Tourism and business destination
The pillars of the Aruban economy are tourism, manufactured exports and offshore financial services. Tourism is the island’s principal industry, employer and foreign exchange earner.
Constant warm weather and some of the most beautiful beaches in the world attract over one million visitors a year, mainly from Europe, North and South America. Hotel capacity has expanded fivefold since 1985 and will continue to grow in the coming years to meet the market demands.
Aruba’s characteristics create a “total package” as a tourist and business destination: safety, location, living environment, business environment and infrastructure.
Safety
Aruba has a very low crime rate and the island breathes a general sense of security. This has been and is an important contributing factor to the steady growth in tourism. Safety is also of great importance to the business community in general and particularly for those using Aruba as a distribution hub.
The island lies outside the hurricane belt and therefore usually avoids the effects of tropical storms.
Location
Aruba is located just 15 miles (20 km) off the coast of Venezuela in the southwest Caribbean. It has a unique position as the most westerly of the OCTs (Overseas Countries and Territories, holding a special status within the European Union) in the Caribbean. An ideal place in the east-west, north-south trade corridors.
Business climate
Aruba offers a stable, business-friendly legal system and unique trade possibilities with the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the European Union.
The population of Aruba enjoys one of the highest levels of education and per capita income in the region, and the quality of life is high.
The fact that Aruba is tourism-oriented has many benefits for the business community: Service oriented – Friendly – Multi-lingual – 24/7 economy – Excellent international connections.
The banking system is sound and complies with the highest international standards, and US dollar accounts may be opened. There are incentives in place for certain types of investment and businesses.
Aruba prides itself on offering integrity, quality and reliability. These qualities have already made the island a #1 tourist destination.
Infrastructure
The port of Aruba has modern facilities. The cruise port will soon be enlarged and upgraded, after the commercial harbor moves to just east of the airport. This close location, together with the Free Zone, will create a unique hub for air/sea cargo. The port complies with international security regulations (ISPS), securing its position in the region.
The Reina Beatrix International Airport offers modern passenger and cargo facilities and there are (multi) direct daily flights to Europe, the US and Latin America. The airport proudly offers US Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) preclearance, which vastly facilitates traveling to the US. Currently, the airport is working on a preclearance system for the European Union as well. The first phase of this project will be realized very soon.