Minister of Tourism and IMF Discuss Economic Outlook, Tourism Growth, and Labor Market Challenges
ORANJESTAD – On September 30, 2025, Minister of Tourism, Transport and Labor, Wendrick Cicilia, met with a delegation from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as part of the Article IV consultation mission, which takes place every two years.
This mission provides an opportunity to assess Aruba’s economic performance, exchange perspectives on current challenges and opportunities, and strengthen policy coordination with international partners.
The discussions focused on Aruba’s economic outlook, the central role of tourism in national growth, and pressing issues such as labor shortages affecting several sectors. The IMF delegation also reviewed the government’s broader approach to public sector management and governance, underlining the importance of long-term resilience, sound fiscal policy, and sustainable development.
Tourism Performance
The latest figures (as of August 2025) highlight the continued strength of Aruba’s tourism sector:
- Stay-over arrivals: 1,036,988 (Jan–Aug), a 5% increase compared to 2024;
- Cruise visitors: 605,183, a 2.6% decrease compared to 2024;
- Overnight stays: 6.9 million nights, up 2.4%;
- Average visitor expenditure: Afl. 5,258.50, a 12.3% increase compared to 2024.
These results confirm Aruba’s position as a leading destination, while also underscoring the importance of managing growth responsibly and addressing structural challenges, particularly labor availability.
Minister Cicilia expressed his appreciation for the constructive dialogue with the IMF and reaffirmed his commitment to advancing policies that promote economic stability, strengthen institutional capacity, and ensure that the benefits of tourism and development are broadly shared among the people of Aruba.