Economy and tourism
Aruba's economy is one industry deep. Tourism pays for the state, and the arguments about how much of it, at what cost, and to whose benefit run underneath almost everything else here.
- COR·2007·01211 July 2007Benefits of doing business in the Free Zone of Aruba www.fzanv.com
Companies that operate in the export business of goods and services can enhance their competitive edge by choosing the free zone status in Aruba. A free zo
- COR·2007·01311 July 2007Types of business activities in the Free Zone of Aruba
Several types of businesses activities are allowed in the free zone, such as: - Trade in final products import, storage and export; - Repackaging, labeling
- ECO·2009·03324 August 2009"Touristing" in Aruba
On August 1st, 2009 a new national decree on admission “Toelatingsbesluit 2009” or “TB” has become effective which further regulates the admission of non-n
- ECO·2009·03514 december 2009Public Private Partnership’s a solution for Aruba and the Netherlands Antilles?
The public-private partnership model has emerged as the favored prototype of project execution in today’s world, especially in areas related to infrastruct
- ECO·2010·0439 maart 2010Aruba & Iceland agreement to promote economic relations
Agreement to promote economic relations between the Kingdom of the Netherlands, in respect of Aruba, and the Government of Iceland.The date of entry into e
- ECO·2010·0499 maart 2010Aruba & Finland agreement to promote economic relations
Agreement to promote economic relations between the Kingdom of the Netherlands, in respect of Aruba, and the Republic of Finland, concluded on Septemeber 1
- KGD·2010·0519 maart 2010Aruba & Norway agreement to promote economic relations
Agreement to promote economic relations between the Kingdom of the Netherlands, in respect of Aruba, and the Kingdom of Norway.The date of entry into effec
- KGD·2010·05614 April 2010Introduction of US dollar on Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba as from 1 January 2011
Information for enterprises, retail businesses and institutions In view of 10 October 2010, the date on which the Netherlands Antilles will cease to exist,
- ECO·2012·07413 March 2012New private equity fund formed in Aruba: The Aruba Growth Fund
In the beginning of 2011, Milton Berlinski, Rene Kan and Justus Martens decided to set up a one-hundred million florin local investment fund, so that they
- ECO·2012·07528 March 2012IATA and ALTA United in Pursuit of Solutions to Latin America´s Pressing Infrastructure Needs
The Latin American and Caribbean Air Transport Association ALTA and the International Air Transport Association IATA reiterated their commitment to working
- COR·2012·08323 August 201210 plus 1 questions about condominium rights in Aruba
1. Is purchasing a condo in Aruba just like in the U.S.A.?No, Aruba has specific legislation for the establishment of condominium rights. This legislation
- ECO·2013·0949 May 2013Utilities Aruba N.V. is an important partner in the establishment of regional centers of excellence
Europe Meets the Americas offered the platform and excellent opportunities for Aruba to sign different agreements with international partners, for which Ut
- ECO·2013·0966 juni 2013Colombia on the move with various international agreements
The Colombian government has been very active in negotiating agreements that enhance its economic expansion, improving incentives to attract foreign invest
- ECO·2014·11510 December 2014Aruba introduces Automated Passport Control Kiosks: this enhances travel to the U.S.A.
On December 8, 2014 the Aruba airport introduced a new automated passport system. With the new passport control kiosk Aruba leads the Caribbean into automa
- ECO·2014·11717 de diciembre de 2014Aruba recibe el pasajero “1,000,000”
Hoy Aruba recibió su pasajero numero 1,000,000 que visita la isla en plan vacacional. El millón turista se determina a base de los turistas que permanecen
- AVI·2015·1254 June 2015Aruba Airport launches biometrics as a key identifier project
Aruba launched the “Aruba Happy Flow Project” at the Queen Beatrix International Airport. Aruba’s government reports that Aruba is the first airport in the
- ECO·2017·13527 June 2017Interesting article on aircraft importation in the EU
As some will know, European Union EU aircraft importations have been the basis of an ongoing discussion at EU level for a long time now. After the changes
- ECO·2023·13713 March 2023Aruba's Housing Crisis: Why Foreign Investors and Vacation Rentals are Driving Prices Up for Locals
Aruba's Housing Crisis: Why Foreign Investors and Vacation Rentals are Driving Prices Up for Locals We all know that Aruba is a beautiful island nation wit
- ECO·2023·13820 March 2023Aruba's Housing Crisis II: Airbnb-type Owners & Abuse of Policies and Subsidized Rates
In my previous column, I dis
- ECO·2023·13924 March 2023Aruba's Housing Crisis III: Ensuring locals are not left behind
Aruba's Housing Crisis III: Ensuring locals are not left behind I have previously written two columns on Aruba's housing crisis. “Aruba's Housing Crisis: W
- ECO·2023·1405 June 2023Got Balls? Take Charge Men’s Health Matters.
