5 Local News Stories, Developments & Events Driving Stronger Growth in Aruba

ORANJESTAD (August 18, 2019) – Sundays I write about the most relevant and interesting happenings on the island in my newsletter.

This weeks edition features the top news headlines in Aruba.

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Bank Note of The Year Award

Aruba’s newly designed paper bill is nominated for the “Bank Note of The Year Award” by the International Bank Note Society (IBNS).

The specific nominated bank note is the 25 Aruban Florin note.

Three other international bank notes were also nominated:

• North Ireland’s 5 Pound Ulster bank note
• Switzerland’s 1000 Franc note

The newly Aruban bank notes, introduced on June 2019.

Nominations of other international bank notes are valid until January 31, 2020. The winner of “bank note of the year” will be selected after nominations close, by the members of IBNS.

There’s different aspects that are judged for the winning bank note, including but not limited to – design, colors, contrast, balance and security characteristics.

Last time Aruba received new bank notes was back in 1990, and slightly modified in 2013. Generally new bank notes are changed every 10 years, but this new design was introduced after 16 years.

The new bank note designs feature different native animals, iconic landmarks and old Aruban artifacts.

Old Aruban bank notes are no longer accepted on the island, if you happen to have old paper bills, you can swap them for new bills at the Central Bank on the island.




Sasaki Weg Renamed Avenida Nelson Oduber

The highway on the northern part of the island known as Sasaki Weg will have a new name as of next week.

As of August 19, 2019 Sasaki Weg as we know it will be renamed to Avenida Nelson Orlando Oduber.

The switch is dedicated to one of Aruba’s previous prime ministers, back in 1989 and 2001.

Nelson was one of the main pioneers for the construction of “Sasaki Weg” back in 1983.

Sasaki was a needed infrastructure upgrade in Aruba back then, when there were not a lot of roads, especially near the hotel areas.

The development of Sasaki Weg included the new highway, and several other roads, and tourism projects (hotels, restaurants, bars, supermarkets, movie theaters and shopping malls).

Avenida Nelson Orlando Oduber highway starts from the new roundabout near Bushiri beach, towards the last hotel on the island, close to Malmok, Ritz Carlton.


8 New Busses For Public Transport in Aruba

A new fleet of 8 busses are getting ready to hit the streets soon.

The announcement was made by the transport minister (Chris Romero) this week, nearly a year after the public transportation company announced their vision to invest in 15 or more new busses.

All the new busses will replace the current busses in operation as soon after they pass local inspections.

Fabricated in Brazil (São Paulo), the busses are made by MAN Truck & Bus and Mascarello company.

All the busses have ecologic technology (Euro 5 diesel) including, but not limited to – air conditioning, wifi, usb charging ports, sound, GPS, and wheelchair accessibility.

Seven more busses are on the way soon by the end of 2019, there’s going to be a total of 30 new busses on the island as of 2020.

As soon as the new busses hit the road, locals and visitors can expect a more reliable, fast, and comfortable commute around the island.




Aruba is Top Destination for a Relaxing Summer Holiday

Aruba was nominated by newswire.net as one of the top destinations where you’ll still be able to get some rest and just relax.

The popular independent news website mentioned Aruba as one of the best places to vacation during the summer holidays.

Why go to Aruba during summer?

According to Newswire.net, it’s less crowded during this time of the year compared to other parts of the world, including Europa.

Aruba has one of the best beaches in the world, Eagle beach. There’s plenty of space to relax under palm trees and beach huts. Activities are also plenty – snorkeling, water sports, excursions, and island tours.

As day turns into night, there’s hundreds of top notch restaurants that offer the best food in the Caribbean. There’s also a vibrant nightlife, and beach bars to have a good time in paradise.

If you’ve never been to Aruba before, you should add the island on your bucket list as soon as possible.

There’s plenty of airlines that fly to the island all year round.

Find the best airfare using the SkyScanner app for best flight prices.

Download the flight app on Android, or for Iphone.

Toronto to Aruba WestJet

WestJet recently announced increased frequency and improved connectivity from its hub to more destinations, including Aruba for its 2019/2020 winter schedule.

More flights will be featured from Calgary, Vancouver, and Toronto for domestic flights, trans border, international and sun destinations.

WestJet increased frequency of flights to Aruba from twice weekly to three times every week (Toronto – Aruba).

“By executing on our hub strategy, we’re improving schedules not only for guests in Calgary, Vancouver, and Toronto, but also building thousands of new connections for guests across the country,” said Arved von zur Muehlen, WestJet Chief Commercial Officer.

Canadians have more flights and better access to Aruba this winter

(Get alerts for the best flight rates using the SkyScanner App – download for (Android – Iphone).

Events to Lookout for in Aruba (August 2019)

Aruba Hosts Vow Renewal Ceremony on Eagle Beach.

If you’ve been doing your research on Aruba, you’d agree with me that it’s one of the most revisited islands in the Caribbean, and the go to place for love birds!

Why is it the go to place for romance?

Everything adds up to love.

The sunsets. Late night dinners on the beach. Countless romantic hot spots, and lots of things to do on the island for couples.

Here’s a video recap of the vow renewals on Eagle beach in 2018.

This year is no different.

Eagle beach is going to be the host of the 3rd vowel renewal ceremony in Aruba. It’s the biggest wedding memory event in the Caribbean region.

The ceremony will be held on August 21, 2019.

What is the vow renewal ceremony all about?

Of Course renewing your wedding vows, but in a special way, the Aruban way!

With your feet in the sand on Eagle beach, as the sun makes it way down the horizon. You and your loved one will recommit your wedding vows and promise each other to stick besides one another.

Champagne and local hors d’oeuvres will be available during the event.

Are you going to be in Aruba during this event?

You can pre-register to attend the vow renewal ceremony by visiting here.

This years event has a surprise for a lucky couple.

One lucky couple can win a free trip to Aruba. All you have to do is send a written essay between 200 – 500 words, including video or images showcasing you two, and why you want to renew your wedding views on Eagle beach. 




Explore Aruba At The Island Festival

There’s a new reason to visit San Nicolas besides the stunning mural arts, display of culture, and beautiful beaches – a new street festival.

This month is going to be the 3rd edition of Island Festival.

It’s a 3 street festival in the promenade of San Nicolas. 

Each street will represent an island with its own theme: local island, multicultural island and historical island. 

Walk the trio streets and experience their local and multicultural food and drinks, music, ambience and vibe. 

Island festival will also have live shows. 

Local actors will illustrate the Aruban way of life back in the days and how the lifestyle developed until today. 

Two local bands will be playing live groovy Aruban music.

There’s also going to be different kiosks with local arts and crafts for sale made by Aruban artists. 

Island Festival will be organized once a month in San Nicolas. 

The next edition of island fest will be on August 28, 2019 (7:00PM – 10:00PM).

Locals will be there. You are also invited to visit San Nicolas. 

Come and eat our food, taste our drinks, mingle with locals and experience the Aruban way of life! 


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