Aruba tour operators staged a protest on Friday afternoon over route closures affecting UTV and ATV excursions on the island’s north coast.
Vehicles circle Las Americas roundabout
A group of operators drove numerous UTVs and ATVs around the Las Americas roundabout to express dissatisfaction with the closure of the California Lighthouse–Alto Vista route, which has been closed since June. The operators said the restrictions are affecting their work and asked for direct talks with the government.
The group also raised concerns about access to other north-coast areas. A court hearing involving Aruba Birdlife Conservation, the Country of Aruba and the Aruba Conservation Foundation is scheduled for September 10.
Minister says environmental and economic interests need balance
Tourism Minister Wendrick Cicilia said he is following developments and has met representatives of the UTV and ATV sector to hear their concerns. He said nature conservation is important while the stability of companies and the livelihoods of employees also require attention.
The protest is a material development in the continuing route-access dispute. Earlier reports had focused on calls for dialogue; Friday’s demonstration brought operators and their vehicles into public action.
