The ABC Islands—Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao—offer a unique and vibrant hospitality ecosystem that blends rich cultural heritage, vacation rentals, resorts, natural beauty, and evolving tourism infrastructure.
Each island presents its own distinct identity and appeal: Aruba is known for its luxury resorts and bustling tourism hubs; Bonaire stands out for its ecological focus and sustainable tourism initiatives; Curaçao offers a colorful mix of historic charm and diverse experiences.
This guide explores the key players in the hospitality landscape across these islands as part of the global hospitality ecosystem.
Let's get started...
Hospitality Ecosystem
1. Startups
- Booking Success - Helps independent hotels maximize direct bookings, optimize revenue, and reduce OTA dependency without adding extra work for your team from Curacao.
- HQ Rental Software - Vehicle rental management & booking solution in Curacao.
- Prestige Vacations Aruba - Vacation rental property management for beachfront condos, villas, vacation homes.
- Aruba Hostess - Travel planner and concierge services focused on group travel in Aruba. Local company offering custom itineraries, concierge, villas, private tours.
Global hospitality and travel startups.
2. Companies
Aruba
Aruba boasts a vibrant hospitality scene with a mix of international hotel chains and boutique resorts. Notable properties include:
- Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino: An iconic beachfront resort offering luxurious accommodations and a range of amenities.
- Marriott Aruba Resort & Stellaris Casino: A premier resort featuring upscale rooms, a casino, and multiple dining options.
- Ritz-Carlton Aruba: A luxury resort known for its elegant design and exceptional service.
- Holiday Inn Resort Aruba – Beach Resort & Casino: A family-friendly resort offering all-inclusive packages and a variety of activities.
- Divi Aruba All-Inclusive: Part of the Divi Resorts group, this property offers an all-inclusive experience with multiple dining options.
- Tamarijn Aruba All-Inclusive: Another all-inclusive resort by Divi Resorts, known for its beachfront location and casual atmosphere.
- Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba: A charming boutique hotel offering a more intimate and personalized experience.
- Manchebo Beach Resort & Spa: A boutique resort known for its wellness offerings and serene environment.
- InterContinental Hotels Group Brands: Holiday Inn Resort, voco, JOIA by Iberostar
- Others: Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort & Casino, Barceló Aruba, Barceló Aruba
Bonaire
Bonaire's hospitality sector is more laid-back, focusing on eco-tourism and diving experiences. Key resorts include:
- Divi Flamingo Beach Resort & Casino: A diving resort hotel and casino located on the west coast of Bonaire, close to Kralendijk.
- Plaza Resort Bonaire: A beachfront resort offering diving facilities and spacious accommodations.
- Van der Valk Plaza Beach & Dive Resort Bonaire: An all-inclusive resort catering to divers and beach lovers.
- Chogogo Dive & Beach Resort Bonaire: A resort offering diving packages and beachfront accommodations.
- Belmar Oceanfront Apartments: Located at Sorobon Beach, this resort is ideal for windsurfing enthusiasts.
Curaçao
Curaçao offers a mix of luxury resorts, boutique hotels, and all-inclusive options. Notable properties include:
- Baoase Luxury Resort: A five-star resort offering private villas and suites with personalized service.
- Curacao Marriott Beach Resort: A beachfront resort offering luxurious accommodations and a range of amenities.
- Renaissance Wind Creek Curaçao Resort: A resort offering modern accommodations and a casino.
- Avila Beach Hotel: A historic hotel offering a blend of classic and modern accommodations.
- Sunscape Curacao Resort, Spa & Casino: An all-inclusive resort offering a variety of dining options and activities.
- The Rif At Mangrove Beach Corendon Curacao All-Inclusive, Curio Collection by Hilton: A luxury all-inclusive resort offering beachfront accommodations and upscale amenities.
- Sandals Curaçao: A luxury resort offering an all-inclusive experience with a focus on romance and relaxation.
- Others: Zoëtry Curacao Resort & Spa, Boutique hotels like BijBlauw, Pietermaai Boutique Hotel
Global hospitality companies and brands.
3. Investors, Accelerators & Hubs
Aruba
- Aruba Growth Fund and Curacao Growth Fund. While primarily focused on business and financial services, the fund has shown interest in the hospitality sector, as evidenced by its involvement like Booking Success
- Impact Hub Aruba. Offers guidance and preparation for startups aiming to present at international levels
- StartAruba. Founder-first program designed to accelerate US market access for Aruba-based tech and innovation-driven entrepreneurs.
Bonaire
- BIT-Lab (Bonaire’s Innovation & Technology Lab). innovation lab / youth think tank focused on technological, socio-economic, infrastructure, sustainability projects.
