Expert: Andy Mendyk - 12/7/2001

Question
Hi,

I am an Internatuional Tourism student in Holland. For my thesis I am doing a research on the culture change of the Aruban people. How do the tourists experience this change, especially someone like yourself who has made various trip to Aruba in the last year, I wonder if you are aware of the cultural change. If so, what is your opinion about it. How do you see the culture is changing, where does it leads, and how will it affect the future of tourism in Aruba?

Can you help me with my research, I will greatly apreciated.

Thank you,
Shahaira

Answer
Hello! What I can tell you from my experiences,are that the Arubans are getting more prosperus every year due to the better economy thru tourism, an by marketing their goods, either service related, or, tangible. As a repaet visitor (and tourist) I appreciate the efforts I notice from which the people and the Government produce. Also,there is a strong sense of pride in the Island by both factions I have mentioned, and during my visits there, I tend to feel the same, as Aruba is the only foriegn destination i go to. I highly reccomend visits to the Island from associates who ask "where to go". Culture wise, i see a split from native Arubans wanting to keep to the "old" styles and standards of living, to the other half wanting to develop beyond the means which the Island can sustain. The government does impose moratoriums on development to control this. One thing that is highly noticeable, is that the Aruban people are the most friendliest I have ever met. Hence, they are a popular tourist destination, and i see this trend continuing.  If there is anything else specific I can do for you, please do not hesitate to call n me again!!!