ORANJESTAD (AAN): Aruba Timeshare Association (ATSA) recently held a general meeting to discuss key issues related to the Pension Fund for the Tourism Sector of Aruba (PFTSA) and other important matters affecting the island. Minister of Finance, Arthur Dowers, along with other stakeholders from the vacation ownership resort sector, attended the meeting.
During the meeting, PFTSA’s Executive Director, Natalia Lacle, gave an update on the progress of the fund, which started in 1992 as an initiative by the Aruba Hotel & Tourism Association (AHATA) and FTA union. The fund’s primary objective is to provide additional income for employees in the tourism industry during their retirement, complementing their regular pensions.
Lacle discussed the current state of the pension system in Aruba, including the proposed adjustments to the national pension plan. She highlighted that the adjustments are still in the early stages and will take time to implement. However, these changes aim to strengthen the financial security of workers in the tourism sector and ensure they are well-prepared for retirement.
In addition to pension-related discussions, PFTSA emphasized the need for dialogue with importers and logistics providers to address challenges in the tourism sector. The meeting also addressed the beach policy and other developments related to sustainable tourism in Aruba, including watersports activities and sunblock regulations. These policies are crucial for ensuring that Aruba’s tourism industry remains safe, sustainable, and environmentally responsible.
Aruba Water Sustainable Solutions (AWSS) also presented positive progress in sustainable water management initiatives, including projects in San Nicolas, Parkietenbos, and Bubali. The meeting ended with a focus on upgrading hotel facilities across Aruba, from internet and digital communication improvements to solar panel installations and green agroforestry projects. This shows a commitment to sustainability while attracting a younger demographic to Aruba’s timeshare market.
