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The island is part of the Dutch West Indies in the Caribbean Sea; it is the most westerly of the Antilles, and it lies about 12 degrees north of the equator, approximately 29km (18 miles) off the Paraguaná peninsula of Venezuela. One of the Lesser Antilles islands, Aruba is about 30 km (19.6 miles) long and about 8 km (6 miles) wide with an area of 193 sq km (75 sq miles). Its highest point is 617 feet at Mount Yamanota. The island has a population of approximately 125,000.

Aruba enjoys a dry and sunny climate year-round. Trade winds blow across the island most of the year bringing natural ‘air conditioning’ and the island is out of range of the traditional Caribbean hurricane belt. Average rainfall is less than 20 inches per year. The average temperature is 76 – 84F or 23 – 30C and there is little variation throughout the year, although it may be a few degrees warmer during the summer months.

The official language is Dutch with English and Spanish widely spoken. The native language is Papiamento, a combination of Spanish, English, Dutch, Portuguese, Indian and some African words.

Local currency, Awg, is the Aruban florin, also referred to as the guilder (old times). US dollars are readily accepted island-wide although change may be given in Aruban florins.

The tax information exchange agreement, TIEA, between the US, the Island of Aruba & the Island of Curacao allows US taxpayers to claim a tax deduction for expenses associated with a convention held on the island, to the same extent as a convention held in the United States. There are limitations applicable to deductions for expenses associated with foreign conventions; however, with the implementation of this TIEA, the two Dutch Caribbean islands are considered part of the North American area. Therefore, expenses incurred while attending conventions, business meetings and seminars in Curacao are allowed deductions according to the same regulations as if it were a U.S. territory.

Why Aruba

The reasons to meet in Aruba are as long and spectacular as our white sand beaches!

1. We have over 100 weekly non-stop flights from 13 North American gateways, and offer U.S. Customs pre-clearance.

2. Aruba offers top hotel brands and a wide variety of activities on land and sea.

3. Aruba’s meeting facilities and technology are comparable to the U.S. and Europe, and meeting expenses are tax deductible. (Tax Information Exchange Agreement)

4. Multi-lingual: English, Dutch, Spanish and Papiamento are widely spoken by most inhabitants

5. U.S. currency is accepted everywhere at an exchange rate of 1.75 florin (local currency) to the US$ dollar.

6. Modern Airport facilities; The Aruba Airport Authority has entered into a Strategic Co-operation Agreement with “Schiphol International”. Modern up-to-date technology makes group arrivals and departures at the “Reina Beatrix International Airport’s one of the most effective and quickest one in the Caribbean. Pre-clearing USA customs and immigrations in Aruba makes it ideal for your connection flights and gets you into the USA as a domestic carrier; just walk to you next connection gate.

7. Great dependable weather with an average daily temperature of 82°F/27°C. Constant cooling trade winds and low average rainfall almost guarantees great weather. In addition, Aruba is out of the hurricane belt.

8. Some of the greatest and whitest stretch of beaches in the world with clear waters which makes water sport activities a must on your list of optional tours.

9. Shopping Opportunities: with many name brand stores and local markets in the downtown area or in walking distance of most resorts on the Palm Beach strip, shoppers can shop till late in the evening.

10. Gastronomic Mecca: Offer many great restaurants with cuisines from all over the world, a dine-around delight!

ECO Destination
Management Services
of Aruba
Tel: + 297.587.2921
Fax: + 297.587.2973