Introduction: This week let’s discuss something hidden in plain view for too long. It's about time we shed some light on an issue that has had men uncomfor
- ENV·2023·14117 June 2023Part I “One Stinky Island”: The Battle of the Stench
“One Stinky Island”: The Battle of the Stench This week’s column stinks!! TripAdvisor ranked Eagle Beach as the top beach in the world earlier this year. E
- ENV·2023·14217 June 2023Part II "One Stinky Island": Free sewage or a business case?
Introduction: Last week, I wrote a Stinky Column. This one ay stink as well. The column discussed a rather significant sewage disposal problem that we are
- GOV·2023·1452 July 2023Embracing the Power of AI: Shaping Aruba's Future with Innovation and Reducing Governmental Expense
Introduction: Today we have a force that is a game changer. A force that influences the present and the future in ways that we had only imagined in the pas
- ECO·2023·1468 July 2023Exploring the Advantages and Disadvantages of Owning a House vs a Condo in Aruba
Introduction Greetings, esteemed readers! I'm back with another insightful article, YourFavoriteLawyer, and YourFavoriteColumnist. This week, I'd like to s
- ECO·2023·14717 July 2023BRICS and its Implications on Aruba's Economy and Currency Dynamics
!🌍 My latest article addresses the implications of BRICS for Aruba's economy and currency
- ECO·2023·14824 July 2023Embassy Suites Building Beyond Boundaries: Unearthing the environmental dilemma in paradise
Now and then, a court verdict comes along that screams to be discussed in my weekly LEGAL column. Last week, the case was with the Embassy Suites Hotel in
- ECO·2023·1513 September 2023Embassy Suites Beach Plans Raise Concerns About Ongoing Impact on Aruba's Environment
As the Embassy Suites' legal battle continues over their beachfront development in Aruba, other concerns are surfacing regarding the potential long-term im
- ECO·2023·15514 September 2023📢 TaxUpdate on Trade Goods Definition for Aruba
Change A regulatory update has been issued by the Ministry of Finance that expands and clarifies the definition of trade goods for Aruba. The regulation mu
- ECO·2023·15621 September 2023Home inspection and aspects under Aruba law
A home inspection company provides professional services to evaluate the condition and integrity of residential properties. Their primary purpose is to pro
- ECO·2023·16316 October 20236.9% Loan for Aruba, excessive? Aruba's Interest Rates: A Historical Perspective
This week, the news that caught my eye was the equivalent of half a billion U.S. dollars that Aruba will have to pay the Dutch government back throughout t
- ECO·2023·16416 October 2023Part 1: Are we better off without cruise ships?
Why Aruba should consider shifting its focus towards stay-over tourism and reducing its reliance on cruise ships Introduction Aruba, the beautiful Caribbea
- ECO·2023·16518 October 2023Part 2: Why Aruba Should Consider Reducing Its Reliance on Cruise Ships. Reliance and not dependence.
Introduction Part 1 of this series discussed the negative impacts of cruise ships on Aruba's environment, local communities, and economy. As the island con
- ECO·2023·16619 October 2023🌱 Exploring Sustainability: A Compilation of Insights 🌍
Recent discussions and actions - including some ludicrous and flagrant ones - bring us again to the debate on sustainability. Ludicrous steps aren't worth
- ECO·2023·16724 October 2023Paradise Found: A Guide to Buying Real Estate in Aruba Paperback – April 20, 2023
Your Essential Guide to Aruban Real Estate 🏡 "Paradise Found: A Guide to Buying Real Estate in Aruba" is the ultimate resource tailor-made for property buy
- ECO·2023·16929 October 202310% PLUS: Interest for Aruba is Rising but not in a Good Way
Arubans are proud people, and whenever interest rises for Aruba we show our feathers with pride, but not every rise of interest is good. I will elaborate.
