Changes in Aruba Tourism Authority

At the General Session of the Annual Tourism Conference Aruba, Otmar Oduber, Minister of Tourism, Transport and Labor, explained that the Aruba Tourism Authority will be privatized as of January 1, 2011.

This will allow marketing experts greater autonomy and speed in the decision-making process and will also financially link ATA with AHATA (Aruba Hotel and Tourism Association).

He stated that, starting July 1st, the marketing budget of the government and AHATA will become one fund – the Aruba Tourism Marketing Fund. Beginning May 1st, Aruba’s room tax will be 7.5 percent.

On July 1, the 2 percent fee now charged by AHATA will be converted into room tax, for a total of 9.5 percent. This room tax will flow into the Aruba Tourism Marketing Fund and will be earmarked to guarantee continuity and stability in the marketing of the destination.