The government announces the modernization of the beach policy.

This marks a decisive and long-awaited step forward in the responsible management of the island's most valuable natural asset: its public beaches.

The current beach policy, formally known as RRIS (Beach Spatial Planning Guidelines), has been in effect for over ten years. These guidelines govern the use, zoning, and development of public beaches. However, given the rapid growth of tourism, changing spatial needs, and new environmental and social realities, an urgent update of the beach policy is necessary.

For the first time in over a decade, the Aruban government is taking concrete steps to review and modernize the RRIS. This initiative represents a structural reform of the way our beaches are governed, managed, and protected. The modernization process will:

• Revise and update the spatial guidelines of the RRIS;
• Address current challenges related to beach use and saturation;
• Implement stricter and clearer regulations;
• Add a new beach to the beach policy;
• Ensure a better distribution and balance across Aruba's beaches.

The process is supported by the Department of Infrastructure and Planning (DIP), along with the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Infrastructure, demonstrating strong interministerial collaboration. All beaches are public.

Minister of Tourism, Transportation, and Labor Wendrick Cicilia emphasized an essential principle underlying the announcement: "No beach in Aruba will ever be owned by a hotel." All beaches remain public and accessible to both Aruban residents and visitors. The updated beach policy will reinforce this right and ensure equitable access and protection of public spaces."

Supporting the tourism sector

The Aruba Tourism Authority, through the Minister of Tourism, has partially contributed to the funding of the modernization process. This highlights the collective responsibility of the government and tourism stakeholders to manage Aruba's beaches sustainably and responsibly. 

Stakeholder Dialogue

In the coming weeks, the government will initiate a structured dialogue with all relevant stakeholders, including hoteliers, tour operators, environmental groups, local community representatives, and other partners. The goal is to ensure that the updated beach policy reflects broad participation while safeguarding the public interest.

By updating and revising the beach policy, Aruba is taking an important step toward sustainable spatial planning and a fair distribution of beaches, as well as the long-term protection of one of its most valuable national assets.