Courtesy of: Aruba Daily
PALM BEACH, April 10 2014 – The morning program of Aruba Meets Europe’s third day was dedicated to smaller accommodations on the island, such as apartments and studios. All AME participants had the opportunity to meet with owners and managers representing 15 of Aruba’s smaller guest facilities at a market place, set up in the ballroom of the Holiday Inn Resort.
Participants of the AME program appreciated the personal get-together with smaller accommodations on the island, as the demand for these types of facilities is growing in Europe. “I’ve attended five or six AME programs in the past and this is the first time a market place for apartments and studios is included”, comments Jasmina Meulens of KUONI in the Netherlands. “We have recently merged with Does Travel & Cadushi Tours which means that our customer base is much diversified. We now have to tailor to a variety of customers with demands ranging from 3 star apartments to 5 star luxury hotels. The larger hotels are already well known in the Netherlands – most customers even think Aruba only has high-rise hotels to offer. It is great to have the opportunity to get to know the smaller accommodations on the island during this market place since this type of lodging has an upcoming market in the Netherlands. We need to educate our customers better of Aruba offering apartments, studios and villas as well.”
Owners and management of apartments and studios in Aruba were pleased to be able to meet with the European Tour Operators during AME 2014. Deborah de Weerd and Henk Steenbergen are owners of Paradera Park since 1993. “We receive a healthy mix of guests from North America, Latin America and Europe. Our European customers mainly come from the Netherlands, Italy and the Nordic market. What I love about our European guests is their willingness to explore Aruba. They tend to stay longer and want to get to know the island, search for the local eateries and unique spots. This freedom of going out and about is a great match with our small property where they can unwind and relax afterwards”, adds Deborah.
The market place sessions concluded with a group lunch, followed by a fun Jeep Safari tour providing all participants to get to know the island better and explore its main sites. Local tour operators along with the Aruba Tourism Authority organized a Scavenger Hunt, taking groups divided over 5 Jeeps to a variety of locations and Aruban attractions. At each site fun facts and historical information was shared. Sites included Alto Vista Chapel, Ayo Rock Formations, Bushiribana Goldmine and the California Lighthouse.
The evening program included an elegant cocktail reception at Bucuti & Tara Beach Resorts and a casual dinner at the Casibari Café & Grill, amidst well-lit ancient boulders and rock formations.
