Archive for January, 2010

ROMANCE AND ECO-FRIENDLY MEET AT BUCUTI BEACH RESORT

Hotels Thursday, January 28th, 2010

Aruba’s greenest and most romantic getaway launches package for eco-lovers

Bucuti Beach Resort, one of the greenest resorts in the Caribbean, invites guests to fall in love with their new eco-friendly Experience Aruba Green Package as they learn more about Aruba’s environment, culture and history.

The Experience Aruba Green Package includes a guided hike with a native park ranger through Arikok National Park, a preserve of desert resources comprising of 20 percent of the land on Aruba that is home to most of the island’s flora and fauna, including the unique indigenous burrowing owl and Prikichi parrot; a tour of the Aruba Aloe factory to learn how Aruba’s oldest industry has been producing aloe for more than 100 years; an authentic Aruban dinner for two at the resort’s Pirates’ Nest restaurant; and a full American breakfast buffet daily. Guests can also participate in the resort’s monthly beach clean-up, watch sea turtles hatch (seasonally) and enjoy the widest and most pristine stretch of Eagle Beach. Bucuti also hosts seasonally environmental activities, including a bi-annual recycling contest where guests are invited to judge and a special Earth Day celebration. Rates for the five-night package start at $2,179 for a superior room, including all taxes and service charges.

“At Bucuti, we are passionate about preserving the environment so we can share Aruba’s beauty and culture with guests for years to come,” said Bucuti’s owner Ewald Biemans. “The Experience Aruba Green Package will allow guests to experience some of the island’s spectacular sights, while also learning about our history and ecology. We hope this will help our guests develop a true sense of place.”

A multiple award-winning and owner-managed resort, Bucuti has been officially certified Green Globe 21 since 2000 and ISO 14001 since 2003, making it not only one of the greenest resorts in the Caribbean but one of the first and most progressively committed. To reduce environmental impacts, the resort has implemented many energy and water-saving practices that include the use of solar panels, equipping guest rooms with automatic air conditioner sensors, flowing wastewater from the toilets to the government treatment plant for re-use, using biodegradable containers for beverages and food instead of plastic material, and collecting all water used in showers, sinks and baths in a grey water recycling system. The resort is dedicated to a high level of service and associates are trained on environmental practices along with customer service. Bucuti also sponsors several local environmental groups, including Turtugaruba Aruba’s Sea Turtle Foundation and the island’s Reef Care Foundation.

For more information or reservations, visit www.bucuti.com or call (888) 4-BUCUTI.

ARUBA LAUNCHES FIRST INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL JUNE 4-10, 2010

Arts & Culture, General News Wednesday, January 27th, 2010

Aruba International Film Festival (AIFF) To Debut In June 2010

It was announced today that the island nation of Aruba will host a new international film festival (the nation’s first), The Aruba International Film Festival (AIFF), which will take place June 4-10, 2010. Details were unveiled at a press conference today by AIFF Founders and Producers Giuseppe Cioccarelli and Jonathan Vieira, along with the Festival’s Artistic Director Claudio Masenza, at the Radisson Hotel & Resort in Aruba’s Palm Beach.

Commented Minister of Tourism, Labor and Transportation Mr. Otmar Oduber, “The Aruba International Film Festival will contribute to furthering international recognition for Aruba and raise our stature to a level we desire. AIFF will be a momentous event, targeting new visitors from many regions of the world, enriching our tourism industry, and helping to develop and support our own talent. The “Aruba” experience will exceed the expectations of visitors, with our high quality resorts, exquisite cuisine and genuinely hospitable people.”

The breathtaking Caribbean island of Aruba will provide the backdrop for the film industry’s newest “must-attend” event, with an inviting atmosphere, suited like none other, to attract actors, directors, filmmakers, and film lovers for a one-of-a-kind festival experience.

For seven days in the beginning of every June, Aruba aims to become a premiere destination for the global film industry, and a platform to promote the understanding and appreciation for the art of cinema and filmmaking. Over time, the Film Festival will further world awareness for the Island of Aruba as a center of art, culture and creativity. With participants enjoying a relaxed Aruban ambiance, AIFF will promote a more casual interaction between filmmakers and audience, making the film festival incredibly friendly and accessible to all participants.

