AGP Executive Report

Tourism Numbers: Aruba logged 143,343 stay-over arrivals in June 2026, up 13.4% year-on-year, with South America driving faster growth as the island’s first-half totals rose 10.9%. Aviation & Connectivity: Southwest will launch Saturday-only nonstop service between Nashville and Aruba in March 2027, adding a new direct U.S. link for weekend travelers. Air Capacity Boost: TUI fly Netherlands plans to swap its 737 MAX 8 fleet for larger 737 MAX 10 aircraft and add capacity, with Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao targeted from April 2027. Local Business Pressure: Merchants’ union CUA says D.O.W. permit responses are taking over a year, calling it a structural backlog that blocks new openings. Public Tender Scrutiny: Aruba’s PPA demands proof of a public tender for waste management spending tied to the Aruba Tourism Authority, questioning whether the law was followed. Healthcare Quality: The Aruba Public Health Inspectorate is preparing IVA 2026, a full conference on healthcare risk management and safety, with registration now closed and a waiting list available. Housing & Homeownership: FCCA launched “Yabi di Bo Man,” guiding residents through documentation for a homeowner financing campaign.

Tourism Growth: Aruba logged 143,343 stay-over arrivals in June 2026, up 13.4% year-on-year, with South America surging to 20.3% of arrivals as the island’s visitor momentum carries into the second half. Aviation & Connectivity: Southwest Airlines announced Saturday-only nonstop service between Nashville and Aruba starting March 2027, adding a new U.S. gateway for leisure travelers. Airline Capacity Push: WestJet is expanding its winter 2026/27 Caribbean schedule, including more flights to Aruba alongside Belize and Honduras, as it grows Latin America and Caribbean capacity by 12%. Local Business Pressure: Local merchants say the Department of Public Works is leaving permit applications unanswered for over a year, calling it a structural backlog that blocks new openings. Public Tender Scrutiny: The PPA is demanding proof of a public tender for a waste-management contract funded through the Aruba Tourism Authority, questioning whether the law was followed. Workforce Support: DAS reported results from its “In The Picture” program, with 19 participants returning to work, and said the next edition starts Aug. 24. Circular Economy: The Compost Alliance is moving toward its operational phase, aiming to turn organic waste into compost through hospitality-sector cooperation. Tourism Product Development: Aruba Signature Experience 2026 winners were announced, with three local businesses set to receive coaching and marketing support to grow niche visitor experiences.

Tourism Momentum: Aruba logged 143,343 stay-over arrivals in June 2026, up 13.4% year-on-year, with South America driving faster growth as the island’s first-half totals rose 10.9% to 845,501 arrivals. Air Connectivity: Southwest will launch Saturday-only nonstop service between Nashville and Aruba in March 2027, adding a direct U.S. gateway timed for a classic week-long stay. Local Business & Permits: Local merchants are warning that the Department of Public Works is leaving permit applicants waiting over a year, calling it a structural backlog that needs clear numbers and staffing fixes. Public Tender Scrutiny: The PPA is demanding proof that a waste-management contract funded via the Aruba Tourism Authority followed public tender rules, questioning whether a single private deal was properly awarded. Waste & Circular Economy: The Compost Alliance is moving into its operational phase, turning hospitality organic waste into compost with government and industry backing. Education Pressure: Aruba says three schools need urgent repairs costing over 13 million florins, highlighting maintenance gaps and the need for long-term planning. Housing Access: FCCA launched “Yabi di Bo Man,” guiding residents through a first-come, first-served path to homeownership financing. Workforce Support: DAS reported results from its “In The Picture” program, with 19 clients returning to work and a new edition starting Aug. 24.

Tourism Momentum: Aruba’s June 2026 stay-over arrivals rose 13.4% to 143,343, with South America driving faster growth and YTD arrivals up 10.9%—a sign the island’s visitor economy is staying strong. Travel Deals: Divi Resorts launched a “Summer Blowout” sale with up to 40% off using code BLOWOUT26, with travel available through Dec. 20. Air Connectivity: TUI fly Netherlands plans to swap its 737 MAX 8 fleet for the larger MAX 10 and add capacity on Caribbean routes from April 2027, while WestJet is expanding winter sun service with new links including Winnipeg–Belize City and Winnipeg–Punta Cana. Local Business & Permits: Merchants are pushing back on long delays at the Department of Public Works for permit responses, calling it a structural bottleneck. Downtown Revitalization: Finance Minister Geoffrey Wever announced a public tender to turn the former Esso Lagoen building into a boutique restaurant. Waste & Circular Economy: The Compost Alliance is moving toward its operational phase, aiming to scale organic waste composting with hospitality-sector partners. Workforce Support: Aruba’s DAS reported that its “In The Picture” program helped 19 clients return to work, with the next edition starting Aug. 24. Housing Access: FCCA launched “Yabi di Bo Man” to guide residents through a first-come, first-served path to homeownership financing.

