 3pm.
To vote for Nutzbeatz in the Top 100 DJs of the world, the official international listing for renowned DJs, just visit
NutzNation.com, and
(1) click on VOTE
(2) log in with Facebook (or other social media),
(3) vote 5 times for Nutzbeatz.
Celebrity Visitors
Sergio Leonel “Kun” Aguero Del Castillo
While vacationing at the Ritz Carlton Aruba, post FIFA 2014 World Cup
Games, professional Argentinean star Sergio Leonel “Kun” Agüero Del
Castillo who plays as a striker for Premier League Club Manchester City
and the Argentina National Team, dropped in for dinner at Amazonia.
He was accompanied by family members and girlfriend Karina Tejeda, a
famous Argentinean pop star, better known in her native country as “La
Princesita” or “The Princess.”
“We were impressed with his charismatic personality and humbleness,”
says restaurant manager Raymond Talbot. “He said he loved Aruba and
couldn’t wait to come back next summer. Befitting their nationality, it
was a family of meat-lovers. They were very pleased with our food, and
we were honored to serve them.”
10
Frans Bauer
Dirk Kuyt
A famous Dutch singer and TV personality,
Frans Bauer recently enjoyed vacationing
in Aruba at Divi Resorts, welcomed by top
management, Alex Nieuwmeyer and Gerrit
Griffith. He is especially known for his songs
about life with straight-to-the-heart lyrics.
Inspired by performers such as Julio Iglesias
and Elvis Presley, Bauer launched his career
in 1987 and rose to local and national fame
with musical hits and ultimately his own reality
show. He has won several awards and honors
in the Netherlands, including knighthood,
Ridder in de Orde van Oranje-Nassau, thanks
to his charitable work.
In a TV interview during the World Cup in Brazil, Dutch football star Dirk Kuyt revealed that he visits
Aruba regularly and, when asked about the impact of Brazil’s climate on his football performance,
he compared the climates of the two countries. He praised the great performance of the Dutch
team - #3 in the world – and the support of all the Dutch and Aruban fans. This segment was
widely viewed and discussed on social media.
11
After the games, Kuyt, his wife, four children and friends all visited the island to enjoy a relaxing
vacation. From the first time Kuyt visited Aruba in 2002, participating in the International Beach
Volleyball Tournament, he became a fan, and has been back every year since. He explained how
much his extended family of 15 enjoy Aruba because, no matter what their age or interests, it
offers something for everyone. “I believe that Aruba has the most beautiful beaches and blue
seas, great hotels. I love golf and play regularly at Tierra del Sol.” He also enjoys Aruba’s restaurant
scene, with its abundance of diverse cuisines and ambiances. Because next year there is no
World Cup or Eurocup, he will be able to stay a longer time on the island and would like to offer a
football clinic to kids and youth.
Events
Restaurant Week at Aruba Wine & Dine Restaurants
Avianca Cup 2014
The week of August 27 - September 3 is Restaurant Week,
a concept that allows locals and visitors to sample three-course
menus at six of Aruba’s great restaurants. Diners will be treated
to a super deal at Tango Argentine Grill, Café the Plaza, Fishes &
More, MooMba Beach, Salt & Pepper and Hadicurari.
The 2-day, 36-hole Avianca Cup 2014 will take place from September 18-21,
2014, at Divi Links, sponsored by the Santa Rita Wine Estate, Aruba Tourism
Authority, and Divi Resorts. The entry fee for this international amateur golf
tournament includes practice rounds, 4-night stay at Divi Village Golf & Beach
Resort with complimentary kids’ stay, airport/hotel transfers, use of pool
areas, fitness center and tennis courts, and Santa Rita wine tasting.
During Restaurant Week, guests can eat a three-course gourmet
dinner for just AWG. 45,-- (US $ 25.00) per person, or for AWG.
25,-- (US $ 14.00) plus 1000 Fun Miles per person.
The grand prize will be a weekend stay at the Santa Rita Wine Estate in Chile.
For more information, visit www.dutchcaribbeangolfassociation.com
A portion of the profits will go to Maris Stella, the home for Aruba’s
elderly. Advance reservations are suggested. To view the special
menus, visit www.arubawineanddine.com.
12
Electric Festival
The second edition of the Electric Festival Aruba will take place on
September 3 – 7, 2014. After the successful launch of the three-day
festival in 2013, visited by over 15,000 people, the Electric Festival (EF)
has been extended to five days. Also, with a more elaborate concert
program, it is taking the next step to becoming the biggest annual
electronic music festival in the Caribbean.
This exciting electronic music extravaganza features well-known artists
such as Lil Jon, Knife Party, Loco Dice, Carnage, Hector, DJ Boris and
Chuckie, an internationally famous Dutch DJ who lives in Aruba with
his wife and children. Being touted as the “party of the year,” it is a
must for all electronic and techno music fans. Through studio sessions,
13
workshops and demonstrations by DJs, producers, artists and fans,
Aruba will become the center of the electronic dance movement in Latin
America and the Caribbean.
The conference is being organized in collaboration with Amsterdam
Dance Event, the leading electronic music platform and the biggest club
festival in the world for the whole spectrum of electronic subgenres.
ADE will now present their first conference in the region, providing a
networking opportunity for representatives of record companies and
music publishers, artist managers, agencies and programmers of
venues and festivals.
Visit www.electricfestival.com for tickets and information.
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.
PPC Poker Tour
The PPC Poker Tour, which hosts US and destination poker events, will culminate with the PPC
Aruba World Championship from October 15-21, 2014 at the Radisson Aruba Resort. The $2,200
buy-in, $200,000 Guarantee Main Event is the premier tournament of the tour, and players have
been qualifying for the event all season long.
“It’s crazy to think 80-90 players will have won PPC Aruba Main Event packages from our stops
before we land in Aruba,” said Sandy Swartzbaugh, Commissioner of the PPC. “Launching the
$200,000 Main Event with over $150,000 in prize pool is very exciting. Mix in the allure of Aruba
and we are looking forward to our biggest field yet. This year will be one crazy ‘poker-cation.’”
Tournament organizers are expecting between 200-250 players for the Main Event. Those who
make the trip to Aruba will be able to attend a Gusto VIP Party on October 15 hosted by Serock.
The PPC Aruba will feature a $5,300 buy-in High Roller NLHE/PLO Mix, Senior Poker Tour, and
LIPS Tour events; and small $65 buy-in nightly turbo tournaments every night at 10 p.m. Regular
events will all start at 4 pm, which allows players to enjoy all Aruba has to offer.
Players will also have the opportunity to win their way to the PPC Aruba via stops that will be held
across the country between now and then.
14

to the August 2014 Aruba Product Update

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