Travel
Online Tool Will Enhance Visitor Ease to Island
ORANJESTAD, Aruba, Dec. 2, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Effective December 1, 2015, Aruba Tourism Authority (ATA), Aruba Immigration Services (IASA) and Gamma will introduce a new service to the island's visitors. As a country that continually strives for the pursuit of innovation and modernization in guest services, Aruba's new service allows guests the option of digitally filling out the required Embarkation and Disembarkation card (ED-card) before ever stepping foot on the popular Caribbean island.
Presently, the ED-card is given to travelers while still onboard their flight. With the introduction of the new online version, visitors will be able to go to www.edcardaruba.aw as soon as they book their flights to fill out the digital ED-card as a convenient and green alternative, contributing to Aruba's commitment to sustainable action.
Families, couples and friends heading to Aruba along with travel industry leaders will appreciate the digital ED-card for offering visitors the opportunity to easily complete the information requirements before embarking on their journey, as well as expediting the airport flow once they arrive on-island.
Aruba's "Happy Returners"—travelers who have been to Aruba at least once before or continue to return, year after year—will appreciate that they only have to update their digital ED-card with new travel dates and trip details, as the system will save their basic information for future use.
All visitors to Aruba are required to fill out an ED-card, although the traditional paper card will still be available for visitors who prefer this. Guests can fill out their digital ED-card as soon as they have booked their flights and up to 48 hours before departing to Aruba. After 48 hours have passed, all visitors must fill out the paper ED-card upon arrival.
"ATA and IASA are thrilled to be industry leaders with this time saving digital tool. Aruba's tourism partners and local people are all committed to the continued enhancement of our One happy island," said Ronella Tjin Asjoe-Croes, CEO of ATA. "Upon landing with their ED-card already completed, visitors will be further delighted to discover the Aruba's Happy Flow program, designed to streamline and expedite the passenger process with enhanced digital airport checkpoints."
Once more, Aruba has been differentiated from other destinations and ATA from other Destination Marketing and Management Organizations (DMMOs) for this innovative focus on meeting the modern traveler's needs and exceeding expectations.
ATA has also recently launched the Happiness Builder, a game-changing digital tool that allows visitors to begin their vacations early and enjoy the trip planning process almost as much as their time on island. A content-rich planning experience where travelers can explore aruba.com/shortcuts for nearly 100 videos featuring adventure, relaxation, romance and cultural activities in Aruba, the Happiness Builder creates a personal 'Shortcut to Happiness' video itinerary made from six chosen clips with the addition of happy music and a personalized message which can then be shared with friends and loved ones via email and social media.
As Aruba continues to evolve from both a product and marketing perspective, new and innovative tools like digital the ED-card and the Happiness Builder remain crucial to Aruba's success as one of the most popular tourist destinations.
Fill out your own ED-card online at www.edcardaruba.aw. For more information on the One happy island, visit www.aruba.com. Engage with Aruba via social media at www.facebook.com/ArubaFans or @Aruba on Twitter.
About Aruba
As one of the most revisited destinations in the Caribbean, Aruba — One happy island — is an island of contradictions, where pristine turquoise waters collide against the desert-like terrain of the north shore; where peace and relaxation coexist with wild and rugged adventures; where Dutch influence meets American ease and where a diverse history parallels a bright future. Nestled in the southern Caribbean outside the fringes of the hurricane belt, the island is just a two-and-a-half-hour flight from Miami, a four-hour flight from New York City and boasts year-round cooling trade winds with an average 82-degree temperature. Aruba offers beach-lovers, adrenaline junkies, relaxation-seekers and everyone in between a slice of paradise with breathtaking beaches, a booming culinary scene of over 200 restaurants with 25+ located ideally on the water, world-famous festivals and events, exciting land and water activities, art galleries and museums, sumptuous spas, championship golf, exclusive shopping and signature experiences such as cooling off in Conchi, Aruba's natural pool — accessible only by foot or off-road vehicle. With all-inclusive options, boutique properties in charming Eagle Beach, high-rise branded resorts in Palm Beach and cosmopolitan city hotels in Oranjestad, the island of contradictions provides the perfect getaway for both first-time guests and loyal visitors.
- Aruba Invests $100 Million In Island Upgrades
ORANJESTAD, Aruba, June 18, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of Aruba's ongoing, $1 billion+ island revitalization and beautification project, the destination recently invested more than $100 million in significant hotel updates to enhance visitors'...
- Aruba Wins National Geographic World Legacy Award For Leading Sustainability Efforts
ORANJESTAD, Aruba, March 5, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Praised for its unparalleled sustainability efforts, Aruba was named the National Geographic World Legacy Award Winner for "Destination Leadership" this week at ITB Berlin, the world's largest tourism...
- Aruba Tourism Authority Reports 2014 Tourism Results
Nearly 10 Percent Increase In Stay Over Arrivals ORANJESTAD, Aruba, Feb. 23, 2015 - The Aruba Tourism Authority (ATA) reported total arrivals in 2014 increased by 9.5 percent, as compared to the same period in 2013. This global growth included a 3.7 percent...
- Caribbean Island Of Aruba & Nikon, Inc. Announce #1happysnap Partnership
ORANJESTAD, Aruba, Nov. 3, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Avid picture takers and travelers are just #1happysnap away from the vacation of a lifetime – thanks to a new partnership between the One happy island of Aruba and Nikon, Inc. The brands co-launched a...
- Popular "dine On Aruba" Program Returns To Promote Island's Flavorful Cuisine
ORANJESTAD, Aruba, Aug. 2, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Inspired by the successful launch of this culinary promotion in 2012, Aruba Tourism Authority (ATA) and Aruba Gastronomic Association (AGA) invite visitors to "Dine on Aruba" once again this fall. When guests...
