Array of Major Events to Throw the Limelight on Aruba in 2007
A new year has begun and Aruba is ready to step onto the spotlight in the MICE business. The happy Caribbean island is gearing up for planeloads of events, gatherings, festivals and congresses that promise to give the sunny destination a big leg up in one of the fastest-growing market segments in today’s world travel industry.
Aruba’s tourism authorities are warming up for the upcoming 28th Annual Caribbean Marketplace in this month of January. This marks the first time ever a destination was unanimously chosen by all CHA members and the first time that the host was determined more than six months prior to the event.
Widely recognized as the largest and single most important marketing event for the Caribbean, the CHA Marketplace attracts nearly 2,000 industry professionals including noteworthy hoteliers from the Caribbean region, representatives from nearly 200 tour operators from around the world.
From May 17 thru 20, locals and visitors will get a look at the third edition of the Aruba Wine & Food Music Festival, this time around featuring wine and food tasting events, a pastry showcase, celebrity cooking, and a tribute concert to a well-known artist or band.
Under the sweltering summer sun of August, the 12th Aruba International Pro-Am Golf Tournament will come around for professional and amateur golfers alike in a 2-day, 36-hole championship featuring gifts, prizes and special events.
The fall, for its part, will bring the much-anticipated 6th Aruba Music Festival, concert series featuring established international music stars. Headliners of past editions have included such musical greats as Pat Benatar, the Doobie Brothers, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Chicago, Jackson Browne, John Mayer, Peter Frampton, Queen plus Paul Rogers, Styx and Lionel Richie.
Early November will delight lovers of beach tennis with the Aruba Beach Tennis International Championships. Aruba is among the first to host an international tournament in the new sport of beach tennis. Competitions will be held on Eagle Beach, across from Chalet Suisse Restaurant
