Jorge Pesquera looks at 2006 with much optimism
“The year 2005 was a record year for sales and in the increased quality of the product called ‘Aruba’”
DIARIO Aruba
01/07/2006

ORANJESTAD (AAN): In a conversation with Mr. Jorge Pesquera, CEO of the Aruba Hotel and Tourism Association (AHATA), we asked him about his point of view of 2005 in the hotel branch and our tourism, as well as his perspective for the year 2006.

Mr. Pesquera stated that the year 2005, even taking into account everything that happened with Natalee Holloway, in his opinion was a record year in sales and in the increased quality of the Aruba product. “Without a doubt”, he said.

He continued to say that the first 6 months of 2005 had a never before seen occupancy rate in Aruba. He added that for the two semesters [s/b quarters?] of the year that has just passed, they still have to take a look at the results.

“It is my understanding that taking into account what happened, we’re going to have a record year in the productivity level, occupancy and partner revenues this year”.

The AHATA CEO underlined that now the uncertainty is tied to what will happen in 2006. He expressed that he is very optimistic that through initiatives such as “Meet Aruba” and having a spirit of collaboration with Aruba Tourism Authority (ATA), with the respective ministry and that through converstations that have taken place with the tourism committee in Parliament, that this year will become a very productive one and that the future will hold the same.