Business

During the holiday shopping season T.H. Palm & Company a gorgeous island gift store on Palm Beach, unveiled its Tikkun Olam menu which translates as a Repair of the World menu.

By means of the menu the store, affiliated to Salamander Holdings NV, announced that it was going to make quarterly donations to some of the island’s tireless not-for-profit foundations and that shoppers would help select the charities by designating the percentage of the sale to their most-favorite community cause.

The response was very positive as all of T.H. Palm & Company shoppers were asked by the cashiers to decide where the T.H. Palm & Company donation should go.

As a result of that combined effort, sizeable checks were handed this week to representatives of charities, right on the steps of the store, facing the boulevard.

“Thank you,” said owner, Managing Director Jodi Tobman, as the checks were handed out, “for making Aruba a better place through your selfless community work.”

Tobman came up with the Tikkun Olam menu borrowing from the kabbalah. In Hebrew, Tikkun Olam means “repairing the world” or “perfecting the world.”

The concept of Tikkun Olam originated more than a Millennium ago. The concept was given new meaning in the kabbalah of the medieval period and further charitable connotations in modern times.

The money raised by means of the Tikkun Olam menu will help maintain the youth telephone help line. It will assist refurbishing the children’s home at Imeldahof, and pay for nursing and hospice services at home for people battling cancer in its last stages; it will also pay print information leaflets on domestic violence and support cancer patients in general on the island.

Pictured below, a champagne toast is offered with some of T.H. Palm & Company hard-working staff members, the Salamander Holdings Executive Team, and representatives of the not-for-profit foundations, celebrating a successful fund-raising season with Telefon pa Hubentud, the youth telephone help line, Imeldahof Children’s Home, Edmund E. Harms hospice Foundation, Foundation Pa Hende Muhe den Dificultad which is dedicated to helping women in difficulty, and Koningin Wihelmina Fonds, Queen Wilhelmina Cancer Fund.

Story submitted by Rona Coster

From September 23-25, 2008, the world will come to Aruba.

Aruba will then be the host of the IX Business Forum of the Greater Caribbean. The Business Forum of the Greater Caribbean is an annual activity aimed at fostering trade and investments in the region. The event is divided into three parts, a seminar with interactive sessions, the holding of business meetings among the participating entrepreneurs, and an exhibition of products and services.

Interactive Conference
An interactive conference is an integral part of the event, because market access is not enough to enhance trade. It is necessary to increase mutual knowledge among countries in the Greater Caribbean region in order to make maximum use of business opportunities. The activity thus provides the space for the participants to develop mutual relations and discuss trade issues together with governmental authorities and other experts in this field.

Business Meetings
The event provides the entrepreneurs of the region with the opportunity to establish contacts with their counterparts through business meetings planned according to the interests of the participants.

Exposition
There will also be an opportunity for entrepreneurs to exhibit their products and services for participants all over the world. There will be space available for different stands at the venue.

The Business Forum is an event of the Association of Caribbean States, a regional organization of which Aruba is an associated member. This event is organized to consolidate an enhanced space for trade and investment in the region and to increase and strengthen trade relations among the Countries of the Greater Caribbean region. Because of the trade relations that Aruba has outside the Caribbean region, this event will also target the European, South American, Asian and North American region.

Indicators of the Business Forum of the Greater Caribbean
An average of the participation

Individual Participants            300
Companies and Institutions        200
Countries                     17

The ACS Business Forum in Aruba is an initiative of the Department of Economic Affairs, Commerce and Industry (DEACI) and the Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs. The Organizing Committee however is a public-private partnership between the DEACI, the Aruba Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Aruba Tourism Authority.

Eco Destination Management just recently announced that as part of its 20th year anniversary celebration the company will be going green and becoming a champion of sustainable tourism and environmental protection.

Founder Wichita Villacres, owner and CEO outlined the company’s commitment to green practices in the wake of a similar announcement she made in reference to PRA Destination Management, ECO’s sister company in South East Florida, which has already made its green commitment public in 2007.

