Now, more than ever, we must show the real face of Aruba
A.M. Digital
11/17/2005

Now that Aruba is going through difficult times when in the US several personalities, organizations and individuals are calling for a boycott against Aruba because of the Natalee Holloway case, more than ever we must show our visitors, from wherever they are, that we indeed are a hospitable, friendly and always ready to help and assist.

It is very normal that many, if not all, of us are feeling rage when we hear a number of people that do not know us; that have never been here; that do not know our legal system; or that are simply guided by speculative information; are trying to prevent tourists to continue visiting our island.

On the other hand Aruba is and will continue to be an excellent destination for hundreds of thousands of visitors from the USA, Europe and Latin America. These are the people that must continue to feel our warmth, and continue to feel that we are humble, simple, honest and friendly, and that we appreciate our visitors.

Aruba has been known for those qualities for many years, and not only as just another “beach destination”. Our people have built Aruba as a tourism destination; it is because of our people that Aruba has the highest repeat visitor percentage in the Caribbean [and perhaps in the world]; it is because of the language skills of our people that Aruba can transmit its uniquely positive qualities all over the globe. Let’s keep it like that. Our visitors will continue to come because they know Aruba and its people. Now it is up to us to show that we have not changed, and continue to show our face: our only face!

Those that continue to arrive are those that do not believe in boycott, they deserve to be treated as we have always treated our visitors. Let’s try to prevent to show the rage that others have caused in us and keep treating our loyal visitors in the way we have always treated them. Let’s show that Aruba was, is, and will continue to be the greatest and let’s share that greatness with those that continue to believe in us. That is how we can show those that do not see, or do nor wish to see, the real Aruba, that we are still the same, and that the disappearance of a young American girl is an exception and not the rule.

Aruba continues to be a safe country, not only for its citizens but also for our visitors with whom we are proud to share our island.

[English language original text]