Aruba Travel/Tourism & Legacy of Natalee Holloway: “I Would not step foot on the Dutch island” … The Voice of the People Boycotting Aruba

Below is a rather interesting editorial regarding Aruba and why one person chooses never to vacation there. This person states many reasons why they would not travel to Aruba. That is what Aruba has missed in this entire sorted event. No amount of marketing changes one’s opinion or perception. Few times does anyone get a second chance to make a first impression. Aruba has had many chances and failed miserably every time.

Being a victim of a crime or losing a loved one is bad enough. However, when the very island (Aruba) where one would spend their hard earned money on a vacation blame you for the disappearance of your loved one and treats a victim like a suspect , one should take pause to put that location at the top of the list of places never to travel to.

Aruba has been told over and over that the boycott on their island is like no other. It is not an official boycott declared by a country or a state. In many ways its worse. Its a grass roots movement done by John Q. Public, “We the People”. Aruba has become synonymous with missing persons stories, not because of the number of ones that occur but because of the manner in how they went about solving the disappearance of Natalee Holloway.  Hey Aruba, ever heard of Scotch Tape? Its not a product, it’s a brand … Aruba, you have been branded.

Editorial: Desire’e Larson, Fargo, Letter: Would not step foot on the Dutch island

In regards to The Forum’s travel section Jan. 20 on Aruba:

I am sorry to say that when I am looking for a place to vacation, it will not be Aruba/the Dutch island. Sure, it is warm and tropical but after the Natalee Holloway fiasco, I would not step foot in this country no matter how beautiful or warm it is.

Aruba is one of the hot spots for human trafficking. Child prostitution in Aruba has increased in the past five years from 4,000 to 15,000 children. I would not feel safe taking my two teenage daughters to a country that does not care about children and does little to stop sex crimes involving children. (Legal Prostitution in Aruba and Escort Services advertised in  free Tourist news papers delivered to the hotels)

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This country wants to lower the age of youth/adult consent from 16 to 12 years old so pedophiles have even greater access to children. I realize that our own country as well as others exploit children; however, Aruba has chosen to look the other way. CNN reported that Aruba has a dark side, “an island ruled by Colombian drugs  (And HERE) and Latin prostitutes.” (One might include mob ties as well)

“A magnificent washing-machine is sold here, its trademark is Aruba. The machine is an Aruban-Colombian product, its model called Cartel. The brand is well-known for its good performance in the United States and Europe. It is recommended by former ministers, members of Parliament, owners of casinos, supermarkets, cosmetics manufacturers and importers of cars and batteries. The washing-machine fits everybody who has become inexplicably rich from one day to another”.

Does this sound like a great place to vacation? Countless individuals such as the governor of Alabama and even Dr. Phil have chosen to boycott Aruba. Add my name to that list. Maybe if their tourism dollars suffer, they will look closer at their lack of human rights involving children. If you ever get a chance, watch the documentary, “Human Trafficking” on Lifetime.

I will be much more careful with my girls in foreign countries. Many girls in particular have been snatched while on vacation. I am not willing to take that chance by going to Aruba.