Tourism & Air Connectivity: WestJet is ramping up its winter 2026-2027 Caribbean push, adding new nonstop links from Winnipeg to Belize City and Punta Cana and boosting frequencies across Canada, with Aruba highlighted among its key sun destinations. Aviation Capacity: TUI fly Netherlands plans to replace its 737 MAX 8 fleet with larger 737 MAX 10 aircraft and add capacity for Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao from April 2027, with a shift toward more nonstop routes. Workforce & Migration Support: Aruba’s DAS says its “In The Picture” program helped 19 clients return to work, and the third edition starts Aug. 24. Immigration Regularization: Justice Minister Arthur Dowers urges participants in “Hunto pa Progreso” to finish regularization before first temporary permits expire end of October. Local Business Climate: Merchants are alarmed by long delays at the Department of Public Works on permit responses, calling it a structural backlog. Public Tender Scrutiny: The PPA demands proof of a public tender for waste management funded via the Aruba Tourism Authority, questioning whether the law was followed. City Revitalization: Finance Minister Geoffrey Wever backs Oranjestad’s downtown revival with the ArtisA gallery opening and announces a public tender for the former Esso Lagoen building as a boutique restaurant. Circular Economy: The Compost Alliance is moving into its operational phase to turn organic waste into compost, led by Aruba’s hospitality sector. Education Funding Pressure: Minister Gerlien Croes says three schools need over 13 million florins in urgent repairs, warning of broader maintenance planning gaps. Tourism Entrepreneurship: Aruba Signature Experience 2026 winners—Cura di Mama, Moorebida and Piskechi Experience—will receive coaching and marketing support to grow niche tourism offerings.

Airline Capacity Boost: WestJet is expanding its winter 2026-2027 Caribbean schedule from Canada, adding new nonstop service from Winnipeg to Belize City and Punta Cana, more flights from Edmonton to Montego Bay, and extra links from Saskatoon to Cancun—pushing Latin America and Caribbean capacity up 12% year over year. Local Permitting Pressure: Aruba’s Local Merchants union says the Department of Public Works is leaving businesses waiting over a year for permit responses, calling it a structural backlog and urging clear numbers and staffing fixes. Tourism & Culture in Oranjestad: Minister Geoffrey Wever backed the ArtisA opening in the former Aruba Bank building, part of a broader push to bring more foot traffic and business activity downtown. Waste-to-Value Progress: Aruba’s Compost Alliance is moving into its operational phase, turning hospitality organic waste into compost with support from tourism and local partners. Education Funding Gap: Minister Gerlien Croes says three Aruba schools need more than 13 million florins in urgent repairs, warning of weak long-term maintenance planning. Entrepreneurship Wins: Aruba Signature Experience 2026 named Cura di Mama, Moorebida, and Piskechi Experience as winners, each receiving coaching and marketing support to grow niche tourism offerings. Housing Access: FCCA launched “Yabi di Bo Man,” guiding residents through steps to apply for homeownership financing under strict eligibility rules.

Regulatory Clash: Walt Disney-owned ABC sued the U.S. FCC, alleging retaliatory pressure over broadcast license renewals tied to political disputes. Oranjestad Revitalization: Minister Geoffrey Wever backed the ArtisA opening in the former Aruba Bank building, aiming to boost downtown foot traffic by reusing heritage spaces. Waste & Circular Economy: The Compost Alliance is moving into its operational phase, turning hospitality organic waste into compost with support from tourism officials and Alto Vista Winery. Education Funding Pressure: Minister Gerlien Croes says three Aruba schools need over 13 million florins in urgent repairs, warning of weak long-term maintenance planning. Tourism Product & Finance: Aruba Signature Experience 2026 winners—Cura di Mama, Moorebida, and Piskechi Experience—will get coaching and marketing support via A.T.A. and Qredits Aruba. Housing Access: FCCA launched “Yabi di Bo Man” to guide residents through steps toward homeownership financing. Local Business & Branding: Balashi and Chill will restrict new merchandise distribution to authorized partners from Oct. 1, 2026. Infrastructure & Jobs: Wever announced a public tender to convert the former Esso Lagoen building into a boutique restaurant. Fisheries Focus: Wever highlighted the need to modernize and strengthen Aruba’s fishing sector as part of broader primary-sector development.

