Otmar Oduber(PPA): Aruba’s problem is underdevelopment, not too much tourism

ORANJESTAD — Former minister and former PPA parliamentary leader Otmar Oduber rejects the argument that Aruba’s main problem is over-tourism. According to him, tourism has grown while infrastructure, public transport, environmental protection and planning have failed to keep pace.

“I don’t believe we have over-tourism. We have underdevelopment,” Oduber said. He argues that the government has known for years that tourism would continue to grow and should have prepared roads, public transport, regulations and infrastructure accordingly.

Oduber also says Aruba should not have to choose between development and nature protection. With proper regulation, designated routes, enforcement and planning, both can coexist.

He further questioned why more tourism-generated revenue has not been reinvested in the infrastructure that supports the industry. His conclusion is that tourism did not grow too much; Aruba simply failed to develop enough to sustain the growth it created.