February 18, 2006

NEW REALITY SHOW--THE COMPLETE ARUBA MAKEOVER


I thought that Aruba were always complaining about not having enough money because they are so dependent on the Dutch? Wonder where this money is coming from? I can take ONE guess...and it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure it out.




Aruba Renews Emphasis on Tourism


By Michelle Higgins
New York Times


Aruba is getting a makeover. After suffering public-relations fallout from the Natalee Holloway disappearance in May 2005, the Caribbean island is now pumping more than $200 million into tourism projects.

Most of the investment is in major hotel renovations and openings, below
, including a new $20 million tower at the Divi Aruba Phoenix Beach Resort and the addition of 268 new rooms at the RIU Aruba Grand for $40 million.



The government is putting about $16 million into a new park with walking and bike paths, intended to beautify the 10-mile stretch of beach from the airport to the hotel zone. And about $34 million is going into expansions of the airport and the cruise ship terminal.





3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Would it matter much now? The New Yorkers are not coming there for Spring Break. The have the best and greatest show on earth in town for the summer -- The JVDS Reality Show -- "You just doesn't lie here in USA, Joran". Courtesy of ABC, CourtTV.

Anonymous said...

Isn't it interesting to hear that Aruba will be "pouring money" into such things as hotel renovation. My understanding is that hotels are the realm of the private sector. Or does Aruba have to hold out tax incentives to lure them to the "one happy island"?

We'll be waiting to see how their tourism fares during the President's Day week, which one printed source says is the make-or-break time for Aruba.

Anonymous said...

Drug money must be bringing in a fortune for the goverment