Villacres who founded her company in Aruba in 1987, has been servicing the island’s meeting and convention market with creativity and flair which she combines with a deep commitment to the community.

In addition to her involvement with her business and her family, Villacres is always working in a number of organizations on the betterment of the tourism industry here and the island in general.

In a recent press release she revealed that as part of the company’s effort to promote green practices ECO volunteered Glenda Henricus, one of its top associates, as its representative within the Aruba Hotel & Tourism Association Environmental Committee.

Glenda is also in charge of research within the company and will develop a green plan of action which will be implemented this year.

The plan, reports Villacres will transport green practices into everyday life, in the office, at home and in the community at large.

In servicing the meetings and convention markets here ECO pledges to deliver cost-saving green practices to decrease energy use and conserve natural resources.

Going green, says Villacres, needn’t be a costly option. ECO believes it is everyone’s responsibility to get involved — Reduce, Reuse and Recycle, to conserve the planet for future generations. Villacres has also taken the initiative to create and provide her clients with a series of off-site daytime “green eco-activities” designed to be enjoyed around Aruba’s scenic parts. “Our commitment to our destination is to collaborate with our suppliers and hoteliers to ensure green service to our clients”, concludes Villacres
ECO, she reiterates, is leading by example with the utilization of recycled paper products, with insistence on trash recycling and the regular use of china and stainless steel utensils, which conserves water and energy. ECO’s office staff also participate in an internal car-pool program.

ECO, states Villacres is determined to educate its staffers about the environment, including global warming and other ecological threats and will encourage them in turn to educate their clients, their friends, and their family members. And ECO, she explains will continue to make annual donations to environmental causes — the AHATA Environment Committee was the recipient for 2007.

In the spirit of think globally and act locally ECO just pledged to adopt Bushiribana Gold Mine Ruins, and participate in seasonal cleaning and conservation activities.

Villacres’ initiative is right in line with the thinking of Ewald Biemans President of the Board of the Aruba Hotel & Tourism Association and Rob Smith President and CEO of that organization.

With Bucuti Beach Resort, Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort, Costa Linda Beach Resort, and La Cabana Beach & Racquet Club leading the pack as Green Globe Certified Resorts, Aruba Beach Club, Manchebo Beach Resort, and Playa Linda Beach Resort also joined the initiative and became Green Globe certified. Most other hotels have some conservation programs already in place.

Recently, Ewald Biemans presented a directive to Aruba Hotel and Tourism Association (AHATA) President and CEO Rob Smith to double the number of Green Globe certified hotels on the island by 2008 and to make the entire island 100% Green Globe compliant by 2009.

ECO Destination Management is prepared, in compliance with the vision of Aruba as a 100% Green Destination.

(Pictured here Villacres with the Aruba Hotel & Tourism Association members of the Environmental Committee, as Fanny O’Neil & Astrid Muller accept a donation designed to support their Ban on Plastic Bag campaign.)

Ad Agency Review Results in Selection of New Firm Based in New York City with Clients Including, Unilever, Johnson & Johnson, Milk, XM Radio & More.

The Aruba Tourism Authority (ATA) has announced the appointment of a new advertising agency, Lowe New York.  The exciting news came February 8, when, after six months of searching for an advertising agency, ATA appointed Lowe New York to head up all of Aruba’s advertising in North America.  ATA began the government mandated advertising agency review in July 2007 with the assistance of 10 partners from the public and private sectors, and guidance from AAR Partners, a review specialist company.  AAR Partners is a third-party, industry-recognized consultant that provided counsel and expertise in the agency selection.  The process started with over 45 contending agencies and it was then narrowed to five exceptional firms from around the country.  After months of chemistry meetings, work sessions, conference calls and presentations, the much anticipated final decision was announced.  Lowe New York’s work with ATA officially starts April 1, 2008.

Underscoring the island’s commitment to continuous improvement, the government mandated review requires a periodic review of all agency partners to ensure the best service, value and fit with the marketing objectives, goals and core beliefs of ATA.  This serves as a tool to examine ATA’s current capabilities and identify its emerging priorities.  Lowe New York will now be charged to meet all of the goals of Aruba’s advertising including enhancing the brand of the island’s tourism sector, reaching its core audience, and meeting strategic business objectives.  The main qualities for selecting a new agency were excellent strategic insights and thinking, the strong chemistry and fit with the Aruba team, thought-provoking ideas and a global perspective.

