Aruba Tourism Authority Has Islanders Starring in Videos Playing up ‘Authentic Aruba’

Aruba is a global tourism destination, an island paradise, but to really know any place beyond the tourist traps, you need to talk with the locals. That’s the idea behind the new North American campaign for the destination, ‘Authentic Aruba.’

Just in time for World Tourism Day (September 27), a new campaign for the Aruba Tourism Authority from Concept Farm highlights one of the destinations’ strongest reasons for visiting – its warm and sunny people. The integrated campaign features dozens of Arubans, making a human connection between “One happy island” and its visitors. The centerpiece features six niche-focused landing pages “hosted” by a different Aruban local – matching audience interests with the activities Aruba offers.

Hear from Lilian, who loves her island for the warmth and romance. Learn about the elaborate Carnival costumes from Irina or ask for a beer in the local Papiamento from Frank, or listen to the local music with a primer by Sergio.

Culture, culinary and romance are part of the new push, following the wellness, adventure and family niches. Content includes short, medium and long format videos, GIFs and interactive content across TV, digital, social, native, influencers, print, OOH and trade shows.

“Local storytelling stimulates experiential travel and on-island spend. With Concept Farm’s help, we have unlocked our biggest asset – and one of our best marketing tools: The Aruban people,” said Ronella Tjin Asjoe-Croes, chief executive officer of Aruba Tourism Authority. “Our goal is to innovate sustainably and increase value in tourism and this flows naturally from engaging our Aruban community with tourism.”

In addition, the campaign will be featured in an installation throughout the Metro North platforms at Grand Central Station in November, including more than 140 panels featuring a sweepstakes to win a trip to Aruba with a stay at the Ritz Carlton. The installation is specifically tailored to the environment using headlines such as “Take the Express to Local Aruba,” and “Take a paddle board not a train,” among others.

John Speers, strategy and client director at Concept Farm said: “We needed to do more than just present activities in a beautiful setting. We needed to highlight the uniqueness of Aruba’s wonderful people and awe-inspiring place. The storytelling drives real emotional engagement and conversion. Our process for this is called the ‘Brand Being,’ which unearths the human essence of a destination.”

Concept Farm’s work for Aruba has led to record-setting visitation increases over the last five years with a 10% increase in 2017 alone. North American visitation has grown to nearly 700,000 per year and Aruba has set the pace for the Caribbean with nearly 85% hotel occupancy rates.

See official release.

One Happy Island: Authentic Aruba by Concept Farm
Aruba Tourism Authority Campaign by Concept Farm - 09/2018