Aruba the Billion Dollar Island

As part of Aruba’s ongoing, $1 billion+ island revitalization and beautification project, the destination recently invested more than $100 million in significant hotel updates to enhance visitors’ experiences, with an additional $50 million planned for next year. The Aruba Airport Authority also fully renovated the Reina Beatrix International Airport, introducing new amenities and services true to the One happy island brand.

Major recent/upcoming property enhancements include:

Divi Resorts: Will have invested $36 million by end of 2016 – covering construction of 60 new luxury rooms at the Divi All-Inclusive and a 135-suite addition to the Divi Phoenix. Divi Dutch Village rooms will also receive a new look.
Renaissance Aruba Resort and Casino: Completed a $25 million renovation of the adults-only Marina and family-friendly Ocean Suites properties last year; an additional $3.5 million investment is slated this year.
Riu: Formerly a Westin property, Riu Palace Antillas opened Oct. 11, 2014, following a $20 million renovation.
Marriott Aruba Hotel: Will invest $20 million in further improvements to the resort in the next 18 months.
Holiday Inn Resort Aruba: Completed a $20 million renovation; an additional $2 million investment is slated for this year.
Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort and Casino: $12 million in upgrades across property slated for completion by end of 2016.
La Cabana Beach Resort and Casino: $6 million slated for store fronts and soft goods replacements over the next year.
Tropicana Aruba Resort and Casino: $5 million slated for completely renovating and reopening 74 of its rooms as well as upgrading various other areas of the property.
The Mill Resort and Suites: Invested $4 million in the last 24 months; further phased improvements slated for the pool deck and rooms with an average investment of $100,000 per room.
Bucuti & Tara Beach Resorts: Spent $3 million over the last 24 months upgrading the property; additional $3 million slated in 2016.
Talk of the Town Hotel and Beach Club: Completed nearly $3 million dollar renovation of pool, restaurant and guest rooms; additional $1.5 million slated this year for guest and meeting rooms.
Occidental Grand Aruba: $1 million+ slated this year on property improvements.
Manchebo Beach Resort and Spa: Invested $1 million in restaurant and fitness room upgrades.

In addition to the renovations and improvements made to the island’s hotels, the Aruba Airport Authority upgraded traveler amenities at the Reina Beatrix International Airport – including an airport wide Wi-Fi upgrade, installation of APC and ABC Kiosks, three new F&B concepts and an additional 150 seats, and an update to the airport arrival hall and VIP lounges.

Airport investments between $100-150 million are planned in the upcoming years, as traffic continues to reach new heights. In 2014, the airport accommodated a record 2,528,377 passengers.

“Aruba’s government, hotel partners, airport authority, businesses and friendly local people are equally committed to the continued enhancement of our One happy island,” said Otmar Oduber, Minister of Tourism, Transportation, Primary Sector and Culture. “Visitors receive five-star treatment from the moment they land in Aruba, and we encourage them to explore the signature attractions across our always-improving destination.”

For more information on the One happy island, visit www.aruba.com. Engage with Aruba via social media at www.facebook.com/ArubaFans or @Aruba on Twitter.

About Aruba
As one of the most revisited destinations in the Caribbean, Aruba — One happy island — is an island of contradictions, where pristine turquoise waters collide against the desert-like terrain of the north shore; where peace and relaxation coexist with wild and rugged adventures; where Dutch influence meets American ease and where a diverse history parallels a bright future. Nestled in the southern Caribbean outside the fringes of the hurricane belt, the island is just a two-and-a-half-hour flight from Miami, a four-hour flight from New York City and boasts year-round cooling trade winds with an average 82-degree temperature. Aruba offers beach-lovers, adrenaline junkies, relaxation-seekers and everyone in between a slice of paradise with breathtaking beaches, a booming culinary scene of over 200 restaurants with 25+ located ideally on the water, world-famous festivals and events, exciting land and water activities, art galleries and museums, sumptuous spas, championship golf, exclusive shopping and signature experiences such as cooling off in Conchi, Aruba’s natural pool— accessible only by foot or off-road vehicle. With all-inclusive options, boutique properties in charming Eagle Beach, high-rise branded resorts in Palm Beach and cosmopolitan city hotels in Oranjestad, the island of contradictions provides the perfect getaway for both first-time guests and loyal visitors.