The annual AIFF will bring participants from around the world to view a wide selection of films, join in discussions, take part in workshops and panels, and attend special parties and events. Actors, directors, producers, writers, industry executives and media will converge on the island to experience firsthand what has made Aruba the destination of choice for the many loyal visitors who return to the island year after year.

Backed by government funding and generous sponsor donations, AIFF is being organized by local film producing company Aruba Film Productions. Italian film producer Giuseppe Cioccarelli, a 20 year veteran of the film industry, and Jonathan Vieira, a prominent filmmaker and musician on the island serve as Producers of the Festival.

Distinguished writer, director and producer Claudio Masenza, a revered member of the international film community for over 30 years, serves as AIFF Artistic Director and will be selecting films that reflect the cultural diversity that epitomizes the Island of Aruba. Masenza brings with him six years of experience as a member of the selection committee for the world renowned Venice Film Festival. Moviegoers will be able to see a wide variety of films not only from the U.S. and North America, but South America, Europe, India and other Asian nations as well.

The inaugural Festival will showcase between 20 and 30 films throughout the week, of which the majority will be independent films of special interest. This year, and in years to follow, there are expected to be a number of world premiers and “blockbuster” studio films showcased in the festival to complement the independent, art-house selections.

An important aspect of the Aruba International Film Festival is its mission to encourage, educate and activate young Aruban filmmakers. Throughout the Festival, notable film professionals will be conducting workshops and master classes on all facets of filmmaking and the creative process. Student filmmakers will be invited to screen their works for critiques and suggestions by visiting professionals.

Said Giuseppe Cioccarelli, “It is my hope that through AIFF, Aruba will become known not only as an idyllic vacation destination with its perfect sand beaches but also as a true centre for culture and cinematography. The diversity of the Island’s population makes it an ideal place to see films from around the world, their characters mirrored in the faces of the Aruban people.” Commented Claudio Masenza, “Aruba is an island with more screens per capita than any other place I have been in the world. Such a special bond with movies only means that a film festival is long overdue.”

“The friendly character of the island will set the tone for the Festival’s inviting ambiance,” said Jonathan Vieira. AIFF is not just any other festival, but one that connects the audience, the movies and the moviemakers.” The AIFF hub will be located in the Paseo Herencia Entertainment Center in the Palm Beach area of the island.

Tickets will be available in a variety of price ranges, from a simple movie ticket to packages of multi–event attendance, to top accreditation tickets for VIP events.

Details involving the official AIFF line-up and celebrity attendance at the Festival will be announced in the coming weeks. For additional information please visit the Aruba International Film Festival website at www.aiff.aw. A one-of-a-kind experience awaits!

ACT REJOINS FCCA PLATINUM MEMBERSHIP

Cruise News Thursday, January 21st, 2010

Following a positive meeting with the Florida – Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) in December in Miami,
the new Director of Aruba Cruise Tourism, Ms. Tamara Waldron, has renewed its membership in its
Platinum Associate Membership Program.

In addition to program benefits, the marketing plan will partner Aruba with the FCCA in an all-inclusive
sponsorship/advertising/promotion for 2010 building Aruba’s brand and image.

Among the many benefits are:

• Complimentary registration for the FCCA Gala Dinner and Conference & Trade Show.
• A seat on the Platinum Associate Membership Advisory Council.
• Listing/Profile in Membership Directory utilized by all FCCA Member Cruise Lines.
• Access to up-to-date research and statistical studies.
• Use of FCCA logo on printed materials.

ARUBA HELPS BRING AID TO HAITI IN WAKE OF EARTHQUAKE DISASTER

General News Wednesday, January 20th, 2010

The island of Aruba is helping to bring aid to Haiti, following the devastating earthquake which nearly destroyed the country’s capital city and surrounding areas and killed thousands in the impoverished nation. Red Cross Aruba is in the process of collecting funds from Aruban citizens and companies, and has been receiving an overwhelming number of calls from those looking to donate. Red Cross Aruba has opened bank accounts at all local banks for direct donations, and will send the collected funds to Red Cross International, which is coordinating relief efforts with emergency supplies, technical assistance and other support to those in urgent need in Haiti. Red Cross Aruba is also organizing a relief effort to send local doctors and surgeons to Haiti to provide medical assistance along with Red Cross volunteers from Aruba.

