13 Aug 2015
WHAT'S NEW
Aruba in line for another international award
Aruba is in line for another prestigious international award, recognising its world-leading achievements in sustainable tourism.
The island is a finalist for the 2015 World Responsible Tourism Awards to be announced during World Travel Market in London in November. This follows Aruba's success earlier this year when it scooped the winner's spot in the Destination Leadership category of the first National Geographic World Legacy Awards. This recognised its drive to be the world's first country to be free of fossil fuel.
Aruba is among 37 organisations chosen across 12 categories of the World Responsible Tourism Awards, recognising a variety of responsible tourism initiatives. The finalists are said to be the most diverse in the history of the awards and are based in more countries than ever before – 20 in total.
Commenting on this year's entries, managing director of Responsible Tourism and founder of the awards, Justin Francis, said: 'In our entries this year, we've seen organisations clearly influenced by the work of our previous winners - for example, city tours run by homeless guides. It is our responsibility to find those inspirational people again.
'Looking at our hugely diverse list of finalists this year, I think we have found those people. The organisations in the list really prove that responsible tourism is viable and can be successful in all types of tourism, from niche to mainstream. These organisations are the shining stars of responsible tourism.'
Prof Harold Goodwin, chairman of the awards' judging panel noted that 2015 had revealed some of the strongest entries ever received. He explained: 'Our aim is to surprise and inspire but the standard of rising and we have to keep pushing up our expectations of our winners.
'Being a finalist for one of these awards is not easy. Organisations are required to go through a rigorous process, evidencing the impact rather than the intent of their work.'
Voting is underway for the awards' only publicly-decided category, the People's Choice in Responsible Tourism in association with National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine. The winner of this, individual categories and the overall winner, will be announced at WTM on Wednesday, November 4.
HOTEL NEWS
Bucuti Packs for a Purpose
Helping travellers put something back into the communities they visit, Aruba's Bucuti and Tara Beach Resort has joined the Pack for a Purpose scheme.
The programme is designed to help travellers who wish to make a meaningful contribution to their chosen destination's communities.
'Our commitment to sustainability goes beyond preserving Aruba's natural resources and includes supporting and enriching the local community and its children,' said Bucuti's owner Ewald Biemans. 'Our guests often ask us what they can do during their trip to help those in need on the island and this programme offers them an opportunity to contribute.'
Bucuti has partnered with the children's home Imeldahof, which offers shelter and guidance to boys and girls who, due to circumstance, cannot live with their parents or carers. Bucuti will collect items from its guests and deliver them to Imeldahof.
Riu Palace Aruba reopens after $25 million facelift
Riu Hotels & Resorts has reopened its Riu Palace Aruba after investing US$25 million in a complete renovation. This Palm Beach resort, which opened in 2007, now has a luxurious, elegant and modern style combined with new services and facilities, featuring an infinity pool overlooking the sparkling waters of the Caribbean.
All of the interiors of the newly-renovated Riu Palace Aruba are decorated in the modern style the RIU Hotels chain is introducing in all its new properties - a concept based on clean, contemporary lines, where fresh, vibrant colours play a leading role. Likewise, its 450 rooms also have a new modern and comfortable image paired with the latest technology, such as flat-screen satellite TV, an electronic safe, and free wifi.
The restaurants and bars of the Riu Palace Aruba have also undergone a complete transformation. During the day guests can enjoy the new infinity pool and sun terrace. At night, they can listen to live music in the refurbished theatre while having a drink in Barry's lounge or in the new cocktail area of the 24-hour sports bar.
The renovation of the Riu Palace Aruba updates RIU's hotel offering in Aruba along with the luxurious Riu Palace Antillas, the first hotel on the island exclusively reserved for adults 18 and older which offers all-inclusive service 24 hours a day.
Hilton set to open in Aruba
A new name is set to join the ranks of Aruba's leading hotels and resorts, with the planned opening of a Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino.
The property is currently the Radisson Aruba Resort and Casino, whose owners, The Carlson Group, have sold it to the Aruba Growth Fund, following nine months of negotiation.
The Aruba Growth Fund was created by Aruban businessmen in 2011 to invest Aruban pension funds in companies and projects on the island. Plans for the new Hilton include extensive renovations and the addition of an extra building, with a scheduled opening next year. The property currently has 355 rooms in three buildings, with a staff of 450.
New welcome at Aruba Marriott
Aruba's Marriott Resort and Stellaris Casino has a new welcome for guests with a new look and feel to the Great Room Lobby.
The recent refurbishment includes an eye-catching media wall showcasing a video of Aruba's natural attractions. Guests staying for work or relaxation now enjoy comfortable and contemporary chairs with low tables, white sofas or can opt for tall tables and matching chairs.
The bar has also had a facelift and guests can make use of free wifi and electrical sockets throughout the area.
Ritz-Carlton steaks a claim
Summer sees a new taste added to the menu at the Ritz-Carlton, Aruba.
