Aruba sees strong growth in Colombian and Latin American tourism

ORANJESTAD — Aruba is continuing to strengthen its position as a favorite Caribbean destination for Colombian and Latin American travelers. According to Darysse Croes, global communications manager of the Aruba Tourism Authority, the island received 36,000 visitors from Colombia between January and July this year, compared with 34,000 the year before.

Croes attributed the growth mainly to stronger air connectivity. Aruba now has expanded service with Avianca, Wingo and Copa Airlines, making the island more accessible to travelers from Colombia.

Regionally, Aruba received 183,000 Latin American visitors between January and July, compared with 127,000 in the same period a year earlier. That represents growth of more than 40% and means Latin America now accounts for 18% of Aruba’s total visitor arrivals.

According to the Aruba Tourism Authority, Colombian travelers are showing interest in a wide range of travel segments, including family vacations, romance, honeymoons, gastronomy, wellness, medical tourism, family visits and business travel.

Croes said Aruba stands out because of its hospitality, safety and a tourism offering that goes beyond beaches alone. She added that the campaign “When you love Aruba, Aruba loves you back” is aimed at attracting “high-value, low-impact” visitors who stay longer, spend more and help care for the island.

For the remainder of 2026, Aruba is also continuing to promote events such as the Auténtico culinary festival in October, Aruba Fashion Week in November and a range of family and cultural activities in December.