Opportunities for MICE Groups in Aruba: GOL announces Aruba as its new exclusive international destination

GOL Linhas Aéreas, Brazil's largest airline, will add Aruba (AUA) as an international destination from São Paulo/Guarulhos (GRU) in December 2024. Flights will be direct, nonstop, with up to three weekly frequencies during the high summer season, with departures on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.

This new direct service represents a significant step forward for tourism in Aruba, a destination that is highly regarded by Brazilians due to its year-round warm climate, white sand beaches, and numerous recreational activities and crystal-clear waters. Aruba is located outside the hurricane belt, making it an ideal destination for families, groups of friends and couples seeking a romantic getaway.

In addition to being a perfect destination for leisure tourism, Aruba is positioned as an excellent option for the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) market. The island’s infrastructure, combined with easy access thanks to GOL’s new direct flights, offers an unparalleled opportunity for holding corporate events, conferences and incentive trips. Event organizers in Brazil can now consider Aruba as a strategic option for their activities, taking advantage of the unique environment that the island offers along with improved connectivity.

The flights will be operated with Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, which have capacity for 176 passengers in an international configuration. Brazilian citizens will not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days, but must present an international certificate of vaccination against yellow fever.

Ronella Croes, CEO of the Aruba Tourism Board, commented: “Aruba has been present in the Brazilian market since 1985 and has maintained a consistent presence since then, overcoming several challenges. In 2014, we reached a significant milestone with a record 24,733 Brazilian tourists visiting Aruba. We are delighted to introduce direct flights with GOL, scheduled to operate up to three times a week. With this new service, the Aruba Tourism Board anticipates an increase of approximately 50% in the number of Brazilian visitors by 2025, compared to 2023 projections.”

Mateus Pongeluppi, GOL’s Vice President of Strategy, highlighted that the new route reinforces GOL’s international expansion, bringing people closer to the region and contributing to the development of tourism and business travel. The news was also welcomed by Aruba’s Minister of Tourism and Public Health, Danguillaume Oduber, who gave a warm welcome to GOL, confident that the new connection will strengthen the tourism industry in Aruba.

Jo-Anne Meaux-Arends, Aviation Business Development Executive at Aruba Airport, expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership with GOL and highlighted that the new route will not only attract more Brazilian visitors, but will also facilitate connections to other important destinations, such as Buenos Aires, Argentina.

FREQUENCY AND TIMETABLES

High season: Between December 18, 2024 and March 9, 2025, and between June 30, 2025 and August 10, 2025, there will be 3 weekly flights (Monday, Wednesday and Saturday). Low
season: Between March 10, 2025 and April 27, 2025, and from August 11, 2025, there will be 2 weekly flights (Wednesday and Saturday). Between April 28, 2025 and June 29, 2025, there will be 1 weekly flight (Saturday).

With this new route, Aruba not only expands its accessibility from Brazil, but also reinforces its position as a top tourist destination in the Caribbean. The collaboration with GOL Linhas Aéreas will open up new opportunities for cultural and economic exchange and is expected to significantly boost the flow of tourists and business between Aruba and Brazil.

Fonte: Aruba Tourism Authority