Despite the strong competitive environment and challenging conditions, Aruban windsurfer Sarah Quita Offringa recently collected her ninth freestyle world title. She prepared for her most recent competition by constantly setting challenges for herself, and training in different weather conditions throughout the year. Aruba is proud of Sarah Quita for holding Aruba’s name up high, and for her wonderful international representation of the island.

The creative squad behind “Korteweg”, Aruba’s monthly cultural festival, was charged with creating a temporary pop-up bar made out of recycled wooden pallets to install at Renaissance Island’s Flamingo Beach. Local artist Romelinda ‘Kala’ Maldonado was contacted to design and paint this bar. Kala is a young local craftswoman with a passion for painting, photography and local handmade souvenirs. Renaissance Island now has an authentic Aruba-inspired beach bar made by our own Aruban artist.

Your reviews count! Aruba’s Palm Beach and Eagle Beach received 6^th place in Trip Advisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards 2016. Eagle Beach was described as an idyllic beach with white sand and turquoise waters. Palm Beach was touted for its powdery sands and perfect swimming conditions. Special thanks to all our visitors for their feedback and comments that have made this recognition possible.

Xander Bogaerts is a 23-year-old Aruban professional baseball shortstop for the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball. But before his success and fame, Bogaerts was just a teenager in Aruba when Boston Red Sox Scout, Mike Lord, first saw him. The talent, the ease with which the 16-year-old shortstop moved around the field was eye-opening -- "You had to double-check yourself," Lord said -- but there was something else, something intangible that separated him from his peers.

Organizers confirmed the popular performer Enrique Iglesias has been added to the line-up. Enrique Iglesias is a best-selling Latin artist from Madrid, Spain with multiple hit-songs, awards and successful concert tours. He is widely regarded as the Latin King of Pop and most recently his record climbed to platinum status in nine countries.

Going beyond conventional horizons, to raise awareness of effects of climate change, Grace Ashruf is a local artist, whose passion and admiration for the exotic natural landscapes, has driven her to create art that delivers a stirring message. Ashruf hopes to spark emotion and love for the environment with her work, speaking through art as a medium. Her “Global Warming” series transcends national borders and language barriers.

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Tourism in the Caribbean is booming, but no destination has had as much growth as Aruba. The island experienced consistent growth in 2014 and 2015 with a stong percentage increase. With 1.22 million stay over visitors reported for 2015, Aruba's tourism performance continues to prosper.

Aruba was proud and humbled to receive several awards for it's marketing efforts in 2015, including an Adrian Award, Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) for Most Decorated Island in the Caribbean. "It's a true pleasure to see firsthand what our small island can accomplish" said Otmar Oduber, Aruba's Minister of Tourism, Transportation, Primary Sector and Culture.