Travel
Aruba Tourism Authority Announces Digital Embarkation and Disembarkation Card
Online Tool Will Enhance Visitor Ease to Island
Presently, the ED-card is given to travelers while still onboard their flight. With the introduction of the new online version, visitors will be able to go to www.edcardaruba.aw as soon as they book their flights to fill out the digital ED-card as a convenient and green alternative, contributing to Aruba's commitment to sustainable action.
Families, couples and friends heading to Aruba along with travel industry leaders will appreciate the digital ED-card for offering visitors the opportunity to easily complete the information requirements before embarking on their journey, as well as expediting the airport flow once they arrive on-island.
Aruba's "Happy Returners"—travelers who have been to Aruba at least once before or continue to return, year after year—will appreciate that they only have to update their digital ED-card with new travel dates and trip details, as the system will save their basic information for future use.
All visitors to Aruba are required to fill out an ED-card, although the traditional paper card will still be available for visitors who prefer this. Guests can fill out their digital ED-card as soon as they have booked their flights and up to 48 hours before departing to Aruba. After 48 hours have passed, all visitors must fill out the paper ED-card upon arrival.
"ATA and IASA are thrilled to be industry leaders with this time saving digital tool. Aruba's tourism partners and local people are all committed to the continued enhancement of our One happy island," said Ronella Tjin Asjoe-Croes, CEO of ATA. "Upon landing with their ED-card already completed, visitors will be further delighted to discover the Aruba's Happy Flow program, designed to streamline and expedite the passenger process with enhanced digital airport checkpoints."
Once more, Aruba has been differentiated from other destinations and ATA from other Destination Marketing and Management Organizations (DMMOs) for this innovative focus on meeting the modern traveler's needs and exceeding expectations.
ATA has also recently launched the Happiness Builder, a game-changing digital tool that allows visitors to begin their vacations early and enjoy the trip planning process almost as much as their time on island. A content-rich planning experience where travelers can explore aruba.com/shortcuts for nearly 100 videos featuring adventure, relaxation, romance and cultural activities in Aruba, the Happiness Builder creates a personal 'Shortcut to Happiness' video itinerary made from six chosen clips with the addition of happy music and a personalized message which can then be shared with friends and loved ones via email and social media.
As Aruba continues to evolve from both a product and marketing perspective, new and innovative tools like digital the ED-card and the Happiness Builder remain crucial to Aruba's success as one of the most popular tourist destinations.
Fill out your own ED-card online at www.edcardaruba.aw. For more information on the One happy island, visit www.aruba.com. Engage with Aruba via social media at www.facebook.com/ArubaFans or @Aruba on Twitter.
About Aruba
As one of the most revisited destinations in the Caribbean, Aruba — One happy island — is an island of contradictions, where pristine turquoise waters collide against the desert-like terrain of the north shore; where peace and relaxation coexist with wild and rugged adventures; where Dutch influence meets American ease and where a diverse history parallels a bright future. Nestled in the southern Caribbean outside the fringes of the hurricane belt, the island is just a two-and-a-half-hour flight from Miami, a four-hour flight from New York City and boasts year-round cooling trade winds with an average 82-degree temperature. Aruba offers beach-lovers, adrenaline junkies, relaxation-seekers and everyone in between a slice of paradise with breathtaking beaches, a booming culinary scene of over 200 restaurants with 25+ located ideally on the water, world-famous festivals and events, exciting land and water activities, art galleries and museums, sumptuous spas, championship golf, exclusive shopping and signature experiences such as cooling off in Conchi, Aruba's natural pool — accessible only by foot or off-road vehicle. With all-inclusive options, boutique properties in charming Eagle Beach, high-rise branded resorts in Palm Beach and cosmopolitan city hotels in Oranjestad, the island of contradictions provides the perfect getaway for both first-time guests and loyal visitors.
- Aruba Invests $100 Million In Island Upgrades
ORANJESTAD, Aruba, June 18, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of Aruba's ongoing, $1 billion+ island revitalization and beautification project, the destination recently invested more than $100 million in significant hotel updates to enhance visitors'...
- Aruba Wins National Geographic World Legacy Award For Leading Sustainability Efforts
ORANJESTAD, Aruba, March 5, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Praised for its unparalleled sustainability efforts, Aruba was named the National Geographic World Legacy Award Winner for "Destination Leadership" this week at ITB Berlin, the world's largest tourism...
- Aruba Tourism Authority Reports 2014 Tourism Results
Nearly 10 Percent Increase In Stay Over Arrivals ORANJESTAD, Aruba, Feb. 23, 2015 - The Aruba Tourism Authority (ATA) reported total arrivals in 2014 increased by 9.5 percent, as compared to the same period in 2013. This global growth included a 3.7 percent...
- Caribbean Island Of Aruba & Nikon, Inc. Announce #1happysnap Partnership
ORANJESTAD, Aruba, Nov. 3, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Avid picture takers and travelers are just #1happysnap away from the vacation of a lifetime – thanks to a new partnership between the One happy island of Aruba and Nikon, Inc. The brands co-launched a...
- Popular "dine On Aruba" Program Returns To Promote Island's Flavorful Cuisine
ORANJESTAD, Aruba, Aug. 2, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Inspired by the successful launch of this culinary promotion in 2012, Aruba Tourism Authority (ATA) and Aruba Gastronomic Association (AGA) invite visitors to "Dine on Aruba" once again this fall. When guests...