This Pesquera guy seems to be delusional. The Aruba Tourism Authority has been afraid to publish the hotel occupancy figures since they last published the June, 2005 figures.
http://www.scaredmonkeys.net/viewtopic.php?t=3382&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=40&sid=4dc17f622245525cfeddc11f0462f2e6
Jorge Pesquera looks at 2006 with much optimism
“The year 2005 was a record year for sales and in the increased quality of the product called ‘Aruba’”
http://www.diarioaruba.com/diasabra/local/news2.html 01/07/2006
ORANJESTAD (AAN): In a conversation with Mr. Jorge Pesquera, CEO of the Aruba Hotel and Tourism Association (AHATA), we asked him about his point of view of 2005 in the hotel branch and our tourism, as well as his perspective for the year 2006.
Mr. Pesquera stated that the year 2005, even taking into account everything that happened with Natalee Holloway, in his opinion was a record year in sales and in the increased quality of the Aruba product. “Without a doubt”, he said.
He continued to say that the first 6 months of 2005 had a never before seen occupancy rate in Aruba. He added that for the two semesters [s/b quarters?] of the year that has just passed, they still have to take a look at the results.
“It is my understanding that taking into account what happened, we’re going to have a record year in the productivity level, occupancy and partner revenues this year”.
The AHATA CEO underlined that now the uncertainty is tied to what will happen in 2006. He expressed that he is very optimistic that through initiatives such as “Meet Aruba” and having a spirit of collaboration with Aruba Tourism Authority (ATA), with the respective ministry and that through converstations that have taken place with the tourism committee in Parliament, that this year will become a very productive one and that the future will hold the same.
This article shows the level of Aruba's desperation, that they have called in the Netherlands Board of Tourism and Conventions to bail them out. The central government of The Hague is getting into the act, too. All this Aruban frenzy because Beth said she would not leave Aruba without her daughter Natalee.
www.scaredmonkeys.net
Posted by Getagrip: Fri Jan 06, 2006 2:51 pm
For the first time in the history of Aruba: Aruba out with tremendous touristic promotion in the US
AHATA achieves a unique strategic alliance in the Caribbean with Dutch group
www.diarioaruba.com/diabierna 01/06/2006
ORANJESTAD (AAN): In an interview with DIARIO, AHATA CEO, Mr. Jorge Pesquera indicated that this week, during the meetings that are taking place in Aruba with foreign partners who deal with the marketing aspect of our island as a touristic destination, this time a special alliance was made with the Netherlands Board of Tourism and Conventions (NBTC).
In Pesquera’s opinion, it is fortunate for AHATA was approached by NBTC, given that when NBTC found out that AHATA was in a dialogue with the purpose of establishing a new marketing entity in what relates to groups and conventions for our islands, then they got in contact with AHATA.
“Frankly, we are intrigue by the possibility that an entity which is quasi-governmental for Holland, showed interest to do new and entrepreneurial things.
We interviewed them extensively in New York. They impressed me with their creativity, their knowledge of the market, their achievements with the things they are doing in Holland and other places. We decided to enter into a contract, which is really an alliance, because we are going to help them and they are going to help us”.
The CEO of AHATA indicated that they are very satisfied given that for the first time in the history of Aruba, there is national coverage from coast to coast, from New York to Canada, Los Angeles and San Francisco in the market of groups and conventions.
Pesquera let it be known that there are eight salesmen on the street and three administrators that are supporting this effort, which is one, he said, that is extraordinary to attract a market that was not given much importance in Aruba in the past.
NBTC’s interest, he stated, has to do with the way of working, which is very entrepreneurial. They receive part of their funds, assigned by the central government of The Hague (Holland), but there is the possibility to increase these funds by an additional 60% via the alliance and sales that they make with entities such as AHATA.
He added that NBTC represents all the museums of Holland, various convention centers, among others. He continued to say that it is this entrepreneurial/commercial spirit, the creativity that they have demonstrated during the interview that gave AHATA the interest in contacting NBTC as an entity instead of adding salespeople directly.
Currently, there are three salespeople directly contracted by AHATA, Donna Delgado in Washington, Mayline Menendez in Miami and Charly Ibarra in New York.
Pesquera added that AHATA is increasing this sales force with four or five people from NBTC, which is categorized as an extraordinary coverage for our island. “This is a unique alliance in the Caribbean”, he said.