AGP Executive Report

Air Access: Southwest Airlines will launch Saturday-only nonstop service between Nashville and Aruba starting March 2027, making it easier to plan a classic week on One Happy Island. Tourism Growth: Aruba’s June 2026 numbers show stay-over arrivals up 13.4% to 143,343, with South America surging and the U.S. still the biggest source market. Cruise & Sailings: Seabourn opened winter 2028–2029 Caribbean bookings, with late departures that include Aruba and Curaçao, plus port-rich itineraries. Deals: Divi Resorts’ Caribbean Summer Blowout runs until Sept. 8, 2026 for stays through Dec. 20, with savings up to 40% (code BLOWOUT26). Safety & Community: A Hollywood Ocean Rescue lifeguard, Marcelo Lorenzo, is credited with saving family members after a tubing crash in Aruba; Aruba Police Force also marked its 40th anniversary with a Holy Mass and parade. Local Life: Rotaract Aruba celebrated 35 years of its Back2School project, supporting 52 children for the new school year.

New nonstop to Aruba: Southwest Airlines will launch Saturday-only nonstop service between Nashville and Aruba in March 2027, giving U.S. travelers a direct Caribbean option that fits perfectly with a week-long stay. Beach time, planned smarter: Skyscanner’s new Paradise Guide quiz helps travelers pick the right beach by “vibe,” amenities, budget, and travel month—useful for Aruba visitors planning a day out. Tourism momentum: Aruba’s June 2026 arrivals rose 13.4% year over year to 143,343 stay-overs, with South America surging and the first half up 10.9%. Cruise interest stays strong: Seabourn opened bookings for winter 2028–2029 Caribbean sailings with port-rich routes that include late departures in Aruba and Curaçao. Safety spotlight: Hollywood lifeguard Marcelo Lorenzo is set to be honored after rescuing family members in Aruba following a tubing crash into a catamaran. Community & culture: Rotaract Club of Aruba marked 35 years of its Back2School project, supporting 52 children for the new school year.

Tourism Numbers: Aruba logged 143,343 stay-over arrivals in June 2026, up 13.4% year-on-year, with South America surging (29,149 visitors, +20.3% share) and North America still leading (105,488; 73.6%). Air Access: TUI fly Netherlands plans to swap in larger Boeing 737 MAX 10 aircraft and add capacity for summer 2027, including more direct service to Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao from April 2027. Cruise Momentum: Seabourn opened bookings for winter 2028–2029 Caribbean sailings, with port-rich routes that include late calls in Aruba and Curaçao. Local Tourism Support: Aruba Tourism Authority and Qredits Aruba named the 2026 Aruba Signature Experience winners—Cura di Mama, Moorebida and Piskechi Experience—backing niche, authentic experiences for local entrepreneurs. Community & Safety: Aruba Police Force marked its 40th anniversary with a Holy Mass and parade, highlighting Aruba’s reputation as a safe destination that supports tourism. Weather Watch: Aruba’s health directorate warns that “Super El Niño” conditions could bring hotter, drier days—drink more water, stay in shade, and protect against heat stress. Deals for Travelers: Divi Resorts launched a Summer Blowout sale with up to 40% off stays (promo code BLOWOUT26) for travel through Dec. 20, 2026.

