| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 04/09/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 47 |
| Copyright: Other |
Aruba to benefit from increasing UK attention
A growing number of UK operators is featuring the Dutch Caribbean island of Aruba as an alternative destination for holidaymakers.Following the launch of a UK marketing campaign last year, Aruba is now offered by 11 tour operators including Hayes and Jarvis, Harlequin Worldwide and Kuoni.
Most recently long-haul specialist Sovereign introduced the island to its 2001 worldwide programme featuring five properties in its brochure.
Kuoni has also added the island to its 2001 programme.
Its Tropical Sun brochure offers seven nights’ room-only at the Holiday Inn for £669,between May 1 and June 16.
It also features the Tamarijn Beach Resort in the same brochure and in its Worldwide brochure, the Mill Resort, Bucuti Beach Resort, Aruba Marriott and Radisson Aruba.
Aruba Tourism Authority European director Rafael Estrada said: “This is an exciting time for Aruba as we begin to see the benefits of our UK marketing activity translate into more UK sales.
He said the increase in the number of operators has helped push UK arrivals to the destination up by 16% year on year.
Meanwhile, growing demand for Aruba has prompted KLM Royal Dutch Airlines to increase services for this winter.
It will run eight flights per week from October 30 – one more than last winter. Ultimately the island hopes to attract a direct UKflight.
At present, visitors must either fly via Amsterdam with KLM or via Miami with American Airlines to reach Aruba.
ATA is also seeking further operator coverage and hopes to host a fam trip later in the year.
Aruba: the island is benefiting from increased marketing activity in the UK