Education & Infrastructure: Aruba’s education ministry says three schools need urgent repairs costing over 13 million florins, warning that weak long-term maintenance planning could repeat the problem. Olympic Prep: The Aruba Olympic Committee has started preparations for TEAMARU’s 2028 Los Angeles Games participation via a Panam Sports forum with Olympic Solidarity. Housing Access: Fundacion Cas Pa Comunidad Arubano (FCCA) launched “Yabi di Bo Man,” guiding residents through documentation and screening for a mortgage program with 10+ years of local residency requirements. Tourism & Local Business: Aruba Tourism Authority and Qredits Aruba named the 2026 Aruba Signature Experience winners—Cura di Mama, Moorebida, and Piskechi Experience—offering coaching and marketing support to niche operators. Primary Sector & Jobs: Minister Geoffrey Wever highlighted efforts to modernize and strengthen Aruba’s fishing sector, including the Piskechi program teaching children to fish. Downtown Revitalization: A public tender is announced for the former Esso Lagoen building to be converted into a boutique restaurant in Oranjestad. Brand Protection: Balashi and Chill merchandise will move to exclusive authorized distribution from Oct. 1, 2026. Regional Business Signals: Curaçao’s Waste2Wall won top prize at the Kingdom Startup Program 2026 for turning plastic and waste into construction materials.

Housing & Finance: Fundacion Cas Pa Comunidad Arubano (FCCA) launched its “Yabi di Bo Man” homeownership campaign, opening an online platform for eligible Aruba residents (10+ years) to prepare documentation and apply for mortgage financing, with requests handled on a first-come, first-served basis after screening. Tourism & Local Entrepreneurship: Aruba Tourism Authority (A.T.A.) and Qredits Aruba named the 2026 Aruba Signature Experience winners—Cura di Mama, Moorebida, and Piskechi Experience—backing niche culture, wellness, nature and sustainability concepts with coaching and marketing support. Primary Sector & Jobs: Finance and Economic Affairs Minister Geoffrey Wever marked International Fishermen’s Day by visiting local fishermen and pushing for a stronger, more modern and sustainable fishing sector, including youth training through the Piskechi program. City Revitalization: The government announced a public tender to redevelop the former Esso Lagoen building into a boutique restaurant, aiming to boost Oranjestad’s downtown appeal for visitors and investors. Public Order & Mobility: Justice Minister Arthur Dowers reiterated that e-steps are not permitted on public roads under current law, saying enforcement is being restored after years of weak control. Community Support: Red Cross Aruba and Kiwanis helped 100 children prepare for the new school year with supplies, transport, haircuts, sports, hygiene training and first-aid sessions. Brand Protection: Balashi and Chill launched a merchandise authorization program, limiting future trademarked sales to officially authorized partners from Oct. 1, 2026.

Housing & Finance: FCCA launched its “Yabi di Bo Man” campaign to guide Aruba residents through the steps to apply for homeownership financing, with eligibility tied to long-term local residency and a first-come, first-served review. Tourism & Local Business: Aruba Tourism Authority and Qredits Aruba named the 2026 Aruba Signature Experience winners—Cura di Mama, Moorebida and Piskechi Experience—unlocking coaching and marketing support for niche culture, wellness, nature and sustainability concepts. Primary Sector: Minister Geoffrey Wever marked International Fishermen’s Day by visiting local fishermen and pushing for a stronger, more modern and sustainable fishing sector, including youth training via the Piskechi program. Downtown Revitalization: A public tender is underway to redevelop the former Esso Lagoen building into a boutique restaurant, part of a broader push to make Oranjestad more attractive for visitors and investors. Tourism Strategy: Minister Wendrick Cicilia met with A.T.A. officials to discuss Aruba’s national tourism policy, the 2027 budget and next steps for turning strategy into concrete projects. Brand Protection: Balashi and Chill announced tighter control of official merchandise distribution, with authorized partners required from Oct. 1, 2026. Connectivity & Tech: UK-based ARO and TalkTalk Business announced a merger aimed at expanding managed technology and connectivity services, pending regulatory approval. Energy/Infrastructure: Government launched a tender to renovate the abandoned former Lagun gas station into a new Oranjestad attraction. Regional Watch: Curaçao’s tourism growth is nearing “overtourism” conditions, while a strengthening El Niño could bring drier, hotter weather across the ABC islands.

