ABOUT AUTHENTIC ARUBA
Aruba, Shared by Locals
Meet the entrepreneurs, guides and storytellers who welcome you into the Aruba they know and love.
WHY WE ARE HERE
Built for Local Entrepreneurs
Authentic Aruba exists to help local entrepreneurs be seen, discovered and supported by the visitors who come to experience their home.
Aruba’s small businesses create the flavors, stories, adventures and genuine hospitality that make the island unforgettable. Yet many work with limited marketing resources while competing for attention alongside large tourism companies and international brands.
As part of HAMAK Hospitality, we give locally owned businesses a stronger platform through thoughtful storytelling, greater visibility and meaningful connections with visitors and travel professionals before they arrive on the island.
Guests connect and book directly with each operator. That means every experience can create a more personal visit while helping tourism spending support local businesses, local families and the future of Aruba’s community.
For groups and travel professionals, we also collaborate with qualified local destination management companies and group travel operators to build thoughtfully curated itineraries rooted in authentic Aruban experiences.
MEET HARISH MADURO
Connecting People and Place
Born and raised in Aruba, Harish brings more than twenty years of experience across tourism, sailing and island experiences, including work with some of Aruba's leading operators.
As Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at HAMAK Hospitality, Harish develops relationships across Aruba, the Hudson Valley, Europe and the United States. His work connects local businesses with travel professionals, partners and audiences who value the people behind a destination.
Through HAMAK Hospitality family of brands he brings together the people, places and locally rooted experiences that make each destination feel personal and worth remembering.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Know Authentic Aruba
What is Authentic Aruba?
Authentic Aruba connects visitors and travel professionals with locally owned experiences, accommodations, local stories and opportunities to experience island living. We introduce you to the entrepreneurs, makers, guides, hosts and hospitality businesses that bring Aruba to life.
What kinds of experiences do you feature?
Our growing collection includes sailing, island tours, food and beverage experiences, locally made spirits, cigars, cultural activities and other experiences shaped by Aruba's people and traditions. We also feature accommodations and opportunities for visitors seeking a deeper connection with island life.
Do you feature accommodations in Aruba?
Yes. Authentic Aruba can feature all types of accommodations, including locally owned hotels, resorts, boutique properties, vacation rentals and distinctive island stays. Visitors are directed to the accommodation provider or approved booking partner to confirm availability and make reservations.
Can I book an experience or accommodation through Authentic Aruba?
Authentic Aruba does not process bookings directly. When you find an experience or place to stay, we connect you with the local operator, accommodation provider or approved booking partner. Availability, pricing, payments and booking policies are managed by the business providing the service.
Does Authentic Aruba create customized group itineraries?
Yes. We help develop thoughtfully curated group itineraries that may include local experiences, accommodations, transportation and hospitality services. When additional destination services are required, we collaborate with qualified local destination management companies and group travel operators.
Do you work with travel advisors, tour operators and group planners?
Yes. We work with travel advisors, tour operators, group planners and other travel professionals seeking locally rooted Aruba experiences and accommodations. We can assist with partner introductions, itinerary ideas, group inquiries and access to available sales materials.
What is Local Living?
Local Living introduces opportunities for visitors who want a deeper or more lasting connection with Aruba. This may include vacation rentals, extended stays and selected real estate opportunities.
How does Authentic Aruba support local entrepreneurs?
We help local entrepreneurs and hospitality businesses reach visitors and travel professionals before they arrive in Aruba.
Who is behind Authentic Aruba?
Authentic Aruba is led by Harish Maduro, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at HAMAK Hospitality. Born and raised in Aruba, Harish brings more than twenty years of tourism experience spanning sailing, excursions and destination experiences.
Is Authentic Aruba part of HAMAK Hospitality?
Yes. Authentic Aruba is part of the HAMAK Hospitality family of brands. HAMAK Hospitality provides tourism representation, strategic partnerships, sales, marketing, business development and international product and brand partnership services. The company helps tourism and hospitality businesses strengthen their market presence, connect with travel professionals and reach visitors before they arrive at a destination. Learn more about HAMAK Hospitality's international product and brand partnerships.
How can an Aruba business become a partner?
Locally owned experiences, accommodation providers, tourism businesses, makers and hospitality entrepreneurs can apply through HAMAK Hospitality's partnership program. We look for partners who value quality, genuine hospitality, responsible tourism and meaningful connections with visitors. Learn about becoming a partner.
Why choose locally owned Aruba experiences and accommodations?
Choosing locally owned businesses creates a more personal connection with Aruba. It also helps more tourism spending remain within the community by supporting local businesses, jobs, families and future opportunities.
What does responsible tourism mean to Authentic Aruba?
For us, responsible tourism means enjoying Aruba with respect for its people, culture and environment. It means choosing local experiences and accommodations, listening to local perspectives and remembering that the island you came to explore is also someone's home.