Bucuti Beach Resort & Tara Beach Suites’ environmental program was used as the example for Caribbean Hoteliers at the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Conference (CHTC). Environmentalist and Hotelier Ewald Biemans was introduced as the example to Hoteliers throughout the Caribbean for his extensive and successful sustainable tourism business model for his hotels, the Bucuti Beach Resort and Tara Beach Suites, recently in Miami, Florida. Biemans was invited to present and be a panelist at a seminar organized by the Caribbean Hotel Association (CHA) titled: “Environmental Management Systems” whereby CAST released a CHA-CTO Joint position paper on Global Climate Change and the Caribbean Tourism Industry. Moderator Deirdre P. Shurland, Director of the Caribbean Alliance for Sustainable Tourism (CAST) introduced Biemans as “a pioneer and a success story for environmental preservation in the industry” and his resort “a glowing example for all Caribbean Hoteliers”. Biemans presented his case study of Bucuti Beach Resort’s achievements in sustainability and Green Globe 21 and ISO 14001 certifications. Biemans presented his viewpoint as an hotelier / environmental activist.

The Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort Aruba has been completed. New tiling, new bathroom appliances, modern kitchens with granite tops, and all furniture and soft furnishings have been replaced, the TVs have been replaced in not only the Standard Studios but in every room by Flat Screen TVs. The look of the room is more modern, yet in keeping with the architectural style of the hotel. Dark wood furniture and cream colored bed spreads and curtains give the room the perfect sophisticated feel and look. Renovation of the remaining rooms is already in process. The renovation is taking place in a structured manner. By taking out an entire block, guests will not be staying in a room adjacent to another room being renovated. All lounges have been replaced around the pool, the chairs and bar stools at the Sunset Upper-Deck Bar, with more comfortable lounges and chairs with softer cushions. The Front Desk has also been completely renovated, and features a fresh and modern look. The renovation is expected to be fully completed by late fall 2007. For more information please call The Amsterdam Manor at (297) 527-1100 or visit www.AmsterdamManor.com/en/photos.html

A resort of choice for divers and home to the recently named Conde Nast Traveler Hot List honoree, Radisson Aruba Resort, Spa & Casino announces Scuba in Aruba Packages showcasing the island’s underwater world for discovery. The popularity of scuba diving continues to grow with 924,270 divers certified worldwide in 2006, according to PADI, and now beginners can immerse themselves with a seven-night Learn to Dive Program starting at $2,899* and earn PADI open water certification. The Learn to Dive Program encompasses all equipment and includes accommodations, diving and instruction, tanks, weight belts and a welcome martini at the open-air Mira Solo. For the ultimate experience, Radisson Aruba Resort & Casino is offering experienced divers a seven-night Unlimited Diving package with rates beginning at $2,889* including accommodations, unlimited dives and a cocktail at the resort’s popular martini bar. Both package rates based on double occupancy. Shorter packages of three and five-nights are also available. All dive instruction and activities are through Unique Sports, a Five Star Gold Palm/National Geographic facility located at the resort. For more information and reservations, call Radisson Hotels & Resorts at (800) 333-3333 or visit www.radisson.com/aruba . Guests booking Scuba in Aruba Packages should contact Unique Sports prior to arrival to schedule dives at (297) 586-6555 x 6597 or unique@radissonaruba.com

The Pearl Condominiums, now under construction, located close to the Eagle Beach will consist of 25 private condominium residences with all the luxuries and amenities of a five star boutique hotel. For more information please visit www.arubapearl.com or call (297) 594-5000 or (800) 625-6875 in the US.

RIU Palace Aruba accommodated its first guests during the third week of July. RIU had its soft opening on the 20th of July offering tropical landscaped grounds, an Olympic-size swimming pool, tennis courts, an exciting Casino, on-site PADI dive and water sports center, car rental, beauty salon, gift shop and a choice of restaurants including a beach bar and grill. For more information please visit www.riuaruba.com or call (888) 774-0040 or (305) 774-0040 or in Aruba (297) 526-3990