A.T.A. & Ports Authority Boost Tourism Events: Aruba Tourism Authority and Aruba Ports Authority teamed up for another successful “Buki di Pret” activity and met with Carnival Cruise Line executives, keeping cruise and local culture momentum strong. Air Access for Aruba: WestJet expands its winter sun schedule with new Caribbean routes and more capacity from Western Canada, highlighting Aruba among its key destinations. Caribbean Travel Competition: TUI fly Netherlands plans to swap in larger Boeing 737 MAX 10 aircraft and add more direct service to Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao from April 2027—more seats, more nonstop options. Local Tourism Strategy & Training: Aruba Tourism Authority signed a strategic agreement with the University of Aruba to strengthen education, research, and sustainable development tied to tourism. Tourism Business Growth: Aruba Signature Experience 2026 winners were announced (Cura di Mama, Moorebida, Piskechi Experience), supporting niche, culture- and wellness-led experiences for visitors. Safety & Community Spotlight: Aruba Police Force marked its 40th anniversary with a mass and parade, reinforcing Aruba’s reputation as a safe destination that supports tourism. Infrastructure Pressure: A Tanki Leendert resident renewed calls for long-awaited road paving, pointing to dust and health impacts—an issue that can affect visitor comfort too. Carubbian Returns: Carubbian is back with a special edition honoring the Aruba Police Force’s 40th anniversary during Korpsweek, with regional delegations joining in.

Aruba Tourism & Community: Aruba Police Force marks its 40th anniversary with a Holy Mass and parade in Oranjestad, bringing delegations from across the Kingdom and the region. Local Culture & Tourism Product: Aruba Signature Experience 2026 names Cura di Mama, Moorebida, and Piskechi Experience as winners, backing niche culture, wellness, nature and sustainability concepts with coaching and marketing support. Sustainability in Hospitality: The Compost Alliance moves toward its operational phase, with Aruba’s hospitality sector and tourism leadership working to turn organic waste into compost. Travel Planning & Access: WestJet expands its winter sun schedule, adding more capacity and routes to Aruba and other Caribbean favorites. Cruise Notes for Visitors: Margaritaville at Sea’s Islander changes the order and timing of Aruba and Curaçao port calls for a Sept. 5, 2026 sailing—still both destinations, but guests should double-check excursion plans. Weather Watch: Aruba expects hotter, drier conditions tied to El Niño, with public health urging extra hydration and heat-safety steps.

Aruba Tourism & Culture: Aruba Tourism Authority (A.T.A.) and Qredits Aruba named the 2026 Aruba Signature Experience winners—Cura di Mama, Moorebida, and Piskechi Experience—backed by coaching, marketing, and branding support to grow niche culture, wellness, nature, and sustainability offerings. Sustainable Tourism: The Compost Alliance, a hospitality-led push to turn organic waste into compost, is moving into its operational phase, with participating businesses separating waste and Alto Vista Winery handling compost transformation. Local Community & Safety: Aruba Police Force marked its 40th anniversary with a Holy Mass and official parade, while residents in Mabon renewed calls for speed bumps to improve pedestrian safety near Famia Supermarket. Travel Planning (Air & Sea): Norwegian Cruise Line opened bookings for its 2028 season (450+ voyages) and WestJet announced a bigger winter sun schedule for Latin America and the Caribbean, including Aruba. Weather Watch: Aruba is preparing for hotter, drier conditions tied to El Niño, with public health urging extra hydration and heat-safety steps. Family & Education: Red Cross Aruba and Kiwanis supported 100 children for the new school year with clothing, haircuts, hygiene workshops, and first-aid and hurricane preparedness sessions.

Air Access & Winter Sun: WestJet is rolling out its biggest Latin America and Caribbean winter schedule yet, adding capacity and new routes that include Aruba, with more frequencies and larger aircraft across its network. Cruise Update: Margaritaville at Sea’s Islander changed two September 2026 port call times—Aruba now comes before Curaçao—so booked guests should double-check excursion plans. Local Tourism Boost: Aruba Tourism Authority and Qredits Aruba named the 2026 Aruba Signature Experience winners—Cura di Mama, Moorebida, and Piskechi Experience—backed by coaching and marketing support for niche culture, wellness, nature, and sustainability. Wellness on One Happy Island: A guide highlights how travelers can build a wellness-focused escape in Aruba, including low-season timing and easy ways to slow down. Weather Watch: Aruba is bracing for hotter, drier conditions tied to El Niño, with public health urging extra hydration and heat-safety steps. Community & Culture: Aruba Police Force marks 40 years with a mass and parade, while local fishermen celebrated International Fishermen’s Day with a Palm Beach tournament. Safety & Travel Planning: A new “safest fall destinations” list puts Aruba at the top for solo travelers, reinforcing the island’s appeal for independent trips.