- COR·2023·170October 30, 2023Dies porciento (10%): Interes pa Aruba ta subiendo, pero cos ta pinta scur
Recientemente, pais Aruba a pasa un ley pa cambia e manera cu lo cobra interes riba 4 prestramo cu ta yega un suma di casi U$ 550 miyon. Antes nos tabata u
- SOC·2023·1715 November 2023Bourbon Law 101: The Willett Distillery, a Bridge between Bardstown and Aruba.
I'm taking a brief departure from our usual discussions. This week, it won’t be about Aruba's foreign debt, exorbitant interest rates, the housing crisis,
- ECO·2023·17415 November 2023Embassy Suites loses another case in court: A Beachless Hotel...
The case in question involves the Aruba Birdlife Conservation Foundation ABC, the Minister of Infrastructure and Spatial Planning ”Prime-Minister”, and a t
- ECO·2023·17519 November 2023Embassy Suites: A Case of Poor Governance or Poor Management?
In a court ruling dated November 14th, 2023, between the Aruba Birdlife Conservation Foundation and the Prime Minister/Minister of Infrastructure & Spatial
- ECO·2023·17626 November 2023Aruba's Sewage Crisis: The (Dutch) Way Forward
Introduction Yes, yes, yes….. Aruba is known for its pristine beaches, fancy hotels, friendly people, and the rest of the catchy buzzwords and one-liners t
- ECO·2024·183January 3, 2024Tur palapa te mescos? Mi’n sa….
Na beach tin dos tipo di palapa segun mi. Uno ta esna cu e hotelnan ta paga precario na gobierno pa asina por uza tereno di gobierno o sea probiedad public
- ECO·2024·1857 January 2024Stinky, stinky, and now costly sewage
Thank you!! Happy New Year to you and yours. First, thank you for your readership and patronage for the past two years. I appreciate every “like” you give,
- ECO·2024·1869 January 2024Not all palapas or beach chairs are created equally?
Lately there has been a lot of chatter regarding the legal status of palapa’s, beach chairs and the use of our public beaches. Not all, if not most of what
- ECO·2024·18915 January 2024Unpacking Aruba's New Antitrust Law & my latest ebook, “Arubaans Mededingingsrecht”
Introduction Effective January 1st, 2024, Aruba witnessed a significant milestone in its legal history with the implementation of its new antitrust law. Th
- ECO·2024·19029 January 2024Pooping Soon Will Cost a Few Dollars: Pay to “Go"
In “Dushi” Aruba, our beloved island, we grapple with a not-so-fragrant issue: sewage treatment. For decades, our government has failed to give this matter
- ECO·2024·19319 February 2024Ride-sharing services in Aruba?
Introduction Traditional taxi services have long played a part in providing tourists with transportation. For residents, however, using tax services is not
- ECO·2024·19818 March 2024Real estate: Six percent commission canceled?!
Purchasing a home is often the most significant financial decision for many. If you get a mortgage, your relationship with your bank will likely last a lif
- GOV·2024·2046 May 2024A 100 Million giveaway: good politics, bad governance
During the week, I usually keep my “column senses” open to absorb information that can inspire my next column. Sometimes, it is one incident or occurrence.
- ECO·2024·20620 May 2024CUA is asking: How fair is the Aruba Fair Trade Authority?
Last Friday was World Telecom Day, and the state-owned and controlled telecommunications company, SETAR, spent good money in the media showcasing its bundl
- GOV·2024·20727 May 2024Aruba's Fiscal Challenges Continue: A Dutch Helping Hand Amidst Rising Concerns & Interest
As Aruba navigates the complexities of the global financial landscape, recent developments have brought to light both the strengths and vulnerabilities wit
- ECO·2024·20829 May 2024Questions to the Chamber of Commerce Regarding: Online Access Fees for the Trade Registry & Past Charges
According to article 19 of the Handelsregisterbesluit AB 1989 no. GT 87 and its subsequent amendments “Decree”, the specific fees mentioned pertain to the
- ECO·2024·21211 July 2024Advocating for Inclusivity: Aruba's Labor Laws in English and Spanish
Recently, I've found myself immersed in a flurry of enriching activities that have left little room for idle moments. Despite the bustling schedule, my com
- ECO·2024·21428 juli 2024Venezuela’s July 28th, 2024 Election: Ramifications for Aruba?
