In an interview with DIARIO, FTA union president Mr. Hose Figaroa emphasized that Aruba’s economy—and especially its labor market—heavily depends on the hospitality industry.
“A large portion of our workers in Aruba are employed in this sector. Therefore, any drop in hotel room occupancy can affect workers in the medium and long term,” Figaroa said. He added that one contributing factor might be the high room rates on the island. “Aruba is not a cheap destination. It is one of the more expensive places in the Caribbean. Our occupancy levels remain good, but we must ensure our product matches the prices we charge—this is something we cannot lose focus on.”
Figaroa noted that one of Aruba’s main attractions, aside from its people, is its safety—something frequently highlighted in international publications.
“However, the quality of our overall tourism product must stay high,” he added. “Especially now, during the rainy season, we clearly see that our infrastructure—such as roads—is not at the level it should be. A person paying such high room rates may enjoy a beautiful hotel, but the surroundings outside the hotel do not reflect the value of what they are paying for.”
He stressed the importance of improving and even upgrading the island’s infrastructure and tourism product. “This does not only attract more tourists but also gives them satisfaction, knowing that even if they pay a high price, they are receiving real value in return,” Figaroa concluded.
Photo Credits : https://diario.aw/categories/noticia/general/infrastructura-pafo-di-hotelnan-no-ta-refleha-e-prijs-cu-e-turistanan-ta-paga
