ORANJESTAD, Aruba -- Aruba posted a 4% increase in tourism in the
third quarter of 1998 compared to the same period in 1997,
according to the Economist Intelligence Unit's country report.
Visitor nights increased 6% and the hotel occupancy rose 9%.
Average hotel occupancy was 78%. "We are thrilled to see such
strong tourism numbers in Aruba during a time when overall tourism
in the Caribbean has been flat," said Adriaan Arends, director of
the Aruba Convention Bureau.
Aruba is expected to receive an additional boost from the U.S.
this year, following the launch in December of direct air service
between Philadelphia and Aruba on Air Aruba.