On January 16, 2010, the Red Cross Aruba joined forces with the Aruban Government, the Dutch Marines, the hospital of Aruba, members of the local business community and the Port Authority of Aruba to dispatch a Dutch Marine ship carrying water, food, flashlights, medical equipment and medication to Haiti on a humanitarian aid mission. Additionally, The Aruba Tourism Authority is working with the Red Cross to organize a local telethon, called Help Haiti Red Cross, to help raise money for those in need.

“The island of Aruba recognizes the high level of devastation caused by the earthquake in Haiti, and we are helping to contribute to relief efforts,” stated Gina Lopez-Gnecco, public relations director of the Aruba Tourism Authority. “Even though Aruba is located 450 miles south of Haiti, we do have a small community of Haitians, and both individuals and private companies in the country are coming forth to offer donations and support to help provide assistance to those in need.”

Setar Aruba, a telecommunications company, is donating money raised by every customer who texts the word “Haiti” to their call line, which will collect 5.00 AWG (approx. $2.77 USD) per text. Digicel Aruba, a telecommunications company, has donated $100,000 USD to a relief fund for Haiti, and is also donating 100 percent of proceeds from all customers who text the word “Help” to a call line that has been set up for the relief effort.

MetaCorp, an Aruba-based holding company, has donated 50,000 AWG (approx. $27,800) to Red Cross relief efforts, and Burger King in Aruba has donated 5,000 AWG (approx. $2,785 USD). Fundacion Cas pa nos Comunidad (FCCA), a local organization dedicated to solving the shortage of social housing in Aruba, is organizing a national collection day on January 23, 2010, during which the Aruban community will have the opportunity to donate funds, goods, clothing and food to aid relief efforts.

Additionally, De Schakel College, a private school on the island, is also organizing fund raising activities and collecting clothing and supplies.

For more information on Aruba, please visit online at www.ARUBA.com or call 1-800-TO-ARUBA.

BUCUTI BEACH RESORT INVITES TRAVELLERS FOR A WINTER GETAWAY

Hotels Tuesday, January 19th, 2010

Fly direct to Aruba on AirTran from Orlando starting at $99 and Atlanta from $119

Traveling to Aruba just became hugely affordable with AirTran Airways’ new direct service from Atlanta and Orlando. These convenient flights make it easy for couples looking for romance to experience Bucuti Beach Resort, named one of the top 10 most romantic resorts in the world by TripAdvisor.

AirTran service between Atlanta, Orlando and Aruba’s Reina Beatrix Airport (AUA) operates on Saturdays, giving travellers a full week to experience all the island has to offer. Introductory one-way rates start at just $99 from Orlando and $119 from Atlanta. Taxes and fees are additional.

The adults-oriented Bucuti Beach Resort is especially popular among couples and was designed with romance in mind. The 104-room resort’s peaceful atmosphere and location on the wide, white sands of Eagle Beach set it apart from Aruba’s larger, family-focused resorts. Bucuti’s sought after beachfront Tara Suites feature large balconies or terraces and king beds with views of the ocean.

Couples visiting Bucuti enjoy romance with a private champagne dinner under the stars or simply lounge around the infinity pool in a comfy chair for two. The resort’s expert concierge team can also coordinate excursions including a snorkel boat trip, hiking in Arikok National Park, island tours and meals at Aruba’s premier local restaurants. Bucuti is also officially Green Globe and ISO 14001 certified, making it not only one of the greenest resorts in the Caribbean but one of the first and most progressively committed.

Now through April 5, 2010, rates start at $382 per night, based on double occupancy. A full American breakfast buffet is included in the nightly rate. For more information and reservations visit www.bucuti.com, or call 1-888-4-BUCUTI.
Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ArubaBucutiBeachResort.

