When Eco Destination Management Services (www.ecodms.com) debuted 20 years ago, Aruba’s tourism effort was in its infancy. Exxon had recently closed its Aruba refinery, the result of a faltering oil industry that led to an economic downturn. Tourism would be the key to Aruba’s revival.
In the early 1990s the Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort & Casino and Aruba Marriott Resort came onboard, and by the mid- to late-’90s the meetings and incentives market took off, according to Wichita Villacres, president and CEO of Eco DMS.
With Aruba’s infrastructure in place, Eco DMS began to expand by offering a wide range of programs.
“As a DMC, we do everything from meet-and-greet to activities for the individual or group,” Villacres says. “There is great snorkeling and horseback riding, kayaking, boating, and deep-sea fishing. The Caribbean waters are so beautiful, anytime you go out it’s amazing.”
A number of team-building opportunities take advantage of the outdoors, including the company’s popular Jeep rallies, during which participants are given clues that relate to the history and culture of the island. Signage on the roads bears the company’s name, while trails lead to attractions like gold mines, rock formations, caves, and historic homes.
“In advance, we give them the law of the land… if you get lost, ask an Aruban,” Villacres says.
Jeep rallies and tours can cover the entire island, which measures just 18 miles by 11 miles, and end with lunch.
Scavenger hunts on the beach can also be arranged, as can various sports such as volleyball and even human foosball, where the beach is the playing field.
The company also excels at evening events.
“We won an award for a program we did that put on a huge Carnival parade on the streets of Oranjestad,” Villacres says. “Locals loved it. There were 20,000 Arubans on the street enjoying Carnival one more time. There were dancers with great feathers, and costumes and local musicians and everyone dancing.”
Spa events are popular, too. Eco DMS can set up white leather sofas on the sand and provide chair massages and hot stone treatments. The spa setup is more in line with the company’s commitment to go green this year. Other green efforts include offering special menus using local foods and biodegradable products such as edible table centerpieces.
Taking its cue from the James Bond flick Casino Royale, casino nights are another good bet, with gaming tables brought in for cocktail receptions replete with Bond-style ladies.
The size and scope of the events are based on a client’s budget, according to Villacres.
“It depends how much fun the client wants to have.”
