World Tourism Day
ORANJESTAD— On Friday, September 19, 2025, the Aruba Tourism Authority (ATA) organized a conference for World Tourism Day at the St. Regis Resort Aruba, celebrating this year's theme: Tourism and Sustainable Transformation.
The event brought together leaders, stakeholders, and experts in the tourism industry for discussions on the future of tourism in Aruba and beyond.
Mr. Wendrick Cicilia, the Minister of Tourism, Transport, and Labor, delivered a speech emphasizing the significance of people and sustainability in Aruba's tourism transformation.
Minister Cicilia expressed, "Tourism is not measured only in visitor arrivals or hotel occupancy; it is a reality for people. Our bartenders, housekeeping staff, chefs, taxi drivers, tour guides, and others transform ordinary tasks into extraordinary experiences. They are the unsung heroes of our industry. Sustainable transformation must start by valuing our heroes.”
The three main elements of Aruba's sustainable tourism plan are:
- Environmental supervision: safeguard Aruba's beaches, reefs, and natural resources.
- Social inclusion: guarantee fair opportunity and dignified conditions for all workers in the tourism sector.
- Economic resilience: focus on value-driven tourism by attracting quality visitors and fostering innovation.
Sustainability includes protecting livelihoods, taking care of the environment, and providing fair tourism benefits to the whole community.
Organized by the Aruba Tourism Authority, the conference featured keynote presentations, panel discussions, and networking sessions. ATA reaffirms Aruba's commitment to a collective approach to building a sustainable future for tourism.