Tour Operators United: Now we can all be part of the solution

ORANJESTAD — After representatives of Tour Operators United and the Government of Aruba signed the so-called “Protocol for Responsible Conduct in Nature” last Wednesday, the sector now faces five crucial weeks to reach practical and balanced solutions. For the first time in 20 years, tour operators say they are being heard, and with the protocol in place, there is now room for all parties to take part in the discussion.

In the meantime, with permission from Prime Minister Mike Eman, tour operators will again be allowed to use the California Lighthouse–Alto Vista route while all parties continue dialogue at the negotiating table.

“Our request to the government now is to mark out this route as soon as possible, leaving a road about six meters wide, so users do not leave the designated path and drive wherever they want,” representatives of Tour Operators United said during the signing of the protocol.

The agreement focuses on responsible conduct in nature, continued dialogue, joint exploration of solutions, and measures including geofencing, guide certification, enforcement, supervision and sanctions, among other points.

According to Tour Operators United, this is the first time local tour operators have united in this way, demonstrating their willingness to work together and contribute positively to the protocol and the wider dialogue.

In the coming days, Tour Operators United will continue working with the government and is also calling for changes, or more specifically the implementation of Articles 13 and 14 of the ROPV legislation, in order to legally anchor existing roads that have been known and used since the 1980s.

“We are awaiting the date of the meeting in Parliament, where the government will set out its position and in doing so help us provide peace of mind to our employees and keep the sector stable while we continue working together in this process,” representatives of Tour Operators United said.

The court case brought by Aruba Birdlife Conservation against the Government of Aruba and the Aruba Conservation Foundation, Parke Arikok, has been postponed until October 15.

Tour Operators United nevertheless remains positive that during the current dialogue phase, a common understanding can be reached on the protection and care of nature, while also respecting the local community, the tourism sector and everyone who contributes to it.