Four other impressive agencies made the final round, including Fort Lauderdale-based Zimmerman and Partners, New York’s Cossette Communication Group, Euro RSCG Worldwide, out of Baltimore and the incumbent Fitzgerald + CO, from Atlanta.  ATA’s decision to go in another direction was not an easy one.  Fitzgerald + CO has over 10 years of partnership and friendship invested in the island and is regarded as a highly creative partner that has, time and again, exemplified total dedication and commitment to the destination, regularly going above and beyond the call of duty.  Fitzgerald + CO has created and launched various successful ad campaigns for Aruba over the last decade including the slogan “Where Happiness Lives,”  the renowned “Charly from Aruba” radio spots and the most recent “Rumba Aruba” television ads.

“ATA is very much looking forward to the excitement of a fresh start and new beginning working with our new partners at Lowe New York,” said Myrna Jansen-Feliciano, managing director for the Aruba Tourism Authority.  “The decision was a difficult one and all of the finalists were strong and creative firms vying for the business.  We are confident that our detailed review process has brought us to the ideal candidate to handle our advertising in the U.S. and we are looking forward to a partnership with Lowe that will be successful and productive.”

Aruba Tourism Authority is Very Proud of Travel Industry Accomplishment.

The Aruba Tourism Authority was very pleased with the recent news that its public relations agency of record, Quinn & Co., brought home a silver medal award from the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) 2008 Adrian Awards for their work in promoting the island of Aruba.  HSMAI’s mission is to be the leading source for sales and marketing information, knowledge, education, business development, and networking for professionals in tourism, travel, and hospitality.  The silver award was won in the following category, consumer media, feature placement.  The winning media placement was published on February 4, 2007 in the New York Daily News, one of the top five newspapers in the U.S., and was a travel section cover feature story on Aruba, written by journalist, Michael Nassar.  Nassar had traveled to Aruba to research the piece in late 2006.

The annual gala dinner was held at the Marriott Marquis in New York City on Monday, January 28, 2008.  President and founder of Quinn & Co., Mrs. Florence Quinn and, Carla Caccavale, partner in charge of the travel division and Aruba team member, were present to accept the award in behalf of the destination.

Quinn & Co. has been awarded numerous prizes in the past by HSMAI, including its top honor, the Best of Show award, two years in a row, 2005 and 2006.  Additionally, they have been the recipients of five Platinum Awards, 24 Gold Awards, 24 Silver Awards and 23 Bronze Awards over the years.  But the highlight came when Florence Quinn was awarded as one of the “Top 25 Most Extraordinary Minds in Hospitality and Travel Sales & Marketing” in 2006.

“The ATA is proud of having Quinn & Co. as a partner in promoting the island,” stated Gina Lopez-Gnecco, public relations director for ATA.  “They are a dynamic and very creative PR agency who love Aruba and who enjoy an excellent working relationship with top media in the U.S.”

The winning article is the direct result of the excellence, perseverance and professionalism of ATA’s PR department, with the continued cooperation of the island’s the hotels, restaurants, AHATA and the many ATA partners in the tourism industry.

Tierra Del Sol Resort Spa & Country Club signed a construction agreement with TCCD NV for the construction of thirty brand new condominiums. Following the sell-out success of Las Palmas I a neighborhood with 27 two & three bedroom deluxe units, Tierra Del Sol Real Estate division decided to go ahead and build the second phase.

Managing Director David Brown signed the agreement on behalf of Tierra del Sol Real Estate while Jarvis Larmonie Division Manager for Thiel Corporation Construction Division and Director Anthony Thiel, inked the legal document on behalf of TCCD NV.

Las Palmas II will include 6 different styles of condominiums, 2 and 3 bedrooms, one and two story, with gorgeous views of Palm Beach and the ocean from all second floors, nicely finished from tiles to state of the art appliances.

