Missing Aruba teen having impact on tourism?
The continuing investigation into the disappearance of an American teenager in Aruba is not having a major impact on tourism, according to officials.
Aruba had a 15% increase in the first half of June and “we plan to strengthen marketing efforts,” said Myrna Jansen-Feliciano, managing director of the Aruba Tourism Authority.
There was a record 725,000 visitors to Aruba last year.
The disappearance of Natalee Holloway is stretching into its fifth week.
Ms Jansen-Feliciano said Aruba’s target market was not teenagers but sophisticated travelers aged 35 to 63.
The Caribbean Tourism Organization issued a statement “of heartfelt concern” regarding the teen’s disappearance. The organization also pointed out that they had no direct jurisdiction over members, “but we have a commitment from each that the rule of law will prevail.”
Meanwhile, an Aruban judge, the father of a 17-year-old suspect in the disappearance of an Alabama teenager, also has been arrested as a suspect in the case on Thursday.
Report by David Wilkening
David
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
TAP Air Portugal to operate 29 flights due to strike on December 11
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
Airbnb eyes a loyalty program but details remain under wraps