An interview with Jimmy Mijer, PR/Marketing for Arikok National Park in Aruba
Jimmy Mijer, PR/Marketing for Arikok National Park, in Aruba, takes time out of his busy schedule to speak to GTO magazine about plans for a new visitor centre at the site, and what groups can look forward to seeing here when it opens in early 2009.
Can you tell me a little about Arikok National Park and what attracts visitors to the area?
It took Aruba almost 30 years to get its National Park; the process started in the late 60s. Finally, in 1997, Arikok National Park was instituted in as a governmental organisation. Then, in 2003, Arikok National Park became a foundation in order to get European Union funding for large-scale projects. Within the park there are several historical sites – for instance, plantations where fruit and vegetables were grown, a cave and rock with Indian drawings and a gold mining complex that lies in ruins. You will also find three bays with sandy white beaches, four caves, 30 kilometres of hiking trails and a natural pool surrounded by volcanic rock formations.
What is the purpose of the visitor centre?
The new visitor’s complex is located at the main entrance of the park and its purpose is to give tourists an insight into the flora and fauna of Aruba and to provide geological and historical information about the island. In the visitors complex there will be a gift shop, cafeteria, library and auditorium, where visitors can watch documentaries about Aruba’s nature. Every three months there will also be changing exhibitions from local artists in the exhibition hall.
How much will it cost to build and when will it be opened to the public?
The building cost of the visitor’s complex is over £5 million and it is planned to be completed by March 2009. It will be officially opened to the public in July.
Can you tell me about the design of the visitor centre?
The visitor centre has a modern design; the roof is shaped in the form of a row of triangles. In the foundation of the structure there is a water basin to provide the auditorium with cool air. The basin will be cooled by the wind coming into the foundation, thus cooling the water. The cool air will go up into the auditorium; this is a natural air-conditioning system. When the building is finished it can be properly tested.
How will the visitor centre contribute to the conservation of the island’s flora and fauna?
By providing the necessary information about Aruba’s flora and fauna we hope to inspire the visitors of the park and the public of Aruba to be more conscious about their behaviour in and with nature. Aruba has endemic species that are endangered and need to be protected. Putting emphasis on conservation we hope that visitors can realise the importance of nature.
What will visitors be able to see at the visitor centre?
On opening, visitors will be able to see pictures of Aruba’s flora and fauna, documentaries made by the park, exhibitions by local artists and information about the flora, fauna and geology of Aruba.
How will the visitor centre improve the visitor experience?
Within the visitor centre our guests will receive information about some flora and fauna that would be difficult to see for real. The visitors can also buy souvenirs found only in the park.
What will be available for groups at the visitor centre?
Group organisers will have the opportunity to arrange park rangers to accompany your group on a number of hiking tours that start from the visitor’s complex. Within the centre there will also be rangers on hand to provide information to the guests.