In addition to building Las Palma II, TCCD NV was also contracted to build the five last homes of Miramar, an-almost-sold-out hill top neighborhood overlooking Palm Beach.

The Las Palmas II thirty luxury condominiums are scheduled for completion in 2009, with features that include roof top balconies or private court yards for optional Jacuzzi and barbeque, built under the supervision of HJC Engineering NV.

Las Palmas also features free standing two story, 3 bedroom villas with condo services, priced from-mid US$500K, garages included.

Pictured here, the official contract signing, David Brown, Roberto Gonzalez, Anthony Thiel and Jarvis Larmonie.

Story submitted by Rona Coster

Tiara Air just opened a new service center at Sun Plaza, which is easily accessible and offers ample parking space.

Tiara Air operates multiple daily flights to and from Aruba, Curacao, Bonaire and Punto Fijo, Venezuela, flying very spacious commuter aircrafts, Short 360, with 36 seats.

The airline’s tag line “On Time, Convenient and Sympatico,” reflects its operational philosophy and its dedication to customer service and customer satisfaction.

Booking flights and soliciting information about Tiara Air is now very easy at Tiara Air’s Wayaca Service Center, at Tiara Air’s Airport Ticket Office and at any of Aruba travel agencies. On-line bookings are also available on www.tiara-air.com

The new Tiara Air Sun Plaza Service Center is open daily from 8 a.m. to 12 noon and from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Telephone : +297 583 4307; Fax number: +297 583 5994.

Story submitted by Rona Coster

Eco Destination Management celebrated two decades on the island just recently, with founder Wichita Villacres, Owner and C.E.O., orchestrating a day of festivities for her staff members.

Wichita started her career in the worldwide shipping industry and moved to Aruba in 1982. She saw the need for a destination management company here and with that in mind, she taught herself the business, and by 1987, founded Eco Destination Management Services of Aruba.

In 1992, she was named ‘Woman of the Year,’ for her contributions to making the island a true meeting and incentive destination, a market which had never been fully realized before her efforts.

In her quest to explore the possibilities for Aruba, she was recognized in 1990 for her creativity by the Society of Incentive Travel Executives, SITE, with two Crystal Awards, one for organizing legendary Arubadam, a street carnival party, in the heart of Oranjestad and for flawless handling of a 5-night incentive program, for an oversize group.

In addition to her involvement with her business and her family, Wichita is always deeply committed to the community, working in a number of organizations on the betterment of the industry and the island.

She was a board member of the Aruba Hotel and Tourism Association, AHATA; a director of the Society of Incentive Travel Executives, SITE, Caribbean Chapter; President and founder of the Aruba Tourism Scholarship and Awards Foundation; member of Meeting Professionals International, MPI, and member of International Special Event Society, ISES, as well as member of Association of Destination Management Executives, and the SKAL Club, which she recently rejoined, in Miami.

In 2002, Wichita purchased the South East Florida Destination Management Franchise from PRA Destination Management, and by 2006 not only surpassed PRA’s yearly goals but also grew exponentially and became well established within the Florida community.

Hard working, driven and fun, Wichita is an inspiration to those who meet and work with her, she always strives to become the best at whatever she sets out to do.

True to her credo “there is no mountain too high to climb,” it is always entertaining to watch her operate!

Pictured here Wichita and Aruba’s Minister of Tourism Eng. Edison Briezen at a recent Radisson Aruba Resort & Casino penthouse gala affair in which ECO Destination Management Services of Aruba celebrated 20 years and recognized the minister for his from-the-get-go support and endorsement.

Story submitted by Rona Coster

Palm Beach – A new Aruba Hotel & Tourism Association board was elected during the recent AHATA General Assembly, held at the Radisson Aruba Resort & Casino.

The new officers of the board were elected from a slate of candidates presented by a nominating committee headed by General Manager Paul Gielen, Renaissance Aruba Resort, and independent consultant Jaap Beaujon.

The election process was overseen by Dr. Ryan Peterson of the Universidad di Aruba.

