Aruba is more than just picture perfect beaches, beautiful weather and an oasis of relaxation. It’s now one of the best places in the world to hold a business meeting, convention or other corporate function. Why? The U.S. Treasury Department announced that the United States and Aruba signed the Tax Information Exchange Agreement (TIEA) between the two countries. How would this be of interest to event and meeting planners? Because conducting meetings on Aruba will now be exactly like having meetings in the United States, in terms of tax benefits. That’s right; U.S. taxpayers can claim tax deductions for all expenses associated with meetings, seminars and conventions held in Aruba. As a result, Aruba now becomes the ninth significant offshore financial center to sign such an agreement with the United States.

So, why did this agreement happen in the first place? Well, besides the economic benefit that Aruba will no doubt enjoy from the increased business, there are a few other good reasons:

• It’s an example of goodwill between the U.S. and Aruba

• Helps to ensure that no safe haven exists for funds associated with illicit activities, including terrorism, money laundering and tax evasion.

• Serves as a pledge to maintain the confidence of honest taxpayers, and the fairness of the tax systems in the two countries’ dealings.

“Aruba is extremely optimistic about the Tax Information Exchange Agreement with the United States and the fact that for tax purposes, having a meeting in Aruba is now just as easy as one in United States,” said Minister of Tourism and Transportation Edison Briesen. “We hope that the TIEA and the availability of brand-new tax incentives for the group and meetings/incentives markets will make Aruba even more of a desirable destination.”

Why Else Should You Plan Your Next Business Function in Aruba?

• Many great hotels and resorts, offering every amenity needed, including:

o High Speed Internet Access
o Professional Event Management Teams
o 22,000 square foot Convention Center
o Business Equipment
o Meeting Equipment
o AV equipment
o Decorating

• Renaissance Island, a 40-acre private island for business events

• The Island boasts an average temperature of 82 degrees Fahrenheit, is pleasantly cooled by the near constant trade winds and receives very little rain.

• Easy customs process: Some say its like they weren’t entering a foreign country

• Lots of entertainment, dining and Casino choices

• World class golf at Tierra del Sol: An 18-hole championship course, designed by the world-renowned Robert Trent Jones, Jr

• The North Shore: Check out the interesting and undeveloped moonscape of Aruba’s north shore. It’s a great place for four-wheel-drive vehicles.

• Oranjestad for great shopping, including emeralds!

• Incredible Dining! Aruba has a distinct culinary power

• The U.S. dollar is accepted everywhere, and English is spoken universally

The Final Word

If you’re a meeting or event planner, Aruba definitely needs to be highly considered. Where else can you enjoy all the diverse experiences of an island paradise and then receive tax benefits as well? If one thing is true, it’s that Aruba has a dizzying array of things to do: the action is nonstop both day and night.

When is the time to come to Aruba? Anytime! The temperature is relatively constant and there is no point in the year that regularly receives inclement weather. While the high season spans from January through March, expect to find lighter crowds and exceptional deals on lodging from April through December.

This article was written by Jon Wuebben. Jon writes select pieces about travel in Aruba for the Aruba Renaissance Resort

What is the standard as far as tipping goes at an all-inclusive? Do it or is it figured in the price?

To answer this question directly, all tips are included in the price at all-inclusive resorts, so there is no need to carry money around with you. The best all-inclusives go even further, they advertise that tipping is forbidden.

We have frequently stayed at some resorts in Mexico where the tipping is included and the staff never ask for tips. The resort had a staff member assigned to us that made sure we were taken care of. The guy assigned to us did such a good job we would slip him $5 once in a while. When we got better service then we felt we should we tipped.

Tips should not be given to workers at all-inclusive resorts. Indeed, it can be argued that people who do give tips are undermining the system. The workers at these resorts certainly know that tipping is not customary, but if it becomes a regular practice then it spoils it for everyone else. Moreover, you will be putting the worker’s job in jeopardy if you offer a tip, so it is safer not to offer the temptation.

Many of the all-inclusive resorts have their employees sign contracts that forbid them from accepting tips. If they are caught accepting one, they are fired on the spot. I would be careful handing one to an employee knowing that he or she might be fired.

One of the reasons I personally do not like resorts that are only partially all-inclusive — meaning that they offer regular hotel packages in addition to all-inclusive packages — is that there is confusion over tipping at these resorts. When the workers do not know who is on the all-inclusive plan and who is not, they seem to angle for tips to everyone.

Father’s Day is approaching fast. In the USA it falls on the third Sunday of June which this year is June 19th 2005. So if you start planning now, you still have time left to come up with the ideal gift for your Dad. And don’t forget that Father’s Day is the perfect day to honor other important men-folk in your life, not just your Dad. So don’t forget your husband, your grandfather, your father-in-law, or a favorite uncle.

Some people seem to think that selecting a gift for Father’s Day is easy as Dads will be happy with just about anything, irrespective of whether they will actually use the gift, or even remember the actual gift. It is felt that they just appreciate the ritual of being given a gift and being remembered. But if you are already going to the trouble of buying a gift for your Dad, then why not spend a little thought and planning now, and buy a gift that will be truly appreciated and remembered. Try to think what he is interested in, what are his likes, dislikes and needs and what is your relationship with your Dad.

Before your start shopping, think about how much your budget will allow and then make sure that you buy the best that you can afford. Stay away from mass produced items, and look for the more original and individual high quality hand-crafted.

Does dad spend a lot of time in his office? Consider some original artwork for the walls, or a luxurious executive desk set or executive toy. Or, if he spends a lot of time traveling, then consider something that will help pass the time for him, such as the latest bestseller on CD or or some of his favorite music. Do you want to spend more “quality time” with your dad? Then how about a game you can play together for years to come - you can find all sorts of hand-crafted chess sets these days and one of them is bound to match his interests. Maybe the man in your life needs to indulge himself more - so how about some healing bath and body products from the Dead Sea, with their unique minerals that will not only benefit skin and hair, but will make him feel healthier as well.

If you can’t find the time to go shopping, or you need to broaden the choice of gifts that are available locally, then shopping for gifts online is ideal for you. Don’t delay and order now, and save on shipping charges. If you leave it to the last minute, it is usually much more costly and can be stressful as well. If you dad lives far away then have the gift shipped directly to him, but don’t forget to give him a call as well on the day to tell him that you love and appreciate him.

Janice Kaye is the operator of Biblical-Gifts.Com, an online shop that specializes in exclusive hand-crafted products, made out of flowers & fruits grown in the land of the Bible. They also offer a selection of the best Christian gifts and souvenirs made in the Holy Land. http://www.biblical-gifts.com