This was surprising to me because I had seen articles that the tourism was declining:
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Aruba tourism takes a deep dive as Holloway case drags on
Powered by CDNN - CYBER DIVER News Network
by CARMEN SANCHEZ - CDNN Travel Editor
ORANJESTAD, Aruba (16 June 2005) -- Tourists returning from Aruba have told CDNN that much of the island looks like a ghost town as the investigation into the disappearance of American teen Natalee Holloway drags on.
According to reports from travel agents, thousands of North American and European tourists have switched to other holiday destinations that are untainted by what many are calling a botched police investigation and a deliberate cover up.
More: http://www.cdnn.info/news/travel/t050616a.html
Aruba tours cancelled due to fallout from Holloway case
by Norman 'Gus' Thomas
Caribbean Net News Senior Correspondent
E-mail: rc@caribbeannetnews.com
Tuesday, June 14, 2005
ORANJESTAD, Aruba: Tourism officials in Aruba are reeling from the heavy negative publicity brought about by the disappearance of 18-year-old Natalee Holloway, who had come to the island with 124 other students from the USA to celebrate their graduation from Mountain Brook High School in Alabama. . . .
Meanwhile, as officials continue their search for Holloway, they have come in for heavy criticism from many in the travel industry over the way the case in being handled.
One travel agent told Caribbean Net News, "We in the United States are extremely concerned about the way this case is being handled in Aruba," going on to add, "I know for a fact that many Americans have already cancelled plans to visit Aruba. Their fear is that, if a crime should occur, the police will handle it in an inept and incompetent fashion, as many feel this case is being handled in such a manner," . . .
In speaking to several travel agents across the USA, Caribbean Net News has been told that they are "discouraging travel to Aruba." However, a number of visitors have reportedly cancelled on their own after learning how the situation is being handled.
More: http://www.caribbeannetnews.com/2005/06/14/tours.shtml
FNC said that that tourism had not declined, but most people probably won't be inclined to book a trip there now.
When I went to Amsterdam years ago I was told everything there was totally corrupt. I had no reason to find out, but if this is any example... and this IS a dutch situation. Why do the Netherlands have colonies anyway? I thought that business was all over and done with. Aruba can go to heck. I have no business there anyway, but they're like the French to me now.
when ever this investigation stops....some say it never began......Beth Twitty should go on Oprah, the View, Hannity, Larry King, Nancy Grace etc ad nauseum in an effort to stop these HS trysts that are making so much money for that island....
its a dangerous ilse with a checkered past and present....it is showing that it really can't protect people because apparently, there is a kidnapper just running around free, not to mention people getting their heads practically cut off....
Beth needs to make a huge PR stink, and perhaps then, more parents will think twice before these trips to that island......
money is the only thing that gets thru to these people....