KvK: New tourism policy must tackle overtourism and current problems first

ORANJESTAD — The Aruba Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KvK) says a new tourism policy should first focus on solving the island’s current problems instead of pursuing further growth in visitor numbers. In its analysis of the 2026–2031 Strategic Tourism Implementation Plan, KvK acknowledges that the plan has improved compared with earlier versions, but says major concerns remain about its direction and feasibility.

According to KvK, overtourism is already a daily reality, visible in crowded beaches, lack of parking, congestion in downtown Oranjestad, overloaded infrastructure and growing complaints about service quality. KvK also argues that the proposal to move cruise activity to San Nicolas is not realistic in the short term, because the docking area is polluted and cleanup costs are not included in the plan.

Another major concern is that the vacation rental sector, such as Airbnb, remains unregulated. KvK notes that Aruba has around 4,100 active units, which is adding pressure to housing prices, construction materials and the overall cost of living, while making home ownership increasingly difficult for local families.

KvK argues that Aruba has already exceeded its carrying capacity and should move away from a volume-driven model toward one centered on value. In its view, a gradual reduction in tourist numbers and a stronger focus on higher-value visitors would better serve the economy, the environment and residents’ quality of life. The chamber adds that Central Bank figures show that every 1% increase in tourist arrivals produced only 1.16% real growth in tourism income, below the targets mentioned in the plan itself.

KvK also criticizes the proposal to create more than six new bodies to implement the plan, warning that this could increase bureaucracy and weaken coordination. It further questions the introduction of several new visitor fees, including entry and environmental contributions, saying Aruba is already known as an expensive destination while service standards are under pressure.

KvK’s conclusion is clear: Aruba must first solve its current problems, regulate sectors that remain uncontrolled, reduce pressure on infrastructure and improve service quality before considering further tourism growth.