December 1st, 2004 
In September 2003 Aruba was the site for one of the most prestigious conferences of Brazil that was attended by executives, business men and owners of multi-national companies.
Since then Aruba has gained momentum in the Brazilian market as a tourism destination. After a temporary charter agreement with TAM Airlines, in July 2004 VARIG initiated weekly flights to Aruba with a stop in Caracas, Venezuela.
The demand for Aruba was overwhelming and in October 2005 VARIG decided to increase to two weekly flights. The flights originate in Rio de Janeiro and stop in Sao Paolo and Caracas. With the high season approaching the demand for Aruba continued to grow resulting in a decision by VARIG to change the MD-11 equipment for a Boeing 777.
Aruba received extensive coverage in various publications, national TV and trade magazines. The popular magazine CARAS covered the visit to Aruba of the popular announcer Anna Barbara Xavier and her fiancée, the famous model Paulo Ferreira. The couple used Aruba to get engaged officially. Even Brazilian paparazzi were in Aruba to seek information and photos.
The TV announcer Silvio Santos, who conducts one of the best known talk shows in Brazil, was in Aruba for a week with family members in order to escape from the stress resulting from his divorce proceedings. The magazine “Contigo” published his photo on the front page and Aruba ended up with a seven page coverage.
The trade magazine VIAGEM dedicated a six page article to Aruba covering its tourism attractions. In their November edition Aruba was selected among the eight best beach destinations in the world. The first was Cancun.
Story by Victor Winklaar of A.M. Digital