El Niño Heat Alert: Aruba is bracing for hotter, drier weather as “Super El Niño” conditions build, with public health urging extra hydration, shade, light clothing, and sunscreen—especially for seniors and people with chronic illnesses. Tourism Growth & Strategy: Minister Wendrick Cicilia met with Aruba Tourism Authority (A.T.A.) leaders to discuss the national tourism policy, A.T.A.’s 2027 budget, and next steps for turning the sector’s vision into concrete projects. Local Experiences Spotlight: A.T.A. and Qredits Aruba named the 2026 Aruba Signature Experience winners—Cura di Mama, Moorebida, and Piskechi Experience—backed with coaching and marketing support to boost culture, wellness, nature, and sustainability. Cruise Port Change: Margaritaville at Sea’s Islander swapped the order and timing of Aruba and Curaçao port days for a Sept. 5, 2026 sailing, so booked guests should double-check excursion plans. Family Support Back-to-School: Red Cross Aruba and Kiwanis helped 100 children get ready for the new school year with supplies, haircuts, sports, hygiene workshops, and first-aid and hurricane preparedness sessions. Aruba in the Spotlight: Aruba was ranked among the safest fall solo travel destinations, and Southwest is adding Saturday-only nonstop service from Nashville to Aruba starting March 13, 2027.

Tourism Product Boost: Aruba Tourism Authority (A.T.A.) and Qredits Aruba named the 2026 Aruba Signature Experience winners: Cura di Mama, Moorebida, and Piskechi Experience—each getting coaching plus marketing and branding support to grow niche culture, wellness, nature, and sustainability offerings. A.T.A. Strategy Meeting: Minister Wendrick Cicilia met with A.T.A. leadership to discuss Aruba’s national tourism policy, the 2027 A.T.A. budget, and next steps toward turning the sector’s strategic vision into concrete projects. Air Access for Spring Break: Southwest Airlines is launching Saturday-only nonstop service between Nashville and Aruba starting March 13, 2027—an extra direct option timed for peak spring travel. Cruise Port Timing: Margaritaville at Sea’s Islander changed the order of Aruba and Curaçao on a Sept. 5, 2026 sailing—Aruba now arrives Sept. 9 (2 p.m.–11 p.m.) before Curaçao on Sept. 10 (7 a.m.–5 p.m.), so booked guests should double-check excursion plans. Local Business & City Life: The government launched a public tender to renovate the former Lagun gas station in Oranjestad into a new attraction aimed at building a culinary hub with restaurants, bars, and terraces. Food Event: Restaurant Week Aruba returns Sept. 2–13, 2026 with 12 top restaurants offering brand-new three-course menus for Afl. 49 or Afl. 59.

Tourism Strategy Update: Minister Wendrick Cicilia met with Aruba Tourism Authority (A.T.A.) leadership to map Aruba’s national tourism policy, discuss the 2027 A.T.A. budget, and plan concrete projects for the next phase of tourism development. Local Experiences Spotlight: A.T.A. and Qredits Aruba named the 2026 Aruba Signature Experience winners—Cura di Mama, Moorebida, and Piskechi Experience—backed with coaching and marketing support to grow niche, authentic visitor experiences. Education & Sustainability: A.T.A. and the University of Aruba signed a strategic agreement to strengthen Small Island Studies, with a focus on resilience, digital transformation, governance, and sustainable development. Air Access for Travelers: Southwest Airlines announced Saturday-only nonstop service between Nashville and Aruba starting March 13, 2027, adding another direct U.S. route for spring-break demand. Cruise Port Change: Margaritaville at Sea’s Islander adjusted two port days for its Sept. 5, 2026 sailing—Aruba now comes before Curaçao—so booked guests should double-check excursion times. Food & Fun: Restaurant Week Aruba returns Sept. 2–13, 2026 with 12 top restaurants and brand-new three-course menus. Community & Safety: Residents in Mabon are calling for speed bumps to improve pedestrian safety near Famia Supermarket, citing drivers who don’t yield and concerns for children. Culture & Pride: Aruba honored Isabel Alves Dammers for 40 years of public service, and Diamond Model participants will represent Aruba in Colombia’s Colombia Fashion Kids event. On-the-Ground Reality: A local fisherman says Aruba’s waters have fewer fish than in past decades, with more competition and changing fishing conditions affecting livelihoods.

