Oranjestad, Aruba – October 2024
In a recent interview with Paloma Tromp, CEO Ronella Croes of the Aruba Tourism Authority (ATA) discussed the success of the Authentico event, a significant milestone in Aruba’s quest to become a leading culinary destination. The two-week festival brought together local and international chefs, mixologists, bartenders, as well as press and influencers from around the world. The goal was to showcase Aruba’s authentic culinary identity while creating a platform for international collaboration.
According to Croes, Aruba’s diverse culinary scene, shaped by the mix of nationalities on the island, is a distinguishing factor compared to other Caribbean destinations. “At the ATA, we wanted to hone in deeper into the concept of culinary and see what would make Aruba stand out. What would be the attributes that we need to highlight as part of any strategy that we launch internationally to position Aruba in the culinary world?” she explained. This vision led to the creation of Authentico, a festival that celebrates authenticity in all forms, from traditional Aruban dishes to international cuisines.
Croes emphasized that Authentico is not only about positioning Aruba on the culinary map but also about fostering local talent. Culinary students and young chefs were given the opportunity to work closely with international experts, assisting them in competitions and gaining hands-on experience. “We are happy to say that they are participating in several competitions, assisting chefs and getting the experience firsthand. We hope that they were able to gain a new perspective on what it means and what opportunities exist in the world of culinary arts,” Croes stated.
The long-term goals of the event are ambitious. Croes mentioned that Authentico is not a one-time event but part of a broader strategy to enhance Aruba’s status as a culinary capital in the region. “Through this event, we want to showcase Aruba on a bigger platform… not only to showcase the capital of the food and the many options in this area, but also the history in this area,” she said. This year’s event attracted international chefs and press, and Croes expects the international presence to grow in the coming years. She hinted at even larger international promotion for the second edition of Authentico.
As the festival came to a close, Croes expressed her gratitude to the many partners, vendors, and volunteers who contributed to the success of Authentico. “We are certainly grateful to those who decided to join the event, but also to all of the vendors, partners, stakeholders, and not to forget the amazing team at the ATA,” she added.
The interview, conducted by Paloma Tromp, highlighted that the success of Authentico this year has set the foundation for an even larger event next year, with hopes of attracting more visitors and further enhancing Aruba’s culinary reputation. With a blend of local authenticity and international flair, Aruba is on its way to becoming a culinary hotspot in the Caribbean.
