• Michael Nicolaas announced, during a press conference about the Beatrix 2000, expansion plan, that in the future, US bound passengers will pay $3.00 extra. The PFC for all other passengers will remain unchanged.

• The Aruba Tourism Authority’s new, 1999 calendar of events has been completed. For a copy of the 500 year events for 1999, please contact the Aruba Tourism Authority News-bureau, at 297-823777.

• Congratulations go out to Red Sail Sports, on their newest acquisition, the "Fiesta" catamaran, Aruba’ largest sailing vessel.

• The Allegro Beach Resort Announces its new dinner and musical review "Frenesi". The resort also re-opened "Aruba’s Elegant New Dance Club" Jardin Brazilien, located across from their ballroom.

• WMJX-FM/SOFT ROCK...based in Massachusetts, has a radio promotion where listeners can bid on a trip to ARUBA. The New England Medical Center is raising money for the cancer wing of their hospital, as a result, they are pushing a campaign in which the person with the highest bid in a 3 week period will win the trip for 2 to Aruba!

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Aruba was promoted once again during the Miss Universe Puerto Rico, pageant. This is the second consecutive year that, along with numerous other prizes, the new reigning beauty queen wins an all expense paid trip to Aruba.

Miss Universe Puerto Rico will travel to Aruba courtesy of American Airlines and will be staying at the Sonesta Beach Resort & Casino. The exposure that Aruba received via TV Canal Tele Once (11), involved no cost for Aruba. It was a promotional effort between Aruba and the organizing committee for this televised event.

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Aruba is taking part in the "MTV Brazil Fashion Show"

Aruba Tourism Authority together with Ric Ostrower and the government of Aruba, made it possible for MTV Brazil to come to Aruba. Ricardo Croes of ATA said "A group of young people with new ideas is what we are seeking to promote Aruba in the Brazilian market".

Ric Ostrower, director of MTV Brazil and Carolina Sa, a Brazilian top model, hostess of the Fashion Show and other members of the group are here for 7 days filming different parts of Aruba. For this fashion show they needed some tropical island scenarios.

Some of the shooting places were the Sonesta Island, Rodgers Beach, Baby Beach, Arashi Beach, Natural Bridge, Gold-mine, the California Lighthouse and parts of the city. They held other filming in USA, France and England which make us proud to be part of their program.

MTV is a communication network with 13 stations around the world. MTV Brazil was founded eight years ago with approximately 50 young people in charge to bring fresh ideas for the shows. This is the third year they are presenting a Fashion Show and this time they choose Aruba for its natural scenes. They held other filming in the USA, France and England which make Arubans proud to be part of their program.

Ric Ostrower is very happy to have chosen Aruba. He says that the people are very friendly and nice, and he’s very impressed by the clearness of the waters.

Carolina Sa is a young and attractive model born in Rio de Janeiro. She felt instantly in love with the island for its climate, clear blue waters, white sand beaches and warmth of the people. The place she likes most is the Natural Bridge, which is different than what they in Brazil. She visited a night-club and a model agency, they made her feel at home. She hopes to come back to Aruba soon with her husband on vacation.

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Aruba receives great coverage in media

A variety of publications from around the world are focusing on every angle of Aruba. From south America to Europe, publications of all sorts are talking....

REVISTA FERIAS & CONGRESOS October 1998 issues included an article about Aruba's conventions and incentive programs. Juan Carlos Grassi, writer of the article, who was hosted by ACB-Aruba, focuses on the fact that Aruba is the perfect destination to mix business with pleasure.

The November '98 issue of GLAMOUR Argentina magazine, recommends Aruba among three other destinations in its travel section. The article mentions the fact that Aruba is "paradise located OUTSIDE OF THE HURRICANE BELT."

Aruba's wonderful water world was once more covered in a special report issued by WATERSPORT magazine , who was invited to Aruba by ATA. The special edition, published in the Netherlands, covers mostly sailing facilities on the island. The writers relate their magnificent experience on the island and invite its readers to enjoy the turquoise waters, sun and breeze, during the Netherlands' winter months.

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Whether it be on new years eve or a birthday party, one thing is for sure, Arubans know how to party!

For the first time in history, Aruba will have a Carnival program book for those in search of " the ultimate Aruban party" adventure. (ATA will receive 10,000 copies for promotion events)

The colorful guide offers information about Aruba's 45th Carnival celebration. It includes the dates and times of queen elections, calypso contests, tumba contests, jump-up events, and of course carnival parades.