New Air Access: Southwest Airlines is launching Saturday-only nonstop service between Nashville and Aruba starting March 13, 2027—an easy new spring-break route that adds to Aruba’s already strong U.S. connectivity. Tourism Strategy: Minister Wendrick Cicilia met with Aruba Tourism Authority (A.T.A.) leadership to map the future of tourism, including Aruba’s national tourism policy, A.T.A. budget planning for 2027, and concrete projects under the Corporate Plan. Education & Sustainability: A.T.A. and the University of Aruba signed a strategic agreement to expand Small Island Studies, with a focus on resilience, digital transformation, good governance, and applied research for Aruba. Cruise Disruption Watch: Margaritaville at Sea changed port order and times for Aruba and Curaçao on its Sept. 5, 2026 sailing—still visiting all ports, but guests may need to adjust plans. Foodie Calendar: Restaurant Week Aruba returns Sept. 2–13, 2026 with 12 top restaurants and brand-new three-course menus priced at Afl. 49 or Afl. 59. Local Life & Safety: Residents in Mabon are calling for speed bumps to improve pedestrian safety near Famia Supermarket and around Cristo Rey School.

New Air Access for Spring 2027: Southwest Airlines is adding Saturday-only nonstop service between Nashville and Aruba starting March 13, 2027—an easy boost for spring-break travelers. Local Safety Push: Residents in Mabon want speed bumps and stronger pedestrian protection near Famia Supermarket, citing drivers who don’t yield and a past fatal crash. On-Board Etiquette Tension: American Airlines passengers are again debating headphone rules after reports of disruptive behavior on a flight, as enforcement around phone and device use grows. Tourism Strategy Update: Minister Wendrick Cicilia met with Aruba Tourism Authority officials to shape a national tourism policy, align the 2027 budget, and move from strategy into concrete projects. Cruise Plan Changes: Margaritaville at Sea adjusted port order and times for Aruba and Curaçao on a September 5, 2026 sailing—something guests should double-check before booking excursions. Food Lovers’ Calendar: Restaurant Week Aruba returns Sept. 2–13, 2026 with 12 top restaurants and brand-new three-course menus. Solo Travel Spotlight: Aruba ranks among Travel And Tour World’s Top 30 solo destinations in the Americas & Caribbean for 2026. Aruba in the Spotlight Abroad: Diamond Model participants will represent Aruba at a Colombia fashion kids event, with a live broadcast planned.

Port Disruption Watch: Margaritaville at Sea’s Sept. 5, 2026 sailing out of Port Tampa Bay has swapped two port days and times, including changes for Aruba and Curaçao—while Grand Cayman and Jamaica stay the same—so guests should double-check their email updates. Tourism Strategy: Minister Wendrick Cicilia met with Aruba Tourism Authority (A.T.A.) leadership to map Aruba’s national tourism policy, discuss the 2027 A.T.A. budget, and plan concrete projects under the Corporate Plan. Education & Sustainability: A.T.A. and the University of Aruba signed a strategic agreement to strengthen the University’s Small Island Studies program, with a focus on resilience, digital transformation, and sustainable development. Cruise & Staycation Buzz: Seabourn opened bookings for winter 2028–29 Caribbean voyages, with late stays including Aruba and Curaçao and access to smaller ports. What’s On in Aruba: Restaurant Week Aruba returns Sept. 2–13 with 12 top restaurants and brand-new three-course menus. Local Developments: A public tender is underway to renovate the former Lagun gas station in Oranjestad into a new culinary attraction. Family Travel Note: One Cool Summer Nationals 2026 brings drag racing to Palo Marga Sept. 17–20.

