A recent visit to the Palm Beach property demonstrated how Radisson Blu Aruba local talent is contributing to quality tourism, sustainable development and stronger connections between the hospitality sector and the community.
Parliamentarian Jennifer Arends-Reyes said it is important for elected officials to regularly leave their offices and visit tourism properties across Aruba.
According to Arends-Reyes, direct contact with the sector provides opportunities to observe ongoing investments, hear from professionals working in tourism and discuss the future of Aruba’s most important industry.
As part of this approach, Arends-Reyes visited Radisson Blu Aruba with Minister of Tourism Wendrick Cicilia. The visit was held at the invitation of the hotel’s general manager, Luigi Wix-Mata.
The parliamentarian said the visit provided a positive impression of the transformation completed at the property.
The building was originally intended to become a condominium development, but the project was not completed. It was later transformed into a modern hotel that opened its doors in 2021.
Five years after opening, Radisson Blu Aruba has established itself as a distinctive hospitality property in the Palm Beach tourism area.
One of the most notable aspects of the visit was the hotel’s commitment to employing and developing Aruban professionals.
Radisson Blu Aruba has a fully local management team, which Arends-Reyes said should be a source of pride for the people of Aruba.
“This demonstrates that Aruba has professionals with the knowledge, experience and ability required to hold positions of responsibility and leadership in our hotel industry,” Arends-Reyes said.
She described investment in local talent as an essential part of the next phase of Aruba’s tourism development.
According to the parliamentarian, tourism growth should not be measured only by visitor numbers or the number of hotel rooms available.
Tourism must also create opportunities for residents, generate quality employment and provide space for Aruban professionals to develop their skills and advance their careers.
Arends-Reyes also highlighted the hotel’s attention to sustainability, employee wellbeing and the overall guest experience.
The property combines modern hospitality with collaborations involving local artists, professionals and small-business owners.
She said connections between hotels and the community can make Aruba’s tourism experience more authentic while ensuring that the economic and social benefits of tourism are also experienced by residents.
As president of Parliament’s Tourism Committee, Arends-Reyes considers continued dialogue with hotels, business owners, employees and other tourism partners essential.
“Tourism policy should not be developed only from inside an office,” she said. “We must go out, observe, listen and understand the sector’s reality so that we can make decisions that contribute to a stronger and more sustainable industry.”
Aruba’s position as a successful tourism destination has been built over many years. However, maintaining that competitive position requires continued investment, innovation, sustainability and greater support for local professionals.
Arends-Reyes thanked general manager Luigi Wix-Mata and the entire Radisson Blu Aruba team for their invitation, hospitality and openness during the visit.
She said the pride demonstrated by the hotel’s employees, especially its local management team, deserves recognition.
“Our objective must remain a strong and competitive tourism industry, but it must also be an industry whose success can be felt throughout the community and that creates increasing opportunities for the people of Aruba,” Arends-Reyes said.
“Tourism is our economic engine, but our people are the force that keeps that engine moving.”
The success of Radisson Blu Aruba local talent demonstrates how quality tourism can support professional growth, community participation and a more sustainable future for Aruba.
