Aruba News Snippets.

• According to Tourism Monitor, in spite of a sharp decline in tourist arrivals from Germany in 1997 (decreases for key destinations were reported between 4% and 26%) the outlook for 1998 is generally optimistic, and long haul traffic from Germany is expected to climb slowly back.

• The Aruba Global Games soccer tournament that was due to be held May 27th through May 31st, 1998 has been cancelled, due to low registration.

• Sometime this month, the Aruba Tourism Authority will be implementing a new system through which consumers who call ATA's 800 number get a list of travel agents in their area who sell Aruba. The agents will be matched according to country.

• The ATA Germany office is showing their creativity by creating an 'Aruban night' at Godot's Parkcafe in Seeheim, Germany. The special night includes Aruban decoration, video, drinks and an all Aruban bartender, Rensly Zijlstra.

• Attempts to form a new government between Aruba's two largest parties, the AVP and the MEP have been put on hold. Currently the AVP party and the OLA party are discussing the possibility of once again becoming partners in government. Here we go again!

• Whats on late in April:
  April 24 Aruba Bartenders Contest.
  April 25-27 National Horse Fair at Rancho El Paso.
  April 26/May3 Aruba Kite Festival.
  April 27/May 3 Int. Bowling Tournament at Eagle Bowling Palace.
  April 30 Queen's Birthday -Official Holiday.

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Aruban smiles receive coverage in four countries

The friendliness of the Aruban people is no longer a secret only known by a select few. Aruban smiles have by now crossed several continents and are receiving coverage around the world. A two-page-color-spread on Aruba, adorned the center spread in the NOSOTROS magazine. (The article, which caters to the Argentinian market, repeatedly mentions the "free happiness" to be found here. The STOCKBROKER (December 1997) magazine, shows off Aruba's most attractive views in a four-page-spread. The magazine targets upscale market in the United States. Aruba's "perfect combination of sun, friendship and fun" was highlighted in VUELO TURISTICO, a Colombian magazine catering to those interested in travel. Last but not least, another Colombian magazine, LUNA, mentions courtesy as Aruba's trademark.

Aruba once more in Best Value category

According to-Ahata FYI, three Marriott Offshore Resort Network properties, the Marriott Casa Magna Cancun, Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino and Marriott's Castle Harbor in Bermuda ranked among the world's best hotel values In a recent poll of Travel & Leisure readers. The Marriott Casa Magna Cancun ranked as the number two hotel for value in the category of the "Top 10 Value Hotels in Mexico, Central and South America". In category of the- "Top 10 Value Hotels in Caribbean, Bahamas and Bermuda," the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino ranked number six with Marriott's Castle Harbor in Bermuda coming in at number ten. The results from this survey which appear in the February issue came from Travel & Leisure's poll of 6,400 frequent travelers. The poll honors those hotels, resorts and cities worldwide that offor travelers the most for their money. Readers defined value as "getting more than expected, and more than what was bargained for, no matter what the cost".

Cerbeceria Arubano opens its doors

Cerbeceria Arubano, a microbrewery situated at Santa Cruz 364-D. opened its doors last week. The occasion also helped mark the introduction of their initial product, "Rubano" beer. Minister of Transportation Glenbert Croes, and Minister of Economic Affairs and Tourism Robertico Croes were present to say a few words of encouragement to Cerbeceria Arubano owner David Kock on opening Aruba's newest business. They also congratulated Kock on his hard work and gave their wishes for further success in the future.

Surinam airways announces new schedule

Surinam Airways Sunday flight schedule from Paramaribo to Aruba via Barbados:

*Barbados - Aruba:     07:00 - 07:30
Paramaribo-Barbados 08:00 - 09:15
*Aruba-Barbados        10:00 - 11:15
Barbados-Paramaribo 12:00 - 14:30

ATA Earth Day Action 1998

In recognition of Earth Day, April 22, 1998, the Aruba Tourism Authority is to make a symbolic gesture by planting 2-3 indigenous trees near its offices in Oranjestad. LVV was contacted regarding the type of trees available and their suggestions for the positioning of the trees. Though the number and types of trees currently available (due to a poor growing season and the number of trees already slated for Arikok National Park and other projects) are few, LVV will be able to provide three trees to ATA. Two types were suggested: Camari, an evergreen, and the Mahawa, a native tree that is now almost extinct. Both will be able to survive in the rocky soil found near the offices. As the soil is very hard near the offices, assistance from DOW was necessary to dig the holes for the trees. The new trees will be planted within the fenced area facing the highway (near the Aruba Tourism Authority sign).