Tourism & Local Business: The Aruba Tourism Authority (A.T.A.) and Qredits Aruba named the 2026 Aruba Signature Experience winners—Cura di Mama, Moorebida, and Piskechi Experience—aimed at backing niche, culture- and wellness-led entrepreneurs with coaching and marketing support. Government Tenders & Downtown Revitalization: Minister Geoffrey Wever announced a public tender to redevelop the former Esso Lagoen building in Oranjestad into a boutique restaurant, part of a broader push to bring more visitors and commercial activity back to the city center. E-Scooter Enforcement: Justice Minister Arthur Dowers reiterated that e-steps are not permitted on Aruba’s public roads or in traffic, saying the government is restoring legal order after years of weak enforcement. Brand Protection: Balashi and Chill launched a merchandise authenticity program limiting future trademarked items to authorized partners, with existing stock sellable until Sept. 30, 2026. Aviation Connectivity: Southwest is expanding Caribbean access from Nashville, with new routes including Aruba’s Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA) launching in March 2027. Banking & Consumer Finance: Aruba Bank opened applications for POV: MEGA 2026 and promoted “buy now, pay after 6 months” deals ahead of the Aug. 29 event at Camacuri. Health & Services: The Medical Institute San Nicolas (ImSan) is still in director-selection mode after more than a year without a leader, as the process continues. Education & Research: A.T.A. and the University of Aruba signed a strategic agreement to strengthen Small Island Studies through courses and applied research. Community Support: Aruba Bank donated baby essentials to VeneAruba Solidaria Foundation for families affected by Venezuela’s June 24 earthquake.

Downtown Revitalization: Finance Minister Geoffrey Wever announced a public tender to redevelop the former Esso Lagoen building in Oranjestad into a boutique restaurant, aiming to boost investment and entrepreneurship in the city center. Tourism Strategy: Tourism Minister Wendrick Cicilia met with Aruba Tourism Authority (A.T.A.) leadership to shape a national tourism policy, discuss the 2027 budget, and map concrete projects for the sector’s next phase. Education & Skills: 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 innovation, resilience, digital transformation, governance, and cultural identity. Banking & Consumer Finance: Aruba Bank launched POV: MEGA 2026, with applications open now for a car-and-motorcycle event on Aug. 29, offering deferred payments, on-the-spot approval, and dealer participation. Community & Social Support: Subway Aruba marked its 35th anniversary with continued giving back, including a 10,000-florin donation to Fundacion Pa Nos Comunidad. Health & Care: Horacio Oduber Hospital director Jacco Vroegop urged more accessible, multidisciplinary rehabilitation care on the island as Aruba’s needs grow. Local Economy Watch: Government also moved ahead with a public tender to renovate the abandoned former Lagun gas station into a new Oranjestad attraction.

Tourism Strategy: Minister Wendrick Cicilia met with Aruba Tourism Authority (A.T.A.) leadership to shape a national tourism policy, align the 2027 A.T.A. budget, and set priorities for the Corporate Plan. Education & Skills: 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, governance, and public-private cooperation. Banking & Consumer Finance: Aruba Bank opened applications for POV: MEGA 2026 (starting Aug. 14) ahead of the Aug. 29 event at Camacuri, offering car and motorcycle deals with deferred payments and on-the-spot approval. Local Business & Community: Subway Aruba marked its 35th anniversary with continued community giving, including a 10,000-florin donation to Fundacion Pa Nos Comunidad. Public Works & City Revitalization: The government launched a public tender to renovate the former Lagun gas station in Oranjestad into a new culinary attraction. Healthcare Access: Horacio Oduber Hospital director Jacco Vroegop renewed calls for a complete multidisciplinary rehabilitation facility to reduce the need for patients to go abroad. Aviation & Travel Links: Southwest plans to add new routes from Nashville, including a March 2027 link to Aruba’s Queen Beatrix International Airport. Cruise Updates: Margaritaville at Sea adjusted a Southern Caribbean itinerary, adding an Aruba call on Sept. 9 (2:00 p.m.–11:00 p.m.). Governance Watch: The Dutch Council of State raised questions about how the Netherlands’ new aviation tax system differentiates rates for Kingdom destinations, including Aruba and Curaçao.