A look down to the South of Us As I write my next column, Venezuela’s voting stations are open. Today, Venezuela will decide
- ECO·2024·21530 July 2024Venezuela’s Election Aftermath: Uncertainty and Implications for Aruba
By Lincoln D Gomez July 30th, 2024 Explore the impact of the 2024 Venezuela election on Aruba's economy, migration, and diplomatic relations. Discover the
- ENV·2024·2165 August 2024Embassy Suites’ Appellate Court Decision: A Phyrric Victory
By: Dr. Lincoln D. Gomez In the recent appellate court decision on Embassy Suites, there was a notable disparity between the
- ECO·2024·21711 August 2024TAXI PROTESTS IN ARUBA: TAXI’S GONE WILD:
A Brewing Storm In February I, Lincoln Gomez published a column with the title Ride-Sharing Services In Aruba
- ECO·2024·21819 August 2024Taxi Industry Reforms in Aruba
In last week’s column we delved into the chaotic taxi protests that rocked Aruba. In respo
- ECO·2024·2202 September 2024Aruba Taxi Reform: Essential Fixes and the 2024 Ministerial Decree
In my previous articles, I explored the ongoing turmoil within Aruba’s taxi industry, from the disruptive protests that erupted in response to the Minister
- COR·2024·22422 September 2024Aruba’s Consumer Rights: Retailers and Banks Accountability
Consumer rights in Aruba have long been ignored. Despite clear legal protections, the public’s awareness remains low, giving retailers room to sidestep the
- ECO·2024·22526 September 2024Persistence in (Tax) Litigation Pays Off
Congratulations are in order for Bucuti Beach Hotel Grant Thornton and the Aruba Hotel and Tourism As
- ECO·2024·2266 October 2024AFTA’s Performance in 2024: Is it Meeting Expectations?
The Aruba Fair Trade Authority AFTA has completed three-quarters of its operation, but its effectiveness and priorities deserve scrutiny
- ECO·2024·2276 October 2024Miami Port Strikes: What It Means for Aruba and the Wider Caribbean Economy
The recent strikes at major U.S. ports, including the Port of Miami and other East Coast and Gulf Coast hubs, are ringing alarm bells for Caribbean economi
- ECO·2024·23014 oktober 2024Solar Energy in Aruba: Missing the Green Wave
Over a decade ago, Aruba moved toward renewable energy by allowing homes and businesses to install solar panels and connect them to the national grid. Elma
- ECO·2024·23825 November 2024Rain, Floods, and Political Kool-Aid: A Storm of Mismanagement
Last week, our “One Happy Island” was anything but sunny. Torrential rain wreaked havoc across Aruba, turning streets into rivers, flooding homes and busin
- ECO·2024·23926 november 2024Regen, Overstromingen en Politieke Kool-Aid: Een Storm van Wanbeheer
Vorige week was ons “One Happy Island” allesbehalve zonnig. Zware regenval zorgde voor chaos op Aruba: straten veranderden in rivieren, huizen en bedrijven
- ECO·2024·24130 November 2024A Wake-Up Call for Aruba’s Telecom Market: Time for Fair Competition
The Aruba Fair Trade Authority AFTA has issued a preliminary assessment that could reshape the island’s telecom landscape. This came af
- ECO·2024·2439 December 2024Aruba Elections 2024: What Foreign Investors Need to Know
The 2024 parliamentary elections in Aruba provide valuable insights into the island’s political stability and governance. Understanding Aruba’s electoral s
- GOV·2025·24720 January 2025Reshaping Aruba’s Government: A Leaner, More Accountable Future
Aruba’s financial situation demands leadership, bold decisions, and a commitment to reform. The time for half-measures is over. With mounting debt and a bl
- ECO·2025·24827 January 2025Cards and Cents: The Challenges of Debit Card Fees in Aruba
The recent shift in how debit card transactions are processed in Aruba has sparked concern among local businesses, particularly those represented by Comerc
- ECO·2025·24910 February 2025Aruba’s Taxi Reform: Learning from Curaçao and Ending Artificial Market Caps
In my recent column, “Aruba Taxi Reform: Essential Fixes and the 2024 Ministerial Decree”
- ECO·2025·25024 February 2025Aruba’s Economy: A Ticking Time Bomb
The latest financial update from the Ar
- ECO·2025·25210 March 2025Aruba’s Economic Outlook: Navigating Growth Amid Rising Debt and Trade Challenges
Aruba's economy continues to grow, but emerging challenges such as increasing debt costs, global trade tensions, and inefficient government spending pose s
- ECO·2025·25317 March 2025Overtourism vs. Overtouristification: Where Does Aruba, Curacao, and Bonaire Stand?
