Aruba’s Expands US Departure Hall

Aruba’s airport has seen an increase in passenger traffic during the years, and the airport is responding by expanding the building with a new project called “Gateway 2030”.

Gateway 2030 is an expansion project of the airport, which includes adding new gates, removing various steps inside the check-in halls, new facilities, more restaurants and bars, and several new upgrades.

Construction works for project gateway 2030 have already started. 

According to the CEO of Aruba’s Airport, the current construction is at phase 1-A at the moment, which is expected to finish in 2024.


Related Article – All About Project Gateway 2030


Project Gateway 2030 is expected to cost $140 million dollars.

The expansion of Aruba’s Airport doesn’t only cater to visitors but also creates local job employment for over 300+ Arubans. 

If construction works continue as planned, the airport will have a completely new look as of 2024.

Phase 1-A of construction includes but is not limited to the expansion of the current US departure’s check-in hall to twice its current size.



The current baggage hall area will also be completely renovated with modern technology.

According to the Tourism Minister – “the new baggage hall will feature one of the best luggage conveyor belt” technology has to offer. 

Project gateway 2030 and its new airport innovations will also give travelers one of the best Airport experiences in the Caribbean.



New Closing Hours For Local Establishments

The pandemic introduced chaos into the world but countries are responding with different measures to regain normal life again, one of them is closing hours in the business sector. 

Aruba has kept the rate of infection low and managed to keep increasing the vaccination rate on the island. This was one of the factors why the Government announced the easing of closing hours for local establishments.

As of October 17, 2021, all businesses within the tourism catering industry are allowed to close at 1.00 am (before it was 12.00 am).

Casinos are allowed to offer the best chances of winning to their customers until 2:00 am. 

These new measures are valid until further notice by the Government of Aruba.


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The First Post Stamp 2021

Aruba’s postal service company released its first official post stamp for 2021.

The newest stamp of post-Aruba features a painting of one of the most photographed trees on the island also known as the Fofoti – located right on Eagle beach. 

Fofoti trees are native to the island and only grown in certain tropical regions around the world.


Fofoti Tree – The first Aruba post stamp 2021


Fofoti tree is a species from the Combretacaea family tree.

The tree is shaped this way because of the island’s constant wind that blows from the same direction – east to west – also known as the Aruban tradewinds.

Fofoti trees are not only found on Eagle beach, but also along hiking trails in the island national park, and areas like Rooi Prikichi, Rooi Canashito, and Rooi Sero Crystal.

It can grow anywhere inland of an island, as long as the roots are planted near seawater. 

Like many other trees on the island, these trees are natives and protected by law. 

If you’re an adventure seeker – you’ll find more beautiful fototi trees along the beach coastlines of Baby Beach, Malmok, Eagle, and Surfside.

This new post stamp is valued at 8.50 florins – $5 US dollars – and it’s available at the post office in Aruba, located in Oranjestad and San Nicolas.


Private Jeep Tours

If you want to explore Aruba and learn about the island’s native trees, history, and culture up close with locals, join one of the island’s tours by an experienced Aruban tour guide, better known as Madagascar Adventures. 

It’s a private tour by a PRIVATE ARUBAN TOUR GUIDE. 

One of the best deals on the island12 people max $125 per hour.


Madagascar Private Adventure


Book a Tour Now! – Madagascar Adventures Aruba


At least 10 Cruise Ships Expected in November 2021

Cruise tourism recently restarted in June 2021, and Aruba’s cruise calls have been steadily growing up to 31 cruise ships in November 2021. 

According to Tourism Minister, cruise ship calls to Aruba were expected to be around 18, but more than 31 cruise ships have called to dock on the island’s sun-kissed shores. 

October 2021 has 9 calls for cruise ships to stop over on the island on their way to their next island in the Caribbean. 

Aruba is one of the leading islands in the Caribbean leading the revamp of the cruise tourism industry.



Here’s a list of scheduled cruise ships to dock on the island:

  • Celebrity Cruise
  • Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines
  • Carnival Cruise Lines
  • TUI Cruises
  • AIDA Cruises
  • Princess Cruises
  • Marella Cruises
  • MSC Cruises
  • Holland America Line
  • Windstar Cruises
  • Azamara Cruises

Here’s a schedule for the cruise calls for November 2021



“Third Booster Jab” On The Way

Aruba’s department of public health plans to administer the 3rd dose of coronavirus vaccination to the public. 

The decision falls in line with the world’s health organization to boost the immune system of citizens who are more susceptible to getting covid. 

The 3rd vaccination dose will only be administered to a selected group of locals who fall into this group of citizens who have a low immune system, after advice from the Dutch Institute for Public Health. And those who already received their second jab. 

The rate of vaccination in Aruba – 75% – is among one of the highest in the Caribbean.

Aruba also has one of the lowest infection rates in the region at the moment, due to the strict measures taken by the Government.



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