With a lot of pleasure, the Aruba Tourism Authority (A.T.A.) welcomes a group of 19 wholesalers or so called “wholesalers” of ANATO. ANATO is the Colombian association of travel and tourism agents based in Aruba under the guidance of Mr Carlos San Martin, president of ANATO, together with the supervisory board of ANATO Capitulo Mayorista. During the reception, Ronella Croes, CEO of A.T.A., and Jordan Schlipken, Area Director of A.T.A., were present. Latin America together with Claudia Delgado, Sales Multi-liner Colombia who accompanied the group to visit Aruba. The group of visitors includes wholesalers who come from different parts of Colombia, among others from Bogota, Cali, Medellin and Cartagena. The goal of their visit is to learn more about the destination. During their stay, they will experience our happy island in a personal and direct way, and will also meet with 21 different hotels and tour operators on our island.
The vast majority of wholesalers who visit our island are not currently selling Aruba on the Colombian market. That is why this visit is so important. During their stay, they will visit various sites and attractions to get a complete view of all that Aruba has to offer. In addition, there will be several informative and educational presentations focusing on specific segments.
Among others, the Aruba Convention Bureau provides valuable information about the MICE, which focuses on the segment of the tourism and events that includes conferences, meetings and exhibitions. It also discusses niche markets and engages in an interesting dialogue with A.T.A. about opportunities that will help facilitate the work of wholesalers in their markets.
This visit ensures that Colombian retailers have the valuable and necessary knowledge to promote our island, thereby increasing sales and the number of visitors from Colombia.
On the Latin American market
A.T.A. predicts that the numbers of stayover visitors will surpass pre-pandemic levels. A.T.A.’s goal for Latin America is to achieve a 103% recovery compared to 2019, i.e. a 3% growth. As of August 2023, Aruba received 78,183 stayover visitors from Latin America, which is 22% more than 2019. Colombia is the primary market for Latin America and as of August has grown by 36% compared to 2019. Factors contributing to this figure include the introduction of additional flights to Medellin and the launch of new routes such as Cali.
About the ANATO
ANATO is a prominent organization representing Colombia’s tourism industry. ANATO works together with travel and tourism agencies to promote and develop the tourism sector in Colombia, boosting business opportunities and cross-destination visits. In February 2023, the Aruba Tourism Office along with partners in the Aruba tourism industry attended the 42nd edition of the ANATO Tourist Showcase held in Bogota, Colombia.