Tourism has long been the lifeblood of Aruba’s economy, bringing prosperity, job opportunities, and international recognition. However, as the industry con
- ECO·2025·25525 March 2025pODCAST: Overtourism vs. Overtouristification: Where Do Aruba, Curacao & Bonaire Stand?
In this episode of The Lincoln Gomez Podcast, we dive into the evolving impact of tourism on small island nations — particularly Aruba, Curaçao, and Bonair
- ECO·2025·26228 April 2025Sign the Deal or Pay the Price: Aruba’s Last Chance to Save Its Economy
Rising debt costs, a shrinking surplus, and missed opportunities have left Aruba with one option: act now or face a deeper crisis. Aruba’s Financial Time B
- ECO·2025·27515 July 2025Why Aruba Needs Sovereign AI - Now
We talk a lot about Aruba’s digital future, but we don’t do enough. Every now and then we drop words like innovation, smart infrastructure, open data, and
- ECO·2025·2773 August 2025Cyber Trouble in our Dutch Kingdom
I just landed at home sweet home. Quite a bit of airtime this past week and while all of that was going on, cyber security? Front and center this week acro
- ECO·2025·27812 augustus 2025ABC Routes: The Bridge We’ve Lost - and How to Build It Back
For decades, the connection between Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao was more than just a short hop. It was a lifeline, a steady flow of people, ideas, business
- ECO·2025·28512 October 2025An Important Lesson for Aruba’s Real Estate Market
In my book Paradise Found: A Guide to Buying Real Estate in Aruba I stress repeated
- JUS·2025·28619 October 2025Fault Lines, Part 2: What the Courts Keep Telling Realtors
The last column struck a chord. It was shared widely, picked up by media outlets, and sparked conversations in coffee shops and boardrooms. But what stood
- ECO·2025·28726 October 2025A New Kind of Hospitality
Every once in a while, a conversation sneaks up on you. You walk in expecting nothing, and you walk out thinking about it for the rest of the night. That’s
- SOC·2025·29021 December 2025To My Loyal Readers: Thank You for Another Incredible Year
This week’s column isn’t about law, public finances, or geopolitics. It’s not a policy critique or a legal explainer. It’s something more personal-and, I’d
- ECO·2026·2934 January 2026Venezuela, Trump, and the Logic of Intervention
Happy New Year, friends. As soon as we were done lighting our fireworks in Aruba - part of our annual tradition - POTUS lit his own, and they were of a ver
- COR·2026·29412 January 2026From Ruins to Radiance: Aruba’s 2026 Starts Right Here
A new year, a new chapter - and if we do this right, a new era for Aruba’s cities. We start the year not just with resolutions, but with resolve. Because t
- ECO·2026·30422 March 2026When External Shocks Hit Small Economies
Sometimes a single announcement tells a much bigger story about the vulnerability of small economies. The recent decision by King Ocean Services
- ECO·2026·3076 de abril de 2026I Told Him to Stop Building in Private. He Did.
Every serious builder reaches a moment when preparation ends, and proof begins. For Riangelo de Cuba and Fluxion that mo
- ECO·2026·30919 April 2026Proportionality, or the Lack of It
Last Friday afternoon, on my way home on Sasaki Boulevard, there was an accident. Traffic slowed down, people did what they were supposed to do, and the ro
- ECO·2026·3113 May 2026The Cyclical Nature of Airlines and Why Aruba Will Be Just Fine
Over the weekend, headlines confirmed that Spirit Airlines has ceased operations on several routes, including its servic
- ECO·2026·31210 May 2026Gibraltar’s Next Flight Path: "Zulu Delta"
Why This Small Territory Could Become a Big Aviation Story On May 15th, 2026, I will be attending the Gibraltar Aircraft Registry Industry
- ECO·2026·31424 May 2026The Book I Could Not Put Down
The Conch Paradox: Rethinking Resilience. Earlier this week, I attended a book signing by Rendell de Kort
- ECO·2026·3157 June 2026Protect Your Creativity, Own Your Future
Last week, I had the privilege of serving as the keynote speaker at Rotaract Aruba’s YOU Inc. Seminar 2026 in San Nicolas. This year’s seminar focused on t