Tourism Strategy Push: Minister Wendrick Cicilia met with Aruba Tourism Authority (A.T.A.) leadership to map out Aruba’s national tourism policy, align the 2027 A.T.A. budget, and plan concrete projects under the Corporate Plan process. Education & Sustainability: A.T.A. and the University of Aruba signed a strategic agreement to strengthen Small Island Studies, with a focus on resilience, digital transformation, good governance, and sustainable development. Oranjestad Revamp: A public tender is underway to renovate the former Lagun gas station into a new culinary attraction for Oranjestad, aiming to boost dining, bars, and terraces in the city center. Travel Demand Signal: Virtuoso reports fall 2026 luxury travel is surging, with September sales up 77%, suggesting strong booking momentum for hotel stays, cruises, and multi-destination trips. On-Island Events: Restaurant Week Aruba returns Sept. 2–13 with 12 top restaurants and brand-new three-course menus; and One Cool Summer Nationals 2026 brings drag racing to Palo Marga Sept. 17–20. Family-Friendly Note: A youth cleanup day in Madiki highlights environmental education during vacation season. Cruise Calendar: Seabourn opened winter 2028–29 Caribbean bookings, including late stays in Aruba and Curaçao.

Tourism Strategy: Minister Wendrick Cicilia met with Aruba Tourism Authority leadership to map the next steps for tourism management, the 2027 ATA budget, and the rollout of a strategic vision with concrete projects. Dining & Culture: Restaurant Week Aruba returns Sept. 2–13, 2026 with 12 top restaurants and brand-new three-course menus priced at Afl. 49 or Afl. 59. Events & Adrenaline: One Cool Summer Nationals 2026 brings drag racing to Palo Marga Sept. 17–20, with cars and motorcycles from Aruba, Curaçao, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Cruise Momentum: Seabourn opened bookings for winter 2028–29 Caribbean voyages, including late stays in Aruba and Curaçao, plus 21 ports across 20 countries. Health Alert: Aruba’s DVG is urging travelers and tourism workers to stay alert for measles and follow guidance if symptoms appear. Local Care: Jacco Vroegop says Aruba must keep pushing for accessible, multidisciplinary rehabilitation care at Horacio Oduber Hospital. Travel Safety Watch: Authorities are monitoring Aruba-linked concerns after a strong earthquake in Colombia and are compiling lists of Arubans there.

Restaurant Week Aruba: The island’s biggest dining event is back Sept. 2–13, 2026, with 12 top restaurants serving brand-new three-course menus for Afl. 49 or Afl. 59. Tourism Numbers: Tourism Corporation Bonaire reports 15,984 stayover visitors in July 2026 (down 4% vs. July 2025), with Dutch travelers leading. Motorsport: One Cool Summer Nationals 2026 brings drag racing to Palo Marga Sept. 17–20, aiming to break the seven-second barrier. Cruise Planning: Seabourn opens winter 2028–29 Caribbean bookings, with 10 itineraries (Dec. 28, 2028–Mar. 29, 2029) and late calls including Aruba and Curaçao. More Cruise Capacity: Norwegian Cruise Line also puts its 2028 Caribbean program on sale, including an Aruba/Curaçao/Puerto Rico itinerary. Health & Safety for Travelers: Aruba’s DVG warns tourism workers and visitors about measles risk amid global outbreaks, urging quick medical contact if symptoms appear. Community & Environment: Youth groups help clean up Aruba during summer vacation, pairing fun with lessons on protecting the island. Local Governance Watch: Parliamentarians press for full transparency around an Aruba Tourism Authority waste-management contract, demanding documents and legal clarity.