In a festive gathering at La Cabana Beach Resort & Casino, the Aruba Timeshare Association launched a new booklet titled “The Vacation Ownership and Timeshare Industry on Aruba,” in the presence of Ursell Arends, Vice Prime Minister and Minister for Integrity, Nature, Transport and Elderly Care; Dangui Oduber, Minister of Tourism & Health; Ronella Croes, CEO of Aruba Tourism Authority; Tisa LaSorte, President & CEO of AHATA, in addition to ATSA Members, University of Aruba staffers, media and invited guests.
Luigi Heredia, President of Aruba Timeshare Association, enjoyed the distinct honor of presenting the booklet to the gathering.
Timeshare, he said, which is also referred to as Vacation Ownership, has been one of the fastest growing segments of the travel industry, and has grown significantly over the past few decades. It is an industry that is constantly evolving, he stated.
Looking at the impact of the global corona virus pandemic, Heredia was proud to say that the ATSA properties on Aruba have once again shown their resilience and continued to be the backbone of the island’s economy.
ATSA is grateful, he reiterated, to its Vacation Owners as they were the last ones to leave the Island and the first ones to return. ATSA also had two properties that never closed and remained opened with guests during the lockdown. Overall, Aruba is looking at a faster recovery & higher occupancy levels, than all other hospitality sectors.
According to the President and CEO of ARDA, American Resort Development Association, in the Fall of 2021, “The Timeshare story always has revolved around themes like taking vacations, and spending a relaxing time with family members in preservation of physical and mental health. While others have tried versions of this story, the timeshare industry was there first, and it continues to improve on the narrative.”
Aruba, continued Heredia, has something special and unique, the wonderful people of the island, who make the vacation experience here more memorable, and that is why members count days, until their return to their Home away from Home. Aruba is also the envy of Caribbean competitors, as owners have shown a long-term commitment to the island.
The industry has demonstrated focus, adaptability, and the willingness to partner to benefit guests’ experiences and thus is was successful in navigating trying times, Heredia concluded.
In launching “The Vacation Ownership and Timeshare Industry on Aruba,” ATSA rebranded itself as a Vacation Ownership organization in order to capture opportunities that come up from business alliances and product extensions. The booklet provides the industry with a complete overview, and serves as an educational tool to familiarize the community and those who want to learn more about Vacation Ownership and Timeshare, here.
Given the importance of Vacation Ownership and its contribution to the overall hospitality and tourism industry on the island, it is imperative to understand both the properties and the owners.
The booklet reviews the Concept of Timeshare, with the unique opportunities to exchange; it explains What is Timeshare, and outlines Timeshare in The World, and Timeshare in the Caribbean Region, one of the most popular international destinations for that.
The booklet carries the complete overview of the industry, characteristics and key performance indicators, in addition to the History of Timeshare in Aruba, where we see 44 years ago in 1977, the first property open, the Aruba Beach Club, and the most recent the Marriott Aruba Surf Club, in 2004.
The booklet touches on the contribution to the Aruban Community and the economic impact, where the latest study shows that the Timeshare industry represents approximately 20% of the island’s GDP, and therefore critical to the island’s economy.
The booklet includes Information on Tourist Levy, referred to as Timeshare Tax and the Environmental Levy, that contributed to the Product Enhancement Fund on the island. The industry, Heredia states, does contribute its fair share.
More information about timeshare vs. hotel and Airbnb, and the advantages of timeshares over traditional hotels, are reviewed in the booklet, as owners have a vested interest in being back in Aruba where hotel or Airbnb customers may not have the same emotional ties with the island, and therefore may also opt to travel elsewhere.
The booklet also includes the Timeshare Study Survey Results by the University of Aruba, which was presented by Jo-Anne Croes, a UA lecturer, including Covid-19 and its impact on Aruba, results from a Timeshare Focus Group and the Timeshare Profile, by the Aruba Tourism Authority, plus the 2020 Impact on Aruba.
Last but not least the booklet profiles the association’s 15 member resorts, who are all committed to continue making Aruba one of the top popular destinations in the Caribbean. A big thank you to the University of Aruba for a job well done and to the ATSA members for pitching in for the printing.
Association members are: Amsterdam Manor; Aruba Beach Club Resort; Caribbean Palm Village Resort; Casa Del Mar Beach Resort; Costa Linda Beach Resort; Divi Dutch Village Beach Resort; Divi Aruba Phoenix Beach Resort; Divi Village Golf and Beach Resort; Eagle Aruba Resort & Casino; La Cabana Beach Resort and Casino; La Quinta Beach Resort; Marriott Aruba Ocean Club; Marriot Aruba Surf Club; Paradise Beach Villas; and Playa Linda Beach Resort.
