AHATA seminar series continues with University of Aruba presentation

Last week, the Westin Aruba Resort hosted another important lecture in a series of seminars sponsored by the Aruba Hotel and Tourism Association and presented by the University of Aruba. “Cultivating Tourism with Heritage” was the topic of discussion lead by Dr. Michael Scantlebury, a visiting professor with the Faculty of Hospitality Management Studies of the University of Aruba.
Research and discussion is increasingly showing the integral roles of Aruba’s culture and heritage in tourism development. Dr. Scantlebury expounded on these roles and how the island’s built heritage (like historic buildings and monuments), natural heritage (like our beautiful beaches, the sea and reefs ), and our cultural heritage (like Carnival, Flag Day, Betico Day, Queens Day, and Dera Gai) influence our way of life, food, music, traditions, and most importantly, they reflect Aruba’s uniqueness.
Research indicates that Aruba’s tourists yearn for more interaction with Aruba’s culture and heritage, and the seminar opened discussion for how members of AHATA, who represent a cross-section of Aruba’s tourism and hospitality industry, can address this in their own businesses and as a unified effort within the community.
AHATA is a non for profit association that is recognized as the private sector voice and representative for the hospitality and tourism industry.
AHATA has established unique partnerships with other private sector organizations which allow for an ongoing dialogue on relevant issues
concerning the growth of Aruba’s tourism development. The core purpose of
AHATA is to achieve sustainable growth for the Aruban tourism industry. For registration information please send an email to [email protected] or call 582. ( Submitted by Tina Escobedo)

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March 17, 2008
Rona Coster