NEW YORK — The Aruba Tourism Authority (ATA) and the Aruba Hotel & Tourism Association (AHATA) are gearing up for the summer season with the launch of the Travel Agent Months (TRAM) program taking place now through Dec. 15.

The TRAM program is complimented by the introduction of a redesigned travel agent website which offers information on Aruba’s latest news, events and island developments. The newly-revamped website follows the ‘90,000 friends you haven’t met’ tagline and features updated information on Aruba product developments for travel agents, various must-do programs for visitors, Aruba Certified Expert (ACE) information and a separate micro-site for ACE members.

Recognizing travel professionals and their efforts to sell the destination to vacationers, the TRAM program was created to offer participants the opportunity to experience Aruba first-hand, and is open to travel agents and ACE agents who are qualified for eligibility. Participants will receive multiple nights at an assortment of hotels and resorts island-wide, many of which have recently undergone renovations.

“Travel professionals are a valuable resource when it comes to selling Aruba to travellers. We want to make sure that agents have the tools needed to do so, and experiencing all Aruba has to offer firsthand is vital,” says Geraldine Coutinho, area director North America for the Aruba Tourism Authority. “We strive to make the TRAM program easy, affordable and enjoyable, and we hope that travel agents will continue to take advantage of this tried-and-true program.”

The TRAM program allows agents to visit Aruba with a companion and consists of two offerings (based on availability and on European Plan pricing – meaning room only, with breakfast not included - unless otherwise noted) including:

• A maximum of six nights (three at a high-rise hotel, three at a low-rise hotel) at a fixed cost of US$390 for travel agents and ACE agents at $270;
• A minimum of four nights (two at a high-rise hotel, two at a low-rise hotel) at a fixed cost of $260 for travel agents and ACE agents at $180.

Additional options include:

• Three complimentary nights at choice hotel, either high or low rise hotel and three nights at a discounted rate at the same hotel of choice.
• Two complimentary nights at choice hotel, either high or low rise hotel and two nights at discounted rate for same choice hotel.
• Complimentary roundtrip ground transfers for visiting agents and their companions are provided courtesy of De Palm Tours upon arrival and departure in Aruba. Air travel is not included.

Participating hotels include: (High-Rise) Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino, Holiday Inn Sunspree Aruba Beach Resort, Hyatt Regency Resort & Casino, Occidental Grand Aruba, Radisson Aruba Resort & Casino, Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino, Westin Aruba Resort; (Low-Rise) Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort, Aruba Resort & Casino at Eagle Beach, Bucuti Beach Resort Aruba, The Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba, Brickell Bay Beach Club, Divi Aruba Beach Resort, Divi Aruba Phoenix, Divi Dutch Village, Divi Village Golf & Beach, Manchebo Beach Resort & Spa, The Mill Resorts & Suites, MVC Eagle Beach Aruba, Talk of the Town and Tierra Del Sol Resort.

Aruba’s ACE agents receive the added bonus of discounts when signing up for the TRAM program. ACE agents are Aruba’s destination specialists and the island is dedicated to continuing to educate and nurture this group of productive travel providers by offering a variety of benefits like cash back bonuses, marketing support and more. For more information on becoming an Aruba ACE agent, visit http://agents.aruba.com. For more information about vacations in Aruba, visit www.ARUBA.com or call 1.800.TO.ARUBA.