AHATA, the Aruba Hotel & Tourism Association, recently conducted its General Assembly at the Renaissance Convention Center followed by a Networking in Style cocktail hour. Both events were well attended by members of the island’s tourism and business communities and members of the media.

Having called the meeting to order with the appropriate quorum in attendance Rob Smith, AHATA President & CEO delivered his introductory remarks focusing on the proposed creation of a Destination Marketing Fund. His remarks also included the review of 2009 which he titled “The perfect labor storm,” in view of the island’s tight labor market and the shortage of qualified help.

Following the installation of the AHATA Board for 2008, Chairman of the Board hotelier Ewald Biemans took charge of the meeting rendering his Chairman’s Remarks outlining his current concerns, covering the first quarter of the year.

Other business agenda items included the Audited AHATA Financials for 2007 as well as marketing highlights, delivered by the Director of the Aruba Tourism Authority Myrna Jansen who also described the island’s journey to Global Branding.

The Director of AAA, Aruba Airport Authority, Peter Steinmetz, took center stage describing the airport as a key partner in tourism success. He was followed by a Nos Aruba 2025 presentation among other committee updates.

The first AHATA General Assembly for 2008 was concluded with the CEO’s Closing Remarks and the Networking in Style cocktail hour.

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