ORANJESTAD – After working hard year-round in helping promote the island, enhance its tourism product and look after the needs of the island’s most loyal visitors, its timeshare owners, Aruba Timeshare Association representatives took time out to mark past accomplishments and announce its forward-moving plans. An animated cocktail reception held at Mango’s Bar at the Amsterdam Manor provided a relaxed venue in which to raise a toast in appreciation of its members and partners, to re-introduce its re-elected board and to refresh for the challenges set forward for 2007.
As announced during the reception, ATSA President Jan van Nes, Treasurer Andy Osbourne and Secretary Aisa van der Biezen will serve for an additional year in carrying out the association’s plans, with financing provided in part by funds raised through the high quality “Experience” in-house resort magazine placed in each timeshare room. Publisher Piet Janssen presented this year’s check to a jubilant board.
On behalf of he ATSA board, Van Nes thanked Janssen and went on to further express words of appreciation for ATSA’s members for their diligence and dedication to increasing timeshare visitors’ protections, raising satisfaction levels and fostering the continued loyalty of timeshare owners to their chosen resort and to Aruba. “A highlight of our efforts last year was the tourism forum, which was organized together with AMTI and the University of Aruba.. [UofA guest professor] Dr. Kevin Murphy is now working on the white paper, which will be ready in February and will be discussed in follow-up sessions six months from now,” announced Van Nes.
Other ATSA goals include its ongoing regional participation within CHA, with a trip planned to St. Maarten later this year, a continued alliance with the University of Aruba, a commitment to the environment through efforts spearheaded by Aruba Divi Phoenix GM Astrid Mueller, support of increased safety measures through participation with the Hospitality and Security Foundation and, most importantly, staying abreast of all developments in helping to address timeshare visitors’ concerns such as came to pass during the transition of LTU admission regulations.
“With the continued dedication of Aisa with her excellent administration work of ATSA affairs, Andy as our diligent treasurer and with new members including the Westin and Oceania, we look forward to expanding our efforts in 2007,” commented Van Nes.. “…ATSA does whatever it takes in order to do what is best for Aruba, its visitors and for the many people that work within the timeshare industry.”
