Aruba and the World Tourism Organization of the United Nations Announce International Happiness 360 Conference

ORANJESTAD, Aruba, June 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading up to World Tourism Day, the One happy island of Aruba will host Happiness 360 Conference World Tourism Aruba – an international symposium in partnership with the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Sept. 13-14, highlighting industry trends and synergies between tourism, culture and happiness.

"As the most tourism-reliant nation, relative to size, in the world, Aruba proactively remains attuned to industry trends – and is honored to organize a conference in which these impactful insights can be shared with tourism and culture stakeholders across the globe," said Otmar Oduber, Minister of Tourism, Transportation and Primary Sector and Culture.

"Tourism builds bridges among people and can be a catalyst for positive change. UNWTO is very pleased to partner with Aruba in organizing this event. We trust it will be an excellent occasion to discuss how tourism can be a driver of a more sustainable future for all," said UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai. 

World-renowned tourism experts and thought leaders from Harvard, Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association, World Community of Museums (ICOM), Aruba and other revered organizations are planning keynote speeches and breakout sessions on topics including, but not limited to*:

• What Makes a Good Life (trending TED Talk)
  • Speaker: Dr. Robert Waldinger, Harvard
• News Business Models
  • Speaker: April Rinne, Global Authority on the Sharing Economy
• Cultural and Natural Global Protection
  • Speaker: Dr. Anne-Catherine Robert-Hauglustaine, ICOM
• The Happiness Trend is your Friend
  • Speaker: Daniel Levine, Global Marketing Trends Expert
• Cruising to Happiness
  • Speakers: Michele Paige, FCCA
• Increase Competitiveness through Cultural Tourism
• Remarks on Tourism, Sustainability and Culture
  • Speakers: Secretary General UNWTO Taleb Rifai, Prime Minister of Aruba Mike Eman, Minister of Tourism, Transport, Primary Sector and Culture of Aruba Otmar Oduber and CEO of the Aruba Tourism Authority Ronella Tjin Asjoe-Croes

Happiness 360 Conference will primarily target international Ministries of Tourism and Ministries of Culture, National Tourism Organizations (NTOS), Destinations Management Organizations (DMOs), cultural and heritage managers, conservation experts and media.

"As the host of this important conference, Aruba's goal is to enrich participants through our stimulating line-up of speakers as well as through our dynamic on-island culture, influenced by more than 90 nationalities," said Ronella Tjin Asjoe-Croes, CEO of Aruba Tourism Authority. "We're confident and proud of the dynamic program we've developed in partnership with the UNWTO to accomplish both of these pursuits."

*For the complete list of keynote speakers and more information on Happiness 360 Conference World Tourism Aruba, visit happiness360conference.com.

About Aruba
As one of the most revisited destinations in the Caribbean, Aruba — One happy island — is an island of contradictions, where pristine turquoise waters collide against the desert-like terrain of the north shore; where peace and relaxation coexist with wild and rugged adventures; where Dutch influence meets American ease and where a diverse history parallels a bright future. Nestled in the southern Caribbean outside the fringes of the hurricane belt, the island is just a two-and-a-half-hour flight from Miami, a four-hour flight from New York City and boasts year-round cooling trade winds with an average 82-degree temperature. Aruba offers beach-lovers, adrenaline junkies, relaxation-seekers and everyone in between a slice of paradise with breathtaking beaches, a booming culinary scene of over 300 restaurants with 25+ located ideally on the water, world-famous festivals and events, exciting land and water activities, art galleries and museums, sumptuous spas, championship golf, exclusive shopping and signature experiences such as cooling off in Conchi, Aruba's natural pool— accessible only by foot or off-road vehicle. With all-inclusive options, boutique properties in charming Eagle Beach, high-rise branded resorts in Palm Beach and cosmopolitan city hotels in Oranjestad, the island of contradictions provides the perfect getaway for both first-time guests and loyal visitors.

About UNWTO
The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is the United Nations agency responsible for the promotion of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism. UNWTO's membership includes 157 countries, 6 Associate Members and over 500 Affiliate Members. www.unwto.org

For more information:  Marylin Feliciana, Branding Specialist [email protected] + (297) 582-3777 Ext. 264 Aruba Tourism Authority

SOURCE Aruba Tourism Authority