Aruba Welcomed AirTran’s Inaugural Flight from Orlando on January 9th

Airlines Thursday, January 14th, 2010

Aruba Airport Authority N.V. (AAA) welcomed passengers of AirTran Airways’s first weekly nonstop flight from Orlando to Aruba on Saturday, January 9, 2010. Aruban locals dressed in folkloric costumes handed out island sweets, while greeting arriving passengers at the gate for the inaugural flight.

AirTran Airways’ new nonstop service will now be available every Saturday to connect passengers to and from Aruba via Orlando’s International Airport. AirTran Airways’s aircraft is a B737-700 offering 12 seats in business class and 125 seats in economy class. Tickets can be booked on AirTran Airways’ website at www.airtran.com

Aruba Looks To A Strong 2010 As Ex-Uk Visitors For 2009 Soar

Worldwide Aruba News Wednesday, January 13th, 2010

The Dutch Caribbean island of Aruba defied the credit crunch in 2009 and is aiming for an even better 2010.

Aruba has now firmly established itself as one of the top 10 destinations in the Caribbean for the UK market: according to the latest available figures, from January to September 2009 Aruba saw a 41.88 per cent year-on-year increase in visitor numbers from the UK (10,265 as opposed to 7,235 for the same period in 2008). This is the first time that the island has surpassed 10,000 visitors from the UK in a single year.

(more…)

NAUTICA IS NOW OPEN AT PALM BEACH PLAZA

General News Tuesday, January 12th, 2010

Nautica, a modern American classic apparel store is now open in Aruba at the Palm Beach Plaza! Nautica offers quality, design and value while capturing the essence of an active, adventurous and spirited lifestyle.

Friday, the 8th of January was the grand opening event for Aruba´s newest shopping centre. It was shareholder Mr. Gregorio Alvarez´s son Sebastián Alvarez Schemel who had the honor of cutting the ribbon and start celebrating the presence of a brand new store. Many on Aruba have been waiting a long time for this moment to satisfy their shopping needs for Nautica´s quality apparel. The store is a joint effort of local retail operator Representaciones Venaruba N.V. of the Hernandez-Quero familiy with brothers Mr. German and Gregorio Alvarez and their friend Mr. Franz Vollbracht as shareholders. Management and financial advice is provided by Tower Trust (Aruba) N.V.

Founded in 1983, Nautica has evolved from a collection of men’s outerwear to a leading global lifestyle brand with products ranging from men’s, women’s and children’s apparel and accessories. Now part of VF (Vanity Fair) Corporation, a leader in branded quality apparel, Nautica has become one of the most important American lifestyle brands throughout the world. Nautica took its name from the Latin word “Nauticus” for ship. Since one of mankind’s first accomplishments in exploring the world was to take to the seas, a spinnaker logo was designed as a symbol of adventure, action and classicism. Today the world of Nautica represents both a rediscovery and reinterpretation of what Americans have always wanted to wear. Nautica is currently available in more than 64 countries with more than 170 Nautica branded stores worldwide. And now also is back in Aruba.

Come and experience the new store and buy some great apparel for yourself or buy something special for a loved one. Management has assembled a local Dream team to staff the store, lead by the dynamic Verenna Salie-Christiaans. The store is located on the Northwest side (opposite Aqua Condominiums) of the new Palm Beach Plaza, conveniently in front of the Parking area, local 120.

Aruban Resort Update

Hotels Tuesday, January 12th, 2010

The courts of Aruba declared KL Sales, Marketing and Management Company N.V, the management company of the Aruban Resort bankrupt on December 17, 2009. Two trustees have been appointed by the court to oversee the bankruptcy proceedings. The Aruban Resort is closed down until further notice.

At this time, we advise all future guests with reservations at The Aruban Resort to reschedule their visit and contact a travel professional for alternate accommodations. Aruba’s hospitality industry is always at the service of our guests, with the islands many fine properties available to reach out to displaced guests. Reservations can be booked directly through www.aruba.com. As a result of the bankruptcy status of the resort, and the fact that The Aruban is a privately owned company, no further information on this situation is available at this time.

