Aruba and UNWTO announce International Happiness 360 Conference

ORANJESTAD, Aruba – Leading up to International World Tourism Day, the One happy island of Aruba will host Happiness 360 Conference World Tourism Aruba – an international symposium in partnership with the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), September 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.

World-renowned tourism experts and thought leaders from Harvard, Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association, World Community of Museums (ICOM), United Nations, 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)
o Speaker: Dr. Robert Waldinger, Harvard

• Future of Alternative Accommodations/Sharing Economy
o Speaker: April Rinne, World Economic Forum

• Cultural and Natural Global Protection
o Speaker: Dr. Anne-Catherine Robert-Hauglustaine, ICOM

• The Happiness Trend is your Friend
o Speaker: Daniel Levine, Global Marketing Trends Expert

• Strategies to Attract Attention of Cruise Lines
o Speakers: Michele Paige, FCCA; Aquila Center for Cruise Excellence

• Increase Competitiveness through Cultural Tourism
o Speaker: TBD

• Remarks on Tourism, Sustainability and Culture
o Speakers: Otmar Oduber, Aruba Minister of Tourism, Transport, Primary Sector and Culture; Mike Eman, Aruba Prime Minister; Ronella Tjin Asjoe-Croes, CEO of Aruba Tourism Authority; Taleb Rifai, Secretary General of UNTWO

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 UNTWO to accomplish both of these pursuits.”