A.T.A. Celebrates: Jordan Schlipken-Croes Named Among Colombia’s Top Managers

The recognition comes as Colombia became Aruba’s largest tourism source market in 2024, with record growth of 25% compared to 2023. Under Schlipken-Croes’ leadership, Aruba strengthened its market position in Latin America, welcoming 182,000 travelers from the region—a 38% increase, the highest in recent years.

A key factor in this success has been the expansion of air connectivity. Working with the Aruba Airport Authority and regional partners, Schlipken-Croes helped secure new routes with LATAM Airlines (Lima–Aruba) and GOL Airlines (São Paulo–Aruba), while existing partners like Avianca and Copa Airlines expanded their frequencies. Between 2022 and 2025, these efforts resulted in a 52% increase in available airline seats from Latin America to Aruba.

“The most transformative decision was to expand air connectivity,” Schlipken-Croes told Manager. “This not only brought Latin Americans closer to Aruba, but also strengthened our island’s economy, where tourism represents 80% of GDP.”

Beyond tourism, Schlipken-Croes has positioned Aruba as a business and cultural hub, fostering ties through the Colombian-Dutch and Peruvian-Dutch Chambers of Commerce.

His leadership is guided by purpose: “Tourism is welfare for our people. That is what motivates my team,” he emphasized.

With record-breaking results and a clear regional vision, Schlipken-Croes continues to play a pivotal role in strengthening Aruba’s position in Latin America and beyond.

About Jordan Schlipken-Croes

Jordan Schlipken-Croes joined A.T.A. in 2017 in Bogotá, managing six markets across Latin America. After gaining international experience in Panama, he returned in 2021 and was appointed Area Director in 2022. Since then, he has consistently exceeded targets, driving growth in both visitor arrivals and flight connectivity.