by Jen Mallia
Last updated: 12:20 PM ET, Fri April 11, 2025
The love affair between Canada and Aruba is long standing. According to the Government of Canada, tourism is the most important sector in the Aruban economy. In 2023, approximately 63,300 Canadians visited Aruba, making Canada the second largest tourist market (in terms of arrivals) for the island.
Educating clients on opportunities to give back in Aruba ties in perfectly with travellers’ increasing interest in responsible and regenerative travel. It aligns with The Aruba Promise, the island’s commitment to responsible tourism. The pledge invites visitors to adopt a guest mindset, travel mindfully, support local communities and help preserve Aruba’s culture and natural heritage. The Aruba Tourism Authority has collected some opportunities for tourists to give back:
Aruba Doet
From May 16-17, CEDE Aruba will hold the 13th edition of Aruba Doet. This is an opportunity for social organizations to complete community work with the helping hands of volunteers. It’s one of the largest volunteer events in the Caribbean and welcomes participants from everywhere to join the local community. Projects include:
- Beach and nature cleanups
- Mural paintings
- Gardening
- Decorating
- Renovating/building
Do-Good Program at Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba
The Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba has a multi-pronged Do-Good program to inspire guests to give back to the community. There are opportunities to donate, work with rescue dogs and contribute to green initiatives, including:
Beach Cleanup: The hotel hosts a “Bucket Challenge” where guests are encouraged to take a bucket from the hotel’s bucket station and fill it up with trash littered on the beach. Guests can post a picture of their bucket on social media using #Boardwalkbucketchallange. Hotel staff then recycle the collected trash, helping to keep the beach pristine.
Donate a Crate!: Guests can choose from three crate options to add to their bill: Baby, Hygiene or Food. Boardwalk will purchase these items and deliver them to the local food bank, Fundacion pa nos comunidad (FPNC). Guests can also make a monetary donation to support Aruba's local food bank by adding it to their bill.
Environmental Volunteering at Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort
The Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort encourages interested guests to get involved with its sustainable and environmental initiatives to help keep Aruba green. The hotel participates in Pack with a Purpose, has a low-carbon footprint vegan menu available, and hosts regular events, including:
Monthly Beach Clean-up: Each month, guests are invited to team up with Bucuti Associates for the resort’s traditional beach clean-up. The volunteer initiative helps keep the beach pristine and free of debris that can negatively impact endangered Leatherback sea turtles, flora and fauna on land, and marine life just off the coast.
The Bucuti Tara - GMC Nature Preserve: The Bucuti Tara - GMC Nature Preserve is a protected 30-acre stretch in the heart of busy Noord where guests are invited to join community members and people from the non-profit Ban Lanta y Planta organization to help with planting and work towards reforesting the area.
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