In partnership with ESquared Hospitality, the hotel will this month (August) open a new BLT Steak restaurant. This makes the second Caribbean location for this critically-acclaimed restaurant, following its success at the Ritz-Carlton, San Juan.
With more than 15 locations around the world, including Hong Kong, Tokyo and New York, BLT Steak has been a landmark for signature style, setting the tone for the modern American steakhouse since its flagship location opened in New York in 2004.
Features include BLT Steak's popular warm popovers and selections of USDA choice steaks, together with weekly blackboard specials highlighting seasonal flavours and local ingredients.
Hyatt Regency's new outlook
Work is continuing this summer to complete improvements to the façade of the Hyatt Regency Aruba Spa & Casino. Work, which includes cleaning and painting, is being carried out during daytime to minimise disturbance to guests.
WHAT ELSE IS NEW?
Aruba Airport is the face of innovation
An innovative use of technology to speed passengers through Aruba Airport is being piloted over the next two years.
The Aruba Happy Flow project, which uses facial recognition, has already been named as one of the top 10 innovations by the leading airport business magazine Airport Business.
Launched in May, the project is the first of its kind and uses biometrics as the key identifier at all airport checkpoints – check-in, bag-drop, border control and boarding gate. Once the passenger's passport and facial image have been linked at the initial check-in stage, they will not have to show their passport or boarding pass again before boarding their aircraft.
The project is the result of collaboration between Aruba, The Netherlands, Aruba Airport Authority, Schiphol Group and KLM. Jos Nijhuis, CEO and President of the Schiphol Group, which manages Aruba Airport, commented: 'This is a unique project where, amongst others, the public and private passenger processes are combined. I have high expectations of the results. If the experience and test results are positive, we will further develop this project.'
New action for thrill-seekers
Thrill-seekers gain new adventures in Aruba with the introduction of additional activities.
Leading island ground operator De Palm Tours has two new features on its private De Palm Island, just off the coast near capital Oranjestad – the island's first zipwire and Air Jumpers.
The zipwire will run for 136m at a height of 10m from behind the island's water park to one of its beaches. Air jumpers allows guests of all ages to perform high-rise trampoline stunts while secured in a harness.
Both new activities are part of all-inclusive packages which include food and drinks, snorkeling, the waterpark, unlimited banana boat rides, salsa lessons and other beach fun.
Meanwhile, another company, Red Sail Sports, has introduced Hoverboard, which combines surfing and flying across the water. The Hoverboard is a surfboard attached to a jet ski, giving it jet propulsion.
One can grab the nose of the Hoverboard and soar at least 15 feet into the air and perform spins, flips and other stunts. Hoverboard certified instructors ride the jetski and communicate during the ride.
New names for Electric Festival line-up
New names are being added to the star-studded line-up for Aruba's third Electric Festival, running from September 3 to 6.
Latest signing is Afrojack, one of the world's best-known DJs and who recently gave a much-talked about performance at Tomorrowland, one of the biggest electronic music festivals.
Aruba's Electric Festival incudes concerts and pool parties and is staged in conjunction with the Amsterdam Dance Event.
Other top names confirmed for the event include NERVO. Sisters Mim and Liv Nervo are the top-ranking DJs in the world and have catapulted onto the international stage.
Arts and crafts hit the streets
Visitors are being drawn to a pop-up art fair staged in Aruba's capital Oranjestad, offering a variety of handmade local crafts.
Located in Korteweg, a short narrow street running perpendicular to Main Street, the pop-up fair takes place on the last Friday of the month from 6pm to 9pm on a bi-monthly basis.
Handmade arts and crafts include creations formed from reclaimed wood and natural materials, such as shells, rocks, driftwood, stones and coconuts, as well as other artistic treasures. There are also delicacies made from edible herbs and plants found in the Aruban countryside.
IN THE DIARY: THE BEST EVENTS OF 2015
21st Annual Aruba International Pro-Am Golf Tournament
20-24 August 2015
Professional and amateur golfers team up in two-day 36-hole tournament at the Tierra del Sol course.
One Cool Summer International Drag Race
29 August – 1 September
Exciting international drag racing competition at the Palo Marga International Raceway Park.
Electric Festival
3-6 September 2015
Hip, three-day event featuring top DJs and including concerts and beach parties
22nd Annual Aruba Reef Care Project
1-30 September 2015
Join more than 800 participants – locals and visitors – for Aruba's largest volunteer initiative, a clean-up of beach as well as dive and snorkel sites.
e-mail castroperez@gmail.com for more information
9th Annual Caribbean Sea Jazz Festival 2015
25-26 September 2015
This annual festival ignites Aruba's music scene with an impressive line-up of international and local jazz, soul and funk musicians at Renaissance Market Place. It is not only about music. The vibrating atmosphere, food stands and numerous bars make this a unique experience.
Aruba International Bike Week
26 October – 1 November
Forgot your Harley? No worries – just watching hundreds of bikes parade around the island is a remarkable sight. Bikers from around the world ships their machines for the festivities.
e-mail croesrudy@gmail.com for more information
For general information on visiting Aruba please go to www.aruba.com
