Our History
Aruba Convention Bureau
Aruba has more than 20 years of experience serving the meetings, incentives and conventions market for group business travel. The Aruba Incentive Committee was established in the early 1990s as a partnership between the Aruba Tourism Authority (ATA) and the Aruba Hotel and Tourism Association (AHATA). In 1993, ATA and the Incentive Committee organized a Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE) Global Conference on the island, hosting more than 800 participants for one of this industry’s most renowned events
By 1995, the demand for incentive group expertise had grown to such an extent that an Aruba Convention Bureau (ACB) was established as a professional and dedicated department of ATA, to cater to the special needs of this important market niche. From 2005-2010, ministerial changes temporarily shifted the responsibility for marketing and sales for meetings and incentives groups for the North American market to AHATA, while ACB focused on European and Latin American markets. ACB regained full management of all markets in 2010. ATA and the ACB notably organized a second SITE global conference in 2009, showcasing the island’s unique allure and potential for this growing market.
In 2011, ATA evolved from a government agency to an independent legal entity within the public sphere. Its revamped organizational structure, budget and processes let it be more flexible, proactive and effective. Around the same time, ACB’s staff was expanded to four, with two sales representatives based in, and dedicated to, the North American market.
We don’t mean to brag but… around the world, ATA and ACB receive accolades from incentive group organizers who say we’re among the best they’ve worked with. They tell us our partnerships with vendors on the island stand out, as does our honesty, attention to detail, and willingness to go the extra mile. So, what are you waiting for? Give us a try…