Award-winning beaches with pristine white sand, international fusion cuisine, and the allure of new adventures are enticing more Argentine visitors to Aruba, a small Caribbean gem.
ORANJESTAD (AAN): Aruba, a Caribbean island off the coast of Venezuela, is widely known for its long stretches of sugary white sand and crystal-clear waters. Traditionally a popular destination for tourists from the United States and Canada, Latin Americans are also increasingly flocking to this island paradise. Most recently, Argentina has emerged as Aruba’s largest tourist market in Latin America, with visitor numbers more than doubling.
To explore the reasons behind this trend, the Herald spoke with Jordan Schlipken Croes, director of the Aruba Tourism Authority for Latin America.
Why do people visit Aruba?
“We focus on the people, the island, and what it has to offer—beyond just the sun, sand, and sea. Eagle Beach, for example, was recognized this year as the best beach in the Caribbean and the third-best beach in the world by TripAdvisor. It’s an expansive beach, about four to five kilometers of white sand and crystal-clear waters. Despite being ranked number one, it’s not overcrowded, which makes it unique,” says Croes.
Why did Aruba top the Caribbean rankings?
“We were honored to receive that award! In recent years, we’ve been working hard on responsible tourism. We understand that Aruba is a small island and can’t handle millions of tourists annually. We’ve been encouraging both locals and visitors to keep the island clean and to avoid single-use plastics, which are now prohibited. Reusable water bottles are promoted, and there are water stations across the island.”
What is the food like in Aruba?
“We have over 200 types of restaurants, reflecting the diversity of Aruba’s population, which includes 110 nationalities. The fusion of cultures results in an incredible range of food options. A good example is pastechi, similar to empanadas, but with Dutch Gouda cheese inside, showcasing a fusion of Latin American and Dutch influences. We also have our culinary festival, Auténtico, from October 11-19, where chefs from around the world, including Michelin chefs, will be featured.”
What type of tourists visit Aruba?
“Currently, 70-75% of our tourists come from North America, 15% from Latin America, and around 5% from Europe. Latin America is a booming region for us. Our Latin American market share has increased from about 8% three or four years ago to 15% today. For Colombians, it’s a 90-minute flight, but for Argentines, it’s a longer 10-hour journey, so we tend to see more families visiting.”
Why are more Argentinians choosing Aruba?
“Argentinians are traveling more abroad due to the strong peso. Aruba has seen a 127% increase in Argentine tourists, while other Caribbean islands like the Dominican Republic are seeing around 50-80% growth. People are looking for less traditional Caribbean destinations. Aruba offers not only pristine beaches but also a safe environment. In contrast to other Latin American destinations, Aruba has an extremely low crime rate. Additionally, we’re outside the hurricane belt and haven’t been affected by sargassum seaweed, which has impacted other islands.”
What about the direct flights from Argentina?
“Yes, in August, Argentina became Aruba’s largest Latin American market. Aerolíneas Argentinas will begin direct flights from Buenos Aires, Córdoba, and Mendoza on January 1, 2026. This marks a new chapter for both Argentina and Aruba.”
What activities can visitors enjoy in Aruba?
“Beyond sun, sand, and sea, Aruba offers nature experiences as well. 23% of the island is a nature reserve, ideal for walking and bike tours. We also have great wind conditions for kite surfing and windsurfing, and we’re proud to be home to the world kitesurfing champion, Sara-Quita Offringa
