Incentive - November 2008 - (Page 43)

the incentive travel showcase DESTINATION ARUBA n attractive destination for incentive groups that crave beautiful beaches, turquoise waters and consistent weather with cooling trade winds (the average daily temperature is 82ºF), Aruba more than accommodates incentive and meeting groups with one of the best infrastructures in the Caribbean. Located outside of the hurricane belt in the Netherlands Antilles, 15 miles from the coast of South America, the island is accessible via 14 direct flights daily from major U.S. cities. International flights come in from the Netherlands and the United Kingdom as well as Latin American countries such as Venezuela, Argentina, Columbia and Brazil. Visitors can clear U.S. Customs at Queen Beatrix Airport, saving time on the stateside return. Thinking about including a meetings agenda on your incentive trip? Meetings in Aruba are tax deductible thanks to the Tax Information Exchange Agreement (TIEA). Hospitality is a hallmark of the Aruban personality and economy. Aruba’s seven group-friendly properties, most conveniently located along Palm Beach, encompass major hotel brands, including the recently renovated 411-room Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino, 600-room Holiday Inn SunSpree Resort Aruba, 360-room Hyatt Regency Aruba Beach Resort & Casino, which recently completed a $20 million renovation, 398room Occidental Grand Aruba, 354-room Radisson Aruba Resort & Casino, 556-room Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino, and 481-room Westin Aruba Resort. Aruba’s multilingual population makes communication easy. English, Dutch, Spanish and Papiamento (a local Creole language) are spoken. Virtually speaking, the island claims the highest number of Internet users in the Caribbean, with WiFi connections throughout the island. While Aruba’s beautiful beaches are just right for watersports, especially snorkeling, scuba diving and world-famous windsurfing, groups can also enjoy sunset catamaran sails. Island jeep tours allow for exploration of Aruba’s more dramatic northern coastline and Arikok National Park with its hiking and biking trails, petroglyphs, remains of an early Dutch settlement and Aruba’s flora—divi-divi trees, cacti and tropical flowers. North of the park, rock formations capture the attention of visitors who have piled smaller stones into modest A towers at the nearby Wish Rock Garden in hopes of having their wishes granted, according to local lore. Other worthwhile jeep tour stops include the California Lighthouse, named after the California shipwreck that occurred just offshore; historic gold mills (Aruba became one of the leading producers of the precious metal after its discovery on the island in the 19th century); and the Bubali Bird Ponds, home to more than 80 species of migratory birds. A more relaxed and traditional itinerary can also revolve around the spa or shopping, while the golfers in the group can play at Tierra del Sol. There’s action in the casinos and fine dining in both hotel and freestanding restaurants on the island. Incentive and meeting planners receive support from the Aruba Convention Bureau for North America, a partnership between the Aruba Hotel and Tourism Association (AHATA) and the Aruba Tourism Authority (ATA). The organization’s complimentary services include hotel selection, marketing tools, distribution of RFPs, coordination of site inspections, DMC recommendations and more. CONTACT Aruba Convention Bureau for North America (877) 278-2248 (607) 539-6296 www.meetaruba.com SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION November 2008 | 43 http://www.meetaruba.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Incentive - November 2008

Incentive - November 2008 Editor’s Note Headlines Cover Story: Pop, Fizz! Incentive Interview Cracking the Recognition Code Primer Travel News Canada, City Style Potentials Here and Now Cameras: Picture of Innovation The Spirit of Giving Advertiser Index Last Word

Incentive - November 2008

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