Healthcare & Appointments: The Medical Institute San Nicolas (ImSan) is still without a director for over a year as a selection process gets underway; FUTURO parliamentarian Gino Goeloe denies claims he applied or coordinated with the health minister, pointing instead to ImSan’s JCI reaccreditation. Tourism Strategy: Minister Wendrick Cicilia met Aruba Tourism Authority (A.T.A.) officials to shape a national tourism policy, discuss the 2027 A.T.A. budget, and move from strategy sessions toward concrete projects. Education & Skills: A.T.A. and the University of Aruba signed a strategic agreement to expand a multidisciplinary Small Island Studies program, with a focus on resilience, digital transformation, governance, and cultural identity. Banking & Consumer Finance: Aruba Bank announced POV: MEGA 2026 at Camacuri (Aug. 29) and opened applications for the MEGA Deal starting Aug. 14, highlighting 0% down payment and pay-after-6-months options. Local Development: The government launched a public tender to renovate the former Lagun gas station in Oranjestad into a new culinary attraction. Aviation & Costs: The Dutch Council of State raised questions about whether the Netherlands’ aviation tax plan can legally treat Caribbean destinations differently; Curaçao/Aruba are still placed in the lowest category. Cruise & Connectivity: Margaritaville at Sea adjusted a Southern Caribbean itinerary to include Aruba on Sept. 9 (2pm–11pm). Rehabilitation Care: Aruba’s hospital leadership says the island still lacks a full multidisciplinary rehabilitation facility, despite recent investments.

Tourism Strategy: Minister Wendrick Cicilia met with Aruba Tourism Authority (A.T.A.) leadership to shape a national tourism policy, discuss the 2027 budget, and map concrete projects under the Corporate Plan. Education & Skills: A.T.A. and the University of Aruba signed a strategic agreement to expand Small Island Studies, with a focus on resilience, digital transformation, governance, cultural identity, and public-private cooperation. Banking & Consumer Finance: Aruba Bank announced POV: MEGA 2026 at Camacuri on Aug. 29, with applications opening Aug. 14; buyers can start paying after 6 months, with 0% down and on-the-spot approval. Local Business & City Revitalization: The government launched a public tender to renovate the former Lagun gas station in Oranjestad into a new culinary attraction. Community & Social Support: Centro di Bario Noord and the Aruba Red Cross will hold two reusable clothing distribution mornings in Noord (Aug. 13–14) ahead of the school year. Rehabilitation Care: Horacio Oduber Hospital director Jacco Vroegop says Aruba still needs a complete multidisciplinary rehabilitation facility to reduce reliance on treatment abroad. Regional Travel Signals: Cruise and airline updates point to steady Caribbean demand, including a Margaritaville at Sea itinerary change adding Aruba on Sept. 9.

Tourism Strategy: Minister Wendrick Cicilia met with Aruba Tourism Authority leadership to map the 2027 tourism budget and projects, focusing on implementation of a national tourism policy and strengthening Aruba’s economy through better tourism management. Aviation Tax Watch: The Dutch Council of State questioned the Netherlands’ proposed distance-based aviation tax that would keep Aruba and other Kingdom islands in the lowest rate, raising legal concerns about taxing neighboring destinations differently. Fuel Costs: Aruba confirmed a sharp rise in retail fuel prices from Aug. 12, with premium unleaded up 25.1 cents to 290.9 cents per liter, adding pressure to household budgets. Rehabilitation Care: Horacio Oduber Hospital director Jacco Vroegop says Aruba still lacks a complete multidisciplinary rehabilitation facility, warning that without it more patients may need treatment abroad. Local Business & Trade: Aruba will join HUB Cámara Santo Domingo 2026 on Sept. 9-10 to expand commercial ties with the Dominican Republic and diversify import sources. Tourism Signals: Bonaire reported 15,984 stayover visitors in July 2026 (down 4% year-on-year), with the Netherlands the largest source market. Community Support: Centro di Bario Noord and the Aruba Red Cross plan two days of reusable clothing distribution in Noord ahead of the new school year. Cruise Economy: Margaritaville at Sea adjusted a Southern Caribbean sailing, shifting its Aruba call to Sept. 9, 2026 (2:00 PM-11:00 PM).