Overtourism vs. Overtouristification: Where Does Aruba, Bonaire & Curacao Stand?

Tourism has long been the lifeblood of Aruba’s economy, bringing prosperity, job opportunities, and international recognition. However, as the industry continues to grow, it’s essential to ask: Are we experiencing overtourism, or have we entered a more profound transformation known as overtouristification?

At first glance, the two concepts may seem similar—they both describe the negative consequences of tourism on a destination. But, as Dr. Jorge R. Ridderstaat, Dr. Aarash Baktash, and Dr. Jianwen (Simon) Li of the University of Central Florida's Rosen College of Hospitality Management explain in their recent research (read it here), there is a crucial distinction between them.

Overtourism: When Visitor Numbers Overwhelm a Destination

According to Dr. Ridderstaat and his colleagues, over-tourism occurs when a destination receives more visitors than it can sustainably handle, leading to overcrowding, environmental strain, and a declining quality of life for residents. This is a numbers-driven issue: too many people in one place at one time.

Cities like Barcelona and Venice provide clear examples of overtourism, where locals struggle with congestion, noise pollution, and rising housing costs due to short-term rentals and mass tourism. The most apparent signs of overtourism include:

• Traffic congestion from excessive rental cars and tour buses.
• Overcrowded public spaces make it difficult for locals to enjoy their communities.
• Environmental degradation, such as damage to coral reefs, overuse of water resources, and pollution.
• Resident frustration as daily life becomes disrupted by an influx of visitors.

Aruba has experienced some of these challenges, particularly during peak tourism seasons. Traffic on our small island can become unbearable, our beaches feel overrun, and our natural areas - especially the coastline and Arikok National Park - suffer from environmental stress.

However, as Ridderstaat et al. emphasize, overtourism is just one part of the issue. Visitor numbers fluctuate, and some of these pressures can be mitigated with proper management. The genuine concern, they argue, is whether a destination moves from overtourism into overtouristification—a more profound, more permanent transformation that fundamentally alters the character of a place.

Overtouristification: When a Destination is Reshaped for Tourists

Unlike overtourism, which is about overcrowding, overtouristification is a long-term structural shift in which tourism begins to dominate every aspect of a destination’s economy, culture, and society. According to Dr. Ridderstaat and his colleagues, this occurs when:

• Housing prices skyrocket, making it nearly impossible for locals to afford homes in their communities.
• Businesses shift focus, catering exclusively to tourists rather than serving the needs of residents.
• Culture becomes a commodity, where traditions, festivals, and even daily life are staged primarily for visitors rather than being authentic expressions of local identity.
• Public spaces become privatized, with beaches, parks, and entire neighborhoods designed for tourists rather than residents.

The authors argue that the most significant danger of overtouristification is that it slowly erodes a place's soul. When an island like Aruba becomes overly focused on visitors’ needs, residents’ everyday lives can be marginalized. The result? A destination that, over time, loses its authenticity, pushing out locals and replacing them with an economy and culture that exists primarily for tourists.

Insights from "Are We Better Off Without Cruise Ships?"

In my article, "Are We Better Off Without Cruise Ships?" I explore the challenges that cruise tourism poses for Aruba. While cruise ships bring in large numbers of visitors, the impact is often more negative than positive. The issues include:

• The environmental degradation affects the coral reef, flora, and fauna, increasing pollution.
• The strain on local infrastructure is due to increased congestion in key areas.
• There are minimal economic benefits, as cruise passengers typically spend less per visit than stay-over tourists.

Aruba should reconsider its reliance on cruise tourism, especially in light of the long-term sustainability challenges it presents. This reconsideration aligns with tr. Ridderstaat and his colleagues’ concerns warn that if not adequately managed, mass tourism can gradually reshape an island’s economy and society to prioritize short-term profits over long-term sustainability.

Beyond Aruba: Lessons for Cura?ao and Bonaire

While this discussion is critical for Aruba, it is equally relevant for our sister islands, Cura?ao and Bonaire, as they continue to develop their tourism industries. Shouldn’t they be looking at how tourism has evolved in Aruba - both the successes and the challenges - to make informed decisions about their future?

Cura?ao’s cruise tourism appears to be growing, with 834,890 cruise passengers and 328 ship arrivals in 2024 -increases of 17.5% and 14.5%, respectively, compared to the previous year. The cruise ship arrivals in 2024 were 328 vessels - a 14.5% increase from the prior year.

According to InfoBonaire, Bonaire was also experiencing increased cruise activity, with a projected 214 cruise ship calls in 2024, potentially setting a record for the island. I have not been able to verify the exact number (yet).

As I discuss in "Why Aruba Should Consider Reducing Its Reliance on Cruise Ships,” overreliance on cruise tourism can be risky. While it provides short-term economic boosts, the long-term consequences may outweigh the benefits, mainly if it contributes to environmental damage and unsustainable urban development.

Cura?ao and Bonaire should take note. Should they be betting big on cruise tourism, or should they focus on more sustainable tourism models that bring long-term benefits? Instead of reacting later, they can proactively manage growth to avoid the negative side effects that Aruba is already grappling with.

About Dr. Jorge R. Ridderstaat

Dr. Jorge R. Ridderstaat is a native of Aruba and an expert in tourism economics. He is an Associate Professor at the University of Central Florida's Rosen College of Hospitality Management. Before joining academia, Dr. Ridderstaat worked for approximately 20 years at the Central Bank of Aruba, where he held positions ranging from economist to Manager of the Research Department. His extensive experience provides valuable insights into tourism’s economic and social impacts on small island economies like ours. See my comment on his 2008 publication.

Finding the Balance

According to Dr. Ridderstaat and his colleagues, avoiding overtouristification requires proactive policies that balance tourism growth with local well-being. Some strategies they suggest include:

• Protecting local housing affordability by regulating short-term rentals and ensuring that tourism-driven real estate development does not push out residents.
• Ensuring tourism revenue benefits local communities rather than just large corporations. Tourism should create opportunities for locals, not just profits for investors.
• Preserving cultural authenticity so that Aruba remains where locals feel at home - not just a carefully curated attraction for visitors.
• Regulating visitor numbers in environmentally sensitive areas to prevent long-term ecosystem damage.
• Encouraging diversified economic development so that the island is not overly dependent on tourism, reducing the risk of financial instability in times of crisis.

What Do You Think?

Tourism has been an undeniable source of prosperity for Aruba. However, as Dr. Ridderstaat, Li, and Baktash cautioned, unchecked growth can lead to long-term consequences that reshape a destination in ways that may not be reversible. Are we managing tourism in a way that ensures long-term sustainability? Or are we at risk of transforming into a place where visitors come first, and locals come second?

And for Cura?ao and Bonaire, should they take Aruba’s experience as a lesson on what to do and avoid? Should Cura?ao reconsider its growing cruise tourism before it’s too late? Should Bonaire, known for its sustainability efforts, be cautious of its record-breaking cruise ship arrivals?

Let’s continue the discussion. Share your thoughts, and don’t forget to check www.lincolngomez.com for more articles and podcasts on Aruba’s future. See you next week!