AHATA Environmental Committee
AHATA’s Environmental Committee has been active for approximately 30 years. It brings together representatives from member companies who combine their knowledge and experience to address environmental and sustainability matters. The committee exchanges ideas, identifies needs, and develops practical initiatives and resources that can be shared with all AHATA members. Through this work, it promotes more sustainable practices, supports employee well-being, and helps build a tourism industry that is better prepared for the future.
Environmental Committee Members
- Vanessa Rasmussen - AHATA
- Ryan Bareño - Marriott Aruba Complex
- Crescenzia Biemans - Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort
- Anoushka De Cuba - Eagle Aruba Resort
- Sandy Ras - La Cabana Beach Resort & Casino
- Stephanie Rooijakkers - Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba
- Jareth Vermeulen - JOIA Aruba by Iberostar
- Aurelia Croes - Barceló Aruba
- Eleomar Mateo - Aruba Airport Authority
- Miriam van de Plassche - De Palm Tours
In 2001 AHATA founded the Aruba Hospitality & Security Foundation (AHSF) with the strategic assistance of the Aruba Police Department, with the purpose to address safety and security in tourism.
Our mission is to consistently develop facilitate strategic hospitality and security initiatives through sustainable partnerships in the public and private sectors that are designed to keep Aruba safe, secure and environmentally friendly.
The first project was to develop a “Visibility Team” to patrol the hotel area, consisting of members of the police force, civil police officers, and private security officers.
Eventually, the AHSF transitioned from staff support to material support, by purchasing equipment for police mobility and patrolling on land and at sea, such as boats, wave-runners, vehicles and quad-racers. As of 2019, AHSF has placed a renewed emphasis on security training and increased security visibility in the Eagle and Palm Beach areas.
The budget is currently funded by the Aruba Tourism Authority, from accommodation taxes collected from visitors to the island. As security continues to play an important role for tourists choosing a travel destination, safety has stepped up in the ladder in importance. In Aruba, AHSF “marries hospitality + security” to provide tourists, neighbors and citizens with a great place to visit and live.
AHSF Board Members
- Ben Figaroa - Chairperson (AHATA)
- Carlos Tapias - Treasurer (Commerce)
- Dylan Molina – Secretary (AHATA)
- Johnny Kock - Security Committee (AHATA)
- Irma Gordon – Justice (KPA)
- Patrick Melchiors – Director (ATA)
- Pedro Vargas – Director (ATSA)
The AHATA Casino Committee represents the casino members in advocacy efforts.
Casino Members
- The Casino @ Ritz Carlton - Sheneida Wanga
- The Casino @ Hilton - Marc Charley
- Wind Creek Crystal Casino - Jose (Glenn) Wever
- Wind Creek Seaport Casino - Queta Werleman
- Stellaris Casino - Ben Figaroa
- Glitz Casino - David Odor
- The Casino @ Hyatt - Ricky Tromp
- Alhambra Casino - Johannes J. M. ten Howe
- Orchid Casino - Urban (Lino) Croes
