Aruba's Chamber of Commerce says the 2026–2031 tourism plan should address overtourism, housing, infrastructure and service quality before more growth.
Chamber Reviews the 2026–2031 Strategy
The Aruba Chamber of Commerce and Industry has reviewed the Tourism Strategic Implementation Plan for 2026–2031 and welcomed its proposed shift from visitor volume toward higher value. In comments reported by 24ora, the chamber said implementation should first address current pressures on roads, wastewater, water and energy systems, beaches, parking and service quality.
Housing and Vacation Rentals Remain Central Concerns
The chamber cited about 4,100 active vacation-rental units, equal to roughly 11% of Aruba's housing stock, and said unregulated growth is adding pressure to housing and construction costs. It also pointed to more than 1,850 hotel rooms in the development pipeline and warned that additional capacity could intensify labor and housing demand.
Proposed Fees Draw Financial Questions
The plan reportedly includes a US$25 Resilience Entry Fee, a US$10 Natural Capital Contribution, a one-percentage-point room-tax increase and additional activity fees. The chamber questioned whether the proposed financing covers the full program and called for a gradual reduction in visitor volume, stronger enforcement and a clearer focus on quality before further tourism growth.
Source: read the original report from 24ora.
