November 10th, 2009 Underscoring the island’s long-time commitment to high standards in the area of international tax compliance and transparency, Aruba was elevated to ‘White List’ status by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) on September 10, 2009. Aruba’s Minister of Finance, Nilo Swaen, signed new TIEAs with the Nordic Alliance including Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Greenland and the Faroe Islands, along with the British Virgin Islands and Nevis & St. Kitts. Aruba signed a TIEA with the U.S. in November 2003 and also has a tax agreement with the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Aruba is currently negotiating additional TIEAs with Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and Mexico.
“We are extremely pleased with this excellent news,” stated Myrna Jansen-Feliciano, managing director of the Aruba Tourism Authority. “These new tax incentives will tremendously benefit the group and meetings/incentives markets, enhancing Aruba’s reputation as a destination that offers much more than just pristine beaches and year-round perfect weather.” Having OECD ‘White List’ status will benefit tourism in Aruba by offering tax incentives to international groups that bring business to the island. Aruba has dozens of meeting, accommodations and activity options that are attractive for business groups large and small. For example, Aruba will play host to the Society of Incentive & Travel Executives (SITE) International Conference from October 30 – November 2, 2009, with over 400 participants expected to attend. For more information on SITE, visit www.siteglobal.com
