Aruba’s government and tour operators have agreed to create a working group to continue discussions about UTV and ATV access and alternative routes along the island’s north coast.
Operators join follow-up group
Infrastructure Minister Rene Herde met representatives of the tour sector on Friday with Tourism, Transport and Labor Minister Wendrick Cicilia and officials from relevant departments. DIARIO reported that operators used the meeting to explain their concerns and propose options.
The Aruba UTV-ATV working group is intended to maintain contact while the government reviews the legal, environmental and economic issues. Herde said the goal is a solution that allows tour activity and protects jobs while respecting the law and Aruba’s natural environment.
Government plans meeting with conservation group
The government said it would meet Aruba Birdlife Conservation on Monday to explore whether an agreement is possible. If no understanding is reached, officials said the government is preparing to defend its position in court before continuing negotiations on concrete operating arrangements.
24ora separately reported that the government is reviewing the unfinished alternative-route issue with the Department of Public Works. This is a material follow-up to the earlier route dispute and tour-operator protest.
