ORANJESTAD — Within another two years, Aruba will have a second five-star hotel with 250 rooms, says Tierra del Sol, who is currently negotiating with the government.
NEWS ARTICLE TAKEN FROM WWW.AMIGOE.COM
The luxurious hotel will be constructed on the terrain of the golf course alongside Arashi.
From the answers of Minister of Infrastructure, Environment and Integration, Benny Sevinger (AVP) on States-questions from AVP State-member Juan David Yrausquin earlier this week, it appeared that the long lease agreement for this terrain had expired.
However, director of Tierra del Sol, Bas van den Nieuwenhuijzen states that they are still negotiating with the government on the terrain for the construction of the hotel. He is namely of the opinion that the golf resort is entitled to the parcel.
In May 2007, this newspaper had already reported on the plans from Tierra del Sol to build a five-start hotel behind the Arashi beach.
The country Aruba still owns the terrain measuring 100,000 square meters. Due to a clause in the long lease agreement concluded in 1994, the country is naturally obligated to transfer the terrain to Tierra del Sol. Van den Nieuwenhuijzen: "The parcel at Arashi had already belonged to the master plan of Tierra del Sol right from the beginning. However, there had been a difference of opinion with the Luidens heirs on that terrain, which is why it had not been granted to Tierra del Sol at the time. Nevertheless, it had been agreed upon at that time, that if the terrain became available, it would only be granted to us. The government has no choice in this matter."
Expanding the beach
Van den Nieuwenhuijzen says he is aware of the current discussion on the construction of new hotels on the island, access to public beaches by the local population and the pressure on the environment. "I am very fond of this island and I also want to preserve this for the future of my children. Nevertheless, I still believe that the island’s economy will benefit from the construction of a five-star hotel."
First of all, a difference is made regarding the size of the terrain, according to him. "The island will receive the same number of rooms spread over a larger terrain, which will reduce the impact." The guests will also use the Arashi-beach, but Van den Nieuwenhuijzen emphasizes that it will remain accessible for the public whatever the cost. "We actually want to expand the beach up to about 800 meters lengthwise so that everyone can continue to use it, and camp there every year, just like they do now." The director of Tierra del Sol indicates that the government is cooperating, but is also critically viewing the project critically. "They strongly urge to keep the beach open for the public and to consider the impact on flora and fauna. If we do not comply with this, then it’s over and done with as far as they are concerned."
NEWS ARTICLE TAKEN FROM WWW.AMIGOE.COM
Van den Nieuwenhuijzen says he is aware of the current discussion on the construction of new hotels on the island, access to public beaches by the local population and the pressure on the environment. "I am very fond of this island and I also want to preserve this for the future of my children. Nevertheless, I still believe that the island’s economy will benefit from the construction of a five-star hotel."First of all, a difference is made regarding the size of the terrain, according to him. "The island will receive the same number of rooms spread over a larger terrain, which will reduce the impact." The guests will also use the Arashi-beach, but Van den Nieuwenhuijzen emphasizes that it will remain accessible for the public whatever the cost. "We actually want to expand the beach up to about 800 meters lengthwise so that everyone can continue to use it, and camp there every year, just like they do now." The director of Tierra del Sol indicates that the government is cooperating, but is also critically viewing the project critically. "They strongly urge to keep the beach open for the public and to consider the impact on flora and fauna. If we do not comply with this, then it’s over and done with as far as they are concerned."