For inquiries about The Aruban Resort, please contact the trustees appointed by the court of Aruba:

Law firm of A. Swaen N.V.
Lawyer: Mr. Arie Swaen
Address: Venezuelastraat # 17
Tel: (297) 582-1420
Fax: (297) 582-2013
E-mail: arie@sbplawyers.com

Law firm of Kloes & Partners
Lawyer: Mr. W.G.T. M. Kloes
Address: L.G. Smith Blvd. 22
Tel: (297) 582-4417
Fax: (297) 583-3246
E-mail: kloesw@kloeslawyers.com

ATA CU SEMINARIO SPECIAL PA CLIENTE NAN DI E CENTRO DI REHABILITACION SERO COLORADO

News in Papiamento Thursday, January 7th, 2010

“ATA ta sumamente contento cu e reaccion positivo di parti di e clientenan cu a participa na e seminario”

Recientemente, Aruba Tourism Authority a ofrece un seminario importante, conoci como e Aruba Certified Expert Seminar pa un total di 23 cliente di e Centro di Rehabilitacion Sero Colorado. Esaki a forma parti di ATA su plan di concientización pa yuda mehora nos calidad di turismo den su totalidad. Den varios ocacion Aruba Tourism Authority a ricibi e pregunta, kiko nan ta hasi pa yuda e problema di adiccion cu den cierto ocacion ta conduci na situación nan peor cu ta afecta nos comunidad y turismo. Pa e motibo aki, ATA a propone na e Gerencia di e Centro Sero Colorado pa wak si nan ATA lo por presenta e seminario aki na nan cliente nan y asina concientiza nan encuanto di e importancia di nos turismo y con cada uno di nan por yuda Aruba su turismo di un manera positivo.

E “ACE certification seminar” ta encera tur informacion concreto di loke ta producto turistico di Aruba como tambe un splicacion kico ta e tareanan di ATA pa asina tur persona por compronde con ATA ta funciona y kiko ta su responsabilidadnan pa promove nos turismo. E training aki inicialmente tawata wordo duna na solamente na agentenan di viahe den e mercadonan cu ATA ta activo, pa asina nan lo por bende Aruba mas mihor. Pero na cierto momento e gerencia di ATA a sinti e necesidad pa duna un training cu lo mehora e calidad di servicio y alavez duna información importante pa asegura cu henter nos comunidad por duna información na un manera consistente. Pa e motibo aki, ATA a introduci e seminario aki pa henter e comunidad Arubano y ya tin un cantidad grandi di compania y organizaciónnan cu a participa na e seminario nan aki.

E seminario a tuma lugar na e centro mes y a wordo dirigi pa Sra. Nathalie Maduro conjuntamente cu Sr. Mario Arends, Ehecutivonan pa Aruba Tourism Authority. Mester remarca cu durante e seminario, e cliente nan a mustra un interes enorme den e seminario. Durante e seminario por a ripara cu varios di e clientenan ta persona cu ta conta anteriormente cu mas di 15 ana di servicio den e sector hotelero of di turismo y a comparti hopi información valioso cu tur presente durante e seminario.

Na final tur participante a hasi un examen cu resultado positivo y a ricibi un certificado como muestra di nan participación na e seminario. “Nos ta kere den un segundo oportunidad y awe nos di ATA a duna boso información importante cual boso por uza como un herment valioso pa cuminsa cu boso bida nobo di un manera positivo” tawata e mensahe nan cu cual Sra. Nathalie Maduro, a expresa na tur presente. Mientras cu Sr. Mario Arends, na su turno a gradici tur esnan presente y a desea nan hopi éxito cu e programa y pa futuro.

Aruba Tourism Authority pa medio di esaki tambe kier a gradici e gerencia completo y especialmente tur e clientenan pa nan atención y participación na e seminario aki y desea nan tur clase di éxito den futuro.

PERSONA DI CONTACTO:
Sra. Nathalie Maduro
Aruba Tourism Authority
Educational Manager
n.maduro@aruba.com
5823777 EXT 250