The agreement signed focuses on infrastructural projects, such as the maintenance project of railings, stairs and other facilities at, among others, Conchi, Dos Playa, Boca Prins, Grot Fontein and Grot Quadirikiri in Arikok National Park, and will also place “boulders” at Malmok salinja to limit traffic.

As the entity responsible for the management and marketing of our island, A.T.A. will also assist in the correct promotion of authentic experiences in and around the areas that fall under FPNA. In particular, it will ensure alignment in communication efforts, focus on a code of conduct informing visitors of, among other things, rules and regulations, and provide more information and education about our parks and our nature. A.T.A. will therefore continue to work closely with FPNA to manage visitors in a way that minimizes damage to nature and the environment while promoting sustainability. This is in line with what has been done in the past, where, among other things, investments have been made in Mangel Halto and “boulders” have been placed in Sasarawichi.

This strategic collaboration also means that A.T.A. will obtain more concrete information and data on visitors through a new project that will be launched next month, the eco-counter, which will measure the flow of visitors to Aruba’s natural areas and enable adaptation of management in the future.

Through the installation of Eco-Counters at different locations with high visitor traffic, A.T.A. will be able to provide data that will help with better planning. The Eco-counter offers a solution that counts and analyzes pedestrians through a scan that guarantees the privacy of visitors. The areas that will see the installation of the Eco-counter include Conchi, Grot Fontein and Spaans Lagoen, to start with, which fall under the management of FPNA.

“We are extremely excited to continue our collaboration with FPNA in our mutual mission to preserve and protect our natural treasures and our environment. This is an important step for our community and Aruba’s tourism as a whole. This collaboration agreement covers a total of half a million florins that is invested to support and strengthen the common cause and is a sign of commitment between A.T.A. and FPNA, a commitment that is anchored in A.T.A. & FPNA’s multi-annual management plan,” said A.T.A. CEO Ronella Croes on the occasion.

“Fundacion Parke Nacional Aruba as an independent nature conservation management organization in terrestrial and marine areas in Aruba is extremely pleased to sign a collaboration agreement with A.T.A.,” comments Tyson Lopez, Chief Executive Officer, FPNA. The collaboration will reinforce FPNA’s direction as set out in our Multi Annual Corporate Strategy 2023 – 2032 to work towards reaching and attracting a type of tourism that is more aware of their impact on nature by informing, educating and offering sustainable experiences that create transformation in our visitors who have a sustained appreciation and sense of responsibility for nature.

About Aruba Tourism Authority (A.T.A.)

Since January 1, 2011, Aruba Tourism Authority has been operating as a ‘Sui Generis’ entity. An independent organization in the public sphere. Aruba Tourism Authority acts as a ‘Destination Marketing and Management Organization (DMMO)’ and is responsible for uniting tourism interests between local and international partners. A.T.A. puts a lot of emphasis on the “High Value-Low Impact” model, which stands for a balance between increasing the economic value of the visitor,