Aruba’s 2003 Sets Records As Arrivals Rise Above Pre-September 11 Levels

In Aruba 2003 drew to a close with a big bang as year-end visitor numbers exceeded expectations, set records and rose well above pre-September 11 levels!  Aruba is proud to announce the record-setting news of more U.S. arrivals than ever before.  According to the Aruba Tourism Authority (ATA), U.S. visitors to Aruba in 2003 were up a whopping 6.32% over the previous year, representing nearly 30,000 more travelers to the island where happiness lives.  The island truly outdid itself as the tropical paradise hosted nearly half-a-million guests (460,241) as Aruba devotees soaked up the sun and enjoyed famous Caribbean hospitality breaking the pre-September 11 record of 452,211 visitors in 2000!  In addition, Aruba’s 2004 is off to a fantastic start as January numbers are up a extraordinary 18.7% from this same month the previous year, translating into over 7,000 more visitors.  The impressive number of U.S. visitors represents an astounding 75.72% of the market share for the total worldwide visitors to the island this January.

November 2003 was Aruba’s best November ever, beating out the previous record set in November 1999, with a striking 6.49% increase over the previous year in visitor totals.  In addition, December 2003 also saw a significant increase in U.S. visitors with a 6.31% gain over 2002 numbers.  The month taking home the most noteworthy increase was October, which posted a double-digit spike of 16.05%.  Certain U.S. regions also played a significant role in the fantastic numbers, specifically the mid-Atlantic region which boasted a remarkable 12.45% spike and in the Western region, Aruba enjoyed a notable 9.49% increase in visitors from last year.

A wealth of factors has contributed to Aruba’s sustained growth of U.S. visitors including new and expanded airlift and additional seats, ATA’s integrated marketing efforts and numerous on-island events, festivals and activities.  The renowned Aruba International Pro-Am Golf Tournament, Aruba’s Carnival, the Soul Beach Music Festival and the Second Annual Aruba Music Festival featuring music legends Crosby, Stills and Nash and Chicago were impressive stimulants for arrivals.  Aruba’s unbeatable weather and friendly people are also noteworthy contributors to these record-breaking numbers.

“The Aruba team, made up of our many hotel and tourism partners, have been unwavering in their support and dedication to promote Aruba as THE Caribbean destination throughout 2003, making these unprecedented numbers a reality,” said Minister of Tourism and Transportation Edison Briesen.  “Surpassing pre-September 11 numbers is something that all in the travel industry have hoped for.  We attribute our consistent growth in 2003 to a number of elements including a quality product, our unmatched weather and the warmth of the Aruban people, who keep visitors coming back year after year.  We are very proud of Aruba’s record-setting growth in 2003 and we anticipate, with even more enthusiasm, that 2004 will prove just as exciting.”

Aruba is sure to have a strong showing in 2004 and those planning a trip to paradise will not be disappointed with the line-up of events scheduled.  Once again the Soul Beach Beach Music Festival (May 26-31) and the third annual Aruba Music Festival (October 9-10) will surely draw new and repeat visitors to the island.  The new year will also bring lucky travelers a bevy of fun to-do’s including the Aruba’s 50th Anniversary Carnival, boasting two months of non-stop parties and unbridled revelry, the well-known 17th annual Aruba Hi-Winds Amateur World Challenge (June 30 – July 5), the Symphony of the Americas (September) and the Aruba Catamaran Regatta (November 5 –13), to name just a few.  Other attractions are sure to keep visitors busy, such as the signature Aruba Aloe Factory, the Numismatic Museum and the Ostrich Farm, in addition to exciting cultural happenings like new art gallery programs at Aruba’s incredible Access Art Gallery featuring both local and international artists.  Also 2004 is the year Aruba goes prime time as the world-famous Wheel of Fortune game show hosts “Aruba Week” from March 1 through March 5.  Lucky viewers will be given the chance to win a fabulous Aruba vacations each night.

For more information on planning a trip to Aruba, contact the Aruba Tourism Authority or visit www.aruba.com

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March 3, 2004   Posted in: Caribbean