Aruba says goodbye to a tourism pioneer, Roderick 'Rory' Gilbert Arends.
ORANJESTAD - On July 25, 2025, the moving farewell of Mr. Roderick 'Rory' Arends at the Pro Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi in Playa took place.
Among family, friends, prominent figures in the tourism sector, Prime Minister mr. Mike Eman, together with the Minister of Tourism mr. Wendrick Cicilia, friends, and family paid respect to the life of a person who, in his career, left an impressive legacy behind.
On June 30, Aruba was surprised by the news of the death of the "doctor of tourism", Mr. Roderick Gilbert Arends. Better known as Rory.
Minister Wendrick Cicilia, in charge of the tourism portfolio, expressed that as a new generation, he honors the life of a pioneer who meant so much to Aruba. With gratitude for everything that is built today on the strong foundation that our pioneers and legends, with much sacrifice, left for us.
Rory was an exemplary and respected character in the tourism industry. He served as the former president and CEO of AHATA from 1990 to 2000. He also performed a fine job as director at the Aruba Tourism Bureau (ATB) during the period 1985 to 1989. Rory was a pioneer in the transformation of ATB to ATA.
Prime Minister Mike Eman took the floor at the farewell of a person who stood at the cradle of the tourism organization of Aruba. Today, he said goodbye to him, but then stopped for a moment to reflect on the significance of what Mr. Rory Arends meant to this industry. If there is anyone who has lived with the kindness and hospitality that represent us around the world, it was Rory Arends.
The Government of Aruba wishes strength and deep condolences to the family and all who loved Rory. Rory leaves behind an impressive legacy for all who continue to serve in the most important sector of our country, and has done so faithfully for more than thirty years.