Aruba: It all started with lunch...

It was several months ago that I first met Aruba’s Minister of Tourism, Otmar E. Oduber. Over a delicious lunch of scrumptious seafood and farm fresh salads, I experienced first hand the newly appointed Ministers passion and boundless energy for transforming Aruba.

A plan that included showcasing everything this Island paradise had to offer; the friendly locals, the laid back lifestyle and the tropical climate mixed with cultural and culinary events that would see visitors return year after year. Through his formal speech and more interestingly, over an informal meal I was able to catch a glimpse of the innovative and ambitious initiatives he had envisaged for the island he so loves.

Apart from world class music festivals, the first Aruba International Film Festival was an event he was proud to announce at that day’s luncheon. As I said a tentative yes to attending, it was somewhat surreal to find myself among the palm trees seated with other international journalists to see the many days, months and years of planning come to fruition with great success.