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ECO·DOSSIER

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.

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  1. COR·2007·01211 July 2007
    Benefits 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

  2. COR·2007·01311 July 2007
    Types 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

  3. 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

  4. ECO·2009·03514 december 2009
    Public 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

  5. ECO·2010·0439 maart 2010
    Aruba & 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

  6. ECO·2010·0499 maart 2010
    Aruba & 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

  7. KGD·2010·0519 maart 2010
    Aruba & 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

  8. KGD·2010·05614 April 2010
    Introduction 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,

  9. ECO·2012·07413 March 2012
    New 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

  10. ECO·2012·07528 March 2012
    IATA 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

  11. COR·2012·08323 August 2012
    10 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

  12. ECO·2013·0949 May 2013
    Utilities 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

  13. ECO·2013·0966 juni 2013
    Colombia 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

  14. ECO·2014·11510 December 2014
    Aruba 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

  15. ECO·2014·11717 de diciembre de 2014
    Aruba 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

  16. AVI·2015·1254 June 2015
    Aruba 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

  17. ECO·2017·13527 June 2017
    Interesting 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

  18. ECO·2023·13713 March 2023
    Aruba'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

  19. ECO·2023·13820 March 2023
  20. ECO·2023·13924 March 2023
    Aruba'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

  21. ECO·2023·1405 June 2023
    Got 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

  22. ENV·2023·14117 June 2023
    Part 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

  23. ENV·2023·14217 June 2023
    Part 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

  24. GOV·2023·1452 July 2023
    Embracing 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

  25. ECO·2023·1468 July 2023
    Exploring 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

  26. ECO·2023·14717 July 2023
    BRICS and its Implications on Aruba's Economy and Currency Dynamics

    !🌍 My latest article addresses the implications of BRICS for Aruba's economy and currency

  27. ECO·2023·14824 July 2023
    Embassy 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

  28. ECO·2023·1513 September 2023
    Embassy 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

  29. 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

  30. ECO·2023·15621 September 2023
    Home 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

  31. ECO·2023·16316 October 2023
    6.9% 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

  32. ECO·2023·16416 October 2023
    Part 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

  33. ECO·2023·16518 October 2023
    Part 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

  34. 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

  35. ECO·2023·16724 October 2023
    Paradise 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

  36. ECO·2023·16929 October 2023
    10% 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.

  37. COR·2023·170October 30, 2023
    Dies 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

  38. SOC·2023·1715 November 2023
    Bourbon 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,

  39. ECO·2023·17415 November 2023
    Embassy 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

  40. ECO·2023·17519 November 2023
    Embassy 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

  41. ECO·2023·17626 November 2023
    Aruba'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

  42. ECO·2024·183January 3, 2024
    Tur 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

  43. ECO·2024·1857 January 2024
    Stinky, 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,

  44. ECO·2024·1869 January 2024
    Not 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

  45. ECO·2024·18915 January 2024
    Unpacking 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

  46. ECO·2024·19029 January 2024
    Pooping 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

  47. ECO·2024·19319 February 2024
    Ride-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

  48. ECO·2024·19818 March 2024
    Real 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

  49. GOV·2024·2046 May 2024
    A 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.

  50. ECO·2024·20620 May 2024
    CUA 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

  51. GOV·2024·20727 May 2024
    Aruba'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

  52. ECO·2024·20829 May 2024
    Questions 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

  53. ECO·2024·21211 July 2024
    Advocating 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

  54. ECO·2024·21428 juli 2024
    Venezuela’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

  55. ECO·2024·21530 July 2024
    Venezuela’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

  56. ENV·2024·2165 August 2024
    Embassy 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

  57. ECO·2024·21711 August 2024
    TAXI 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

  58. ECO·2024·21819 August 2024
    Taxi Industry Reforms in Aruba

    In last week’s column we delved into the chaotic taxi protests that rocked Aruba. In respo

  59. ECO·2024·2202 September 2024
    Aruba 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

  60. COR·2024·22422 September 2024
    Aruba’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

  61. ECO·2024·22526 September 2024
    Persistence in (Tax) Litigation Pays Off

    Congratulations are in order for Bucuti Beach Hotel Grant Thornton and the Aruba Hotel and Tourism As

  62. ECO·2024·2266 October 2024
    AFTA’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

  63. ECO·2024·2276 October 2024
    Miami 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

  64. ECO·2024·23014 oktober 2024
    Solar 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

  65. ECO·2024·23825 November 2024
    Rain, 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

  66. ECO·2024·23926 november 2024
    Regen, 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

  67. ECO·2024·24130 November 2024
    A 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

  68. ECO·2024·2439 December 2024
    Aruba 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

  69. GOV·2025·24720 January 2025
    Reshaping 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

  70. ECO·2025·24827 January 2025
    Cards 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

  71. ECO·2025·24910 February 2025
    Aruba’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”

  72. ECO·2025·25024 February 2025
    Aruba’s Economy: A Ticking Time Bomb

    The latest financial update from the Ar

  73. ECO·2025·25210 March 2025
    Aruba’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

  74. ECO·2025·25317 March 2025
    Overtourism 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

  75. ECO·2025·25525 March 2025
    pODCAST: 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

  76. ECO·2025·26228 April 2025
    Sign 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

  77. ECO·2025·27515 July 2025
    Why 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

  78. ECO·2025·2773 August 2025
    Cyber 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

  79. ECO·2025·27812 augustus 2025
    ABC 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

  80. ECO·2025·28512 October 2025
    An Important Lesson for Aruba’s Real Estate Market

    In my book Paradise Found: A Guide to Buying Real Estate in Aruba I stress repeated

  81. JUS·2025·28619 October 2025
    Fault 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

  82. ECO·2025·28726 October 2025
    A 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

  83. SOC·2025·29021 December 2025
    To 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

  84. ECO·2026·2934 January 2026
    Venezuela, 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

  85. COR·2026·29412 January 2026
    From 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

  86. ECO·2026·30422 March 2026
    When 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

  87. ECO·2026·3076 de abril de 2026
    I 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

  88. ECO·2026·30919 April 2026
    Proportionality, 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

  89. ECO·2026·3113 May 2026
    The 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

  90. ECO·2026·31210 May 2026
    Gibraltar’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

  91. ECO·2026·31424 May 2026
    The Book I Could Not Put Down

    The Conch Paradox: Rethinking Resilience. Earlier this week, I attended a book signing by Rendell de Kort

  92. ECO·2026·3157 June 2026
    Protect 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