The new board of the Aruba Hotel & Tourism Association consists of the following eight members: Rick Zeolla, General Manager, Marriott Aruba Resort; Eduardo De Veer, Developer, Meta Corp; Scott Allen, General Manager, Hyatt Regency; Guillermo Valencia, General Manager Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort; Gary Jutz, General Manager, Radisson Aruba Resort & Casino; Matt Balcik, General Manager, Westin Aruba Resort; Peter Steinmetz, Director, Aruba Airport Authority; David Smith, VP Public Relations, Valero Aruba Refinery.

Two board candidates, Joe Najjar, General Manager, La Cabana Beach & Racquet Club and Andres Pichardo, Senior VP Sales and Marketing, Occidental Grand Aruba, remained available in case of seat vacancy on the board and were invited to attend all meetings effective immediately.

Rob Smith, President and CEO of the Aruba Hotel & Tourism Association reports the new board will conduct its first meeting this week, with hotelier Ewald Biemans, Bucuti Beach Resort & Tara Suites, as Chairman of the Board.

Over 200 Managers, DSMs & Liberty Travel Execs in Aruba December 3-6, 2007

Aruba Beats Bevy of Destinations to Host Travel Giant’s Most Prestigious Internal
Event Boasting Informational Conferences, Site Inspections, Parties & More!

On December 3, 2007, Aruba will welcome the prestigious annual Liberty Travel Managers Conference. This significant event brings together over 200 Liberty Travel store managers, district store managers (DSMs) and senior company executives for three days of informational conferences, site inspections, hotel and resort presentations, cocktail parties, gala dinners and more. It is fitting that this will be the first time Aruba hosts the conference, having beat a number of other destinations in contention, as the island is enjoying an impressive 30% growth in Liberty Travel business. With a string of significant hotel and resort developments and renovations, new and additional airlift, strong visitor arrival numbers and over $350 million in investments in the tourism industry, Aruba is proud to welcome these important decision-makers to discover “what’s new” on the island.

As the largest seller of vacations to the island, Aruba is thrilled to have the opportunity to show Liberty Travel managers how it has grown as a top Caribbean vacation destination for couples, families and travelers of all types. During the three-day event, travel professionals on hand will get to experience Aruba beyond the conference room, as they enjoy dinners, beach and pool parties, jeep safaris through the Aruban countryside, golfing on oceanfront greens and much more.

The Liberty Travel Managers Conference will take place at the Westin Aruba Resort, with additional evening activities provided by the Occidental Grand Aruba, the Radisson Aruba Resort & Casino, the Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort & Casino, and transportation and excursions handled by De Palm Tours. The Aruba Tourism Authority and the Aruba Hotel and Tourism Association will co-sponsor a gala dinner on Renaissance Island, part of the Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino, as the culmination of the conference.

“Aruba is pleased to welcome the Liberty Managers Conference to the island for the first time,” said Edison Briesen, Minister of Tourism and Transportation. “We are honored to have been chosen as the host for this event and greatly value Liberty Travel’s expertise in the industry as they have long been travel pioneers. We are confident that hosting the Managers Conference will reinforce what Liberty Travel has known for over three decades: that Aruba offers a travel experience unlike any other Caribbean destination, one that keeps travelers coming back year after year.”

Myrna Jansen, Managing Director of the Aruba Tourism Authority, added, “Aruba was one of the first international destinations offered by Liberty Travel in the 1970s. Now, with remarkable island-wide renovations and substantial investments in tourism it is the ideal time to welcome our colleagues at Liberty Travel. This is an opportunity to showcase the destination to Liberty Travel’s true decision makers, the store managers, who control the selling direction of their business.”

“Liberty Travel has a longer association with Aruba than any other U.S. travel company, the island is one of our best selling Caribbean destinations and a longtime favorite with our customers,” said Cathy Pelaez, Chief Operating Officer for Liberty Travel. “It made perfect sense to have this year’s Managers Conference on the island as it gives our top level sales force the opportunity to experience the destination and the many significant upgrades to its tourism product and see first-hand what Aruba can offer our clients.”