Strong Tourism in 2024

ORANJESTAD – The Aruba Tourism Authority (ATA) developed its fourth business plan in 2024 after becoming a sui generis organization in 2011. It acknowledges that in recent years, many actions have been taken under various administrations. Still, it realizes that sharper and larger changes are necessary to implement necessary and urgent actions. These changes are essential to guide Aruba’s tourism development in a responsible and sustainable direction. 

ATA recognizes that some steps must be taken to address issues that have not been properly addressed over the years.

An “Aruba, wonderful to live in and visit” is a collective responsibility of the public and private sectors, as well as the entire community!

Strong Demand for Aruba in 2024

2024 included multiple actions aimed at sustainable tourism development. Additionally, there was continuously strong demand for Aruba, which resulted in record-breaking revenue growth from tourism. Despite concerns from the community regarding the pressure that high visitor volumes place on Aruba, it is essential to acknowledge that this demand is not automatic—it is the result of great efforts from ATA, the public sector, and the private sector. This demand and development are vital for all of us!
Given how delicate the tourist sector is, we must safeguard and foster it rather than take it for granted because circumstances can change. That's what we learned from COVID-19. We must always consider our community and guests' sentiments while taking necessary action. We need to safeguard and maintain our tourism industry! All of us are concerned about this! 

Year-to-Date 2024

As of December 2024, Aruba received 1,421,616 stayover tourists, a 12.8% growth compared to December 2023, when it recorded 1,260,402 stayover tourists. 

Regarding key markets:

  • 79.7% of visitors came from North America;
  • 4.9% from Europe;
  • 12.8% from Latin America;
  • 2.6% from other parts of the world.

Tourism Industry Updates and Statistics:

STAYOVER TOURISM VOLUME DECREASED BY 0.8% IN DECEMBER 2024 COMPARED TO DECEMBER 2023.

The expectation is that airlines will continue expanding their capacity to meet demand. Compared to December 2023, when 129,303 stayover tourists visited Aruba, the number of visitors in December 2024 decreased to 128,240. 

MARKETS AND ACCOMMODATION CATEGORIES

In December 2024, visitors were as follows:

78.4% from North America;

5.6% from Europe;

13.1% from Latin America;

2.8% from other parts of the world.

Regarding accommodation categories in December 2024:

  • -2.8% stayed in European Plan hotels;
  • -6.5% stayed in all-inclusive hotels;
  • -6.3% stayed in timeshare resorts;
  • +7% stayed in other accommodations, including Short-Term Vacation Rentals (STVR).

SHORT-TERM VACATION RENTALS (STVR)

ATA has access to a platform monitoring the number of homes, apartments, and villas used as vacation rentals and their average price per night, occupancy rate, and estimated revenue generation.

In December 2024, the average occupancy rate for these accommodations increased by 0.8%:

  • December 2023: 58.9%;
  • December 2024: 59.7%.
Short-term vacation rentals (stvr)

In the case of arrivals, if we compare December 2023 with December 2024, we can see that the category has a decrease in arrivals.

For more information, consult the Statistical Monthly Report.