ORANJESTAD (AAN) – Santander Promotes Tourism, Healthcare and Trade in Aruba as a commercial delegation from Colombia’s Department of Santander visited the island to showcase opportunities in tourism, specialized healthcare, and business cooperation.
The trade mission, held from July 1 to 4, brought representatives from Santander to the Savaneta Ballroom at JOIA Aruba by Iberostar, where they met with insurance companies, travel agencies, and business leaders from Aruba to strengthen commercial ties and explore new partnerships.
During the presentation, Camilo Mendoza, representing the Government of Santander, said the mission aims to expand economic cooperation between Santander and Aruba while creating new opportunities for trade, tourism, and investment.
A major focus of the visit was healthcare. Mendoza highlighted that Santander is home to two of Colombia’s leading specialized hospitals, offering advanced medical services in cardiology, cardiovascular surgery, neurology, neurosurgery, orthopedics, ophthalmology, and eye surgery. He noted that agreements already exist with several Aruban insurance companies, making it easier for Aruban patients to access specialized medical treatment in Colombia.
Mendoza also emphasized the benefits of the new direct air connection between Aruba and Bucaramanga. Since June 17, Wingo has been operating two weekly flights, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, with a travel time of approximately one hour and ten minutes.
According to Mendoza, the direct route significantly improves accessibility while creating new opportunities for tourism, healthcare travel, and commercial exchange between Aruba and Santander. He added that both airfare and medical treatment costs in Santander are generally more affordable than similar services in destinations such as the United States and the Netherlands, making Colombia an attractive option for patients seeking specialized healthcare.
The Santander delegation will continue meeting with private sector representatives throughout Aruba as part of its commercial mission, with the goal of strengthening business partnerships and generating new economic opportunities that benefit both regions.