Curaçao
- Curaçao Investment & Export Promotion Agency (CINEX). Attracting and assisting foreign investors and entrepreneurs
- Curaçao Innovation & Technology Institute (CITI).
- EU-LAC Digital Accelerator. Connects startups and SMEs from Europe and Latin America & the Caribbean to boost digital transformation.
- Domits Hospitality Accelerator.
Global hospitality and travel investors, accelerators and hubs.
4. People
Aruba
- Ronella Tjin Asjoe – CEO, Aruba Tourism Authority. Leads national marketing and tourism efforts.
- Luigi Wix – General Manager, Radisson Blu Aruba. Oversees resort operations and guest experience.
- Raoul Lemmerling – General Manager, Aruba Marriott Complex. In charge of multiple Marriott properties.
- Tisa LaSorte – President & CEO, Aruba Hotel & Tourism Association (AHATA). Heads the main tourism trade association.
Bonaire
- Miles B. M. Mercera – Director, Tourism Corporation Bonaire (TCB). Manages marketing and destination strategy.
- Maurice Adriaens – Former Director of Tourism, TCB. Active in marketing, PR, and advertising initiatives.
- Charles Vos – General Manager/Member, BONHATA. Influential in hotel operations and associations.
- Melissa Hilgers – Operations managers. Recognized for leadership in the local hospitality sector.
Curaçao
- Anuschka Cova – CEO, Curaçao Hotel & Tourism Association (CHATA). Leads the main tourism business association.
- Mimi Luttge – Chairperson, CHATA; General Manager, Lions Dive Beach Resort. Balances hotel operations with association leadership.
- Rick van der Pluijm – Member, CHATA; Active at TUI. Influences travel and visitor flows.
- Muryad de Bruin – Statutory Director, Curaçao Tourist Board. Oversees destination marketing and strategy.
- Jacqueline Sybrandy‑Held – Regional Manager North America, Curaçao Tourist Board. Manages promotion and partnerships in North America.
5. Events
- Caribbean Hotel Investment Conference & Operations Summit (CHICOS). A premier hospitality investment conference bringing together over 300 regional and international investors, operators, and decision-makers to discuss market trends and investment opportunities in the Caribbean.
- International Conference on Tourism & Leisure Studies. Exploring unique tourism practices, challenges, and innovations shaping the Caribbean and beyond.
- Taste of Bonaire. Helps to promote the annual event of the Tourism Corporation Bonaire (TCB) where visitors can taste and experience local cuisine.
6. Schools
- University of Aruba – Faculty of Hospitality & Tourism Management Studies (FHTMS). Offers a fully accredited 3-year Bachelor of Science in Hospitality & Tourism Management, taught in English.
- University of Curaçao (UoC) – International Hospitality & Tourism Management (IH&TM). A Bachelor of Applied Sciences program designed to fast-track careers into senior management positions in the hospitality and tourism sector.
7. Government
Aruba
- Ministry of Tourism, Public Health and Sports (MinTVS). This government ministry manages tourism policy, public health, and sports development. It is located at L.G. Smith Boulevard 76, Oranjestad, Aruba, and is led by Minister Danguillaume P. Oduber.
- Aruba Tourism Authority (ATA). ATA is the official tourism marketing organization, promoting Aruba globally and providing travel information and resources. They also manage the digital Embarkation and Disembarkation (ED) Card system for travelers.
- Aruba Health & Operational Protocols (AHOP). AHOP is a digital travel credential system developed by ATA and Immigration Aruba to manage traveler health data, including COVID-19 testing and vaccination status.
Bonaire
- Bonaire Island Government. As a public body of the Netherlands, Bonaire is governed by an island authority and the Dutch central government. This structure is similar to municipalities in the European Netherlands.
- Tourism Corporation Bonaire (TCB). TCB is the official tourism board, responsible for promoting Bonaire as a travel destination. They provide information and resources for visitors but do not offer subjective recommendations.
- Visitor Entry Tax. Since July 1, 2022, visitors to Bonaire are required to pay a $75 visitor entry tax per person, per visit. The funds support education, infrastructure, and sustainability initiatives on the island.
Curaçao
- Ministry of Economic Development (MEO). MEO directs sustainable economic development in Curaçao, aiming to enhance prosperity and competitiveness. The ministry focuses on diversifying the economy and attracting investments.
- Curaçao Tourist Board (CTB). CTB is the official organization responsible for promoting tourism in Curaçao. They develop strategies to enhance the island's appeal as a travel destination.
- Strategic Tourism Destination Development Plan (2022–2026). This plan outlines a framework for sustainable tourism development, focusing on resource allocation and destination management.
Looking for global independent strategic advice to grow in the hospitality ecosystem? Join our hospitality accelerator, 7-star experience network or contact us.