AHATA rejects tourism plan: fewer visitors, no additional taxes or bureaucracy

ORANJESTAD — The Aruba Hotel & Tourism Association (AHATA) disagrees with the Tourism Implementation Plan 2026–2031. Following three consultation rounds with the Tourism Ministry, the association says its recommendations are insufficiently reflected in the document.

AHATA advocates halting growth in visitor numbers and focusing on tourists who contribute more to the economy and appreciate nature and culture. It also wants controls on the number of cruise ships and aircraft arriving on the same day.

The association opposes tax increases and the creation of additional government bodies. According to AHATA, the government should prioritize spending, improve tax collection and compliance, and make existing structures more effective.

AHATA also questions the proposed closure of beaches and the sea one day a month, describing it as symbolic. It argues that controlling visitor numbers would reduce pressure on nature more effectively and regrets that the plan does not incorporate its vision for tourism’s future.