Aruba Tourism Authority Reports 2014 Tourism Results

NEARLY 10 PERCENT INCREASE IN STAY-OVER ARRIVALS

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Feb 23, 2015, 10:07 ET

ORANJESTAD, Aruba, Feb. 23, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The Aruba Tourism Authority (ATA) reported total arrivals in 2014 increased by 9.5 percent, as compared to the same period in 2013. This global growth included a 3.7 percent increase in arrivals from the U.S. market, 26.8 percent increase from the South American market and a 4.1 percent increase by the European market.

With 1.07 million stay-over visitors overall in 2014, Aruba made history -- as the previous record for annual stay-over visitors in Aruba was 9,79,256 in 2013, followed by 903,934 in 2012.

"2014 was a monumental year for Aruba and we could not be prouder of what our island has accomplished," said Ronella Tjin Asjoe-Croes, CEO of ATA. "Tourism is the heart of our economy, and the dedication and perseverance of our happy locals combined with our always-improving product ensures Aruba remains a thriving tourist destination."

Aruba's hotel sector showed significant growth last year. Average room occupancy increased 1.7 percentage points, from 77.6 percent in 2013 to 79.3 percent in 2014. ADR increased by 18 percent, while RevPar increased by 20.6 percent.

In addition to receiving more visitors, Aruba saw an increase in their spending in 2014. Tourism receipts increased in Q1 and Q2 by 4.9 percent, and by 7.6 percent in Q3, as compared to the same periods in 2013.

"The ATA along with our on-island and in-market partners all make a concerted effort to showcase Aruba's differentiating features, beyond our award-winning beaches and constant sunshine," said Otmar Oduber, Minister of Tourism, Transportation, Primary Sector and Culture. "We are pleased to see our visitors indulging in our world-class restaurants; enjoying our diverse range of land, sea and air activities; exploring our cultural centers, Oranjestad and San Nicolas; and shopping at leisure."

Aruba remains one of the most revisited destinations in the Caribbean, with more than half of all visitors returning year after year.

For more information on the One happy island, visit www.aruba.com. Engage with Aruba via social media at www.facebook.com/ArubaFans or @Aruba on Twitter.

About Aruba
As one of the most revisited destinations in the Caribbean, Aruba -- One happy island -- is an island of contradictions, where pristine turquoise waters collide against the desert-like terrain of the north shore; where peace and relaxation coexist with wild and rugged adventures; where Dutch influence meets American ease and where a diverse history parallels a bright future. Nestled in the southern Caribbean outside the fringes of the hurricane belt, the island is just a two-and-a-half-hour flight from Miami, a four-hour flight from New York City and boasts year-round cooling trade winds with an average 82-degree temperature. Aruba offers beach-lovers, adrenaline junkies, relaxation-seekers and everyone in between a slice of paradise with breathtaking beaches, a booming culinary scene of over 200 restaurants with 25+ located ideally on the water, world-famous festivals and events, exciting land and water activities, art galleries and museums, sumptuous spas, championship golf, exclusive shopping and signature experiences such as cooling off in Conchi, Aruba's natural pool -- accessible only by foot or off-road vehicle. With all-inclusive options, boutique properties in charming Eagle Beach, high-rise branded resorts in Palm Beach and cosmopolitan city hotels in Oranjestad, the island of contradictions provides the perfect getaway for both first-time guests and loyal visitors.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
LAUREN NOVO
THE ZIMMERMAN AGENCY | 850.668.2222
[email protected]

SOURCE Aruba Tourism Authority