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Aruba...more than just a day at the beach 

Aruba is definitely more tha just another day at the beach and that's exactly what Lynn Sheldon Jr., writer for INTERLINE ADVENTURES(circ. 100,000) focuses on her " Active Aruba" article.

According to Sheldon Aruba has a lot more to offer, including, a tour of the Arikok National Parks, island tours, horseback-riding and much more.

CONNECTICUT Magazine's (circ. 85,000), J. Nielsen also focuses on active Aruba as well, except for that Nielsen adds another popular activity, dining ! In general, the piece offers its readers a positive and refreshing aspect of both Aruba's people and product.

Aruba's winter travel packages are published in THE SUNDAY RECORD's (circ. 210,061), Sunday, November 8 1998, travel section.The article warms readers up to Caribbean deals for the winter time. The magazine covers the most affluent area in Northern New Jersey.

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Ronzzio's Showroom '98

Ronzzio will present on the 12th December an international fashion parade "Showroom '98" under the personal guidance of Ronchi de Cuba.
Fifteen international designers will present their latest collection in Aruba.They are coming from Santo Domingo, Colombia, Venezuela, Mexico, Puerto Rico and Aruba, together with their models, it promises to be an exclusive event.

Some of the designers are: David Antonio and Harris Robles from Puerto Rico; Miguel Aleman, Luis Braca, Hugo Espina and Raenra from Venezuela; Gianina Azar, Leonel Lirio and Robert Flores from Santo Domingo; Ronchi de Cuba from Aruba. Also present will be Mr. World '98.

The guests will stay at the Wyndham Resort.Other model show events organized by Ronchi de Cuba not only attracted national, but also international attentions. One of his latest big and successful event the International Male Model Competition '98"

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Aruba ranked among top diving destinations in the world!

Who would have ever thought that the Germans unknowingly scuttled one of the hottest dive sites (Antilla) in the world?

Every year Rodale's SCUBA DIVING Magazine gathers reader ratings for destinations, dive operators, and resorts from around the world. This year and for the fourth time Aruba excels in the world of diving as one of the world's best diving destinations.

The "reader's best" list will be published in the magazine's January / February 1999 issue and will include: Aruba as the

• #2 Best wreck diving in the Caribbean/Atlantic award 1999 (fourth year in a row)
• #3 Best topside attractions in the Caribbean/Atlantic
• #13 World's favorite dive sites

The awards will be presented during the 1999 DEMA (Divers Equipment Manufacturing Association) tradeshow, which will take place January 1999 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

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Aruba's DANDE celebration...

The word dande (or dandee) is derived from the original Papiamento word "dandara", which means "parandea: (or to revel; carouse; to have a good time).The celebration of dande began around 1880, after King William III declared the slaves "free men".

Dande is usually performed by a group of 5-6 people (sometimes more) who accompany the singer, door to door (mostly visiting family and friends), to sing and express their best wishes for the New Year. The instruments used during the "paranda-sweep" are: the violin, tambu, guitar and wicharo/wiri (metal rasp).These are the most important instruments. Some groups also use a hand accordion.

Today, most districts have their own dande group, who performs until the second day of the new year. While visiting different houses, the singer collects money in his hat while performing. The money is donated as a token of appreciation for the entire ensemble.

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More of Showroom'98

Designers will unveil their creations for the coming holidays at the fabulous Tropicana Showroom at Royal Cabana Casino. This collection for both sexes will be presented by international top models on the catwalk such as: Maximiliano Cordova (International Male Model '98), Ernesto Calzadilla (Mr. Venezuela '98), Alex Fournier (1st Finalist International Male Model '98), Sasha Poppovich (International Female Model '97), Joyce Giraud (Second Finalist Miss Universe '98) and many more...., plus local models such as: Marchelino Roos, Cedric Frans, Bryan Dirks, Alex Brokke, Alexandra Ochoa, Paola Ochoa, Iris Roberts, Xiomara Werleman, Lilah Croes, Joslenny Chikito, Deborah Hellburgh and many more....

The purpose behind Showroom' 98 is to give worldwide promotion to designers and models from Latin America, the Caribbean and Aruba. To achieve this, Ronzzio Productions started planning to put together a professional-level show. One of the details that has to be finalised is to bring Sandro Finoclio (Mr. World'98) and Jaqueline Aguilera (Miss World'98). This touch will enhance the event to a greater level.

There are some rumours about bringing an international group as a surprise. Ronchi de Cuba told that "Possibly we will surprise everyone present with a big artist or group maybe and that depends on several factors that has to be decided nevertheless".

This will definitely be the one spectacular show that everyone will remember, presenting creation of fashion of haute couture with the greatest hair-fashion and make-up styles.

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