How One Happy Island became a top destination
Tourism is the backbone of Aruba's economy. In 2025 the island welcomed about 1.5 million stayover visitors, 6.6 per cent more than the year before, and a record 970,803 cruise passengers.
Most visitors come from North America (almost 78 per cent in 2025), and Aruba is known for its exceptionally high number of repeat visitors.
A short history of tourism
- 1947: the first Aruba Tourist Commission is founded.
- 1959: the first luxury resort opens, today the Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort
- 1985: after the closure of the Lago refinery, tourism becomes the main pillar of the economy.
- 2024: a Sustainability Fee for visitors is introduced to protect nature and the island.
Good to know
- Stayover visitors 2025: about 1.5 million
- Cruise passengers 2025: 970,803 (record)
- Main market: North America
- Aruba Tourism Authority: aruba.com
Information on this page can change over time, so check official sources for the latest details.
See also: more about Aruba.
Last updated: September 2026.
