In its lead-up to International World Tourism Day, the “happy island” of Aruba will host Happiness 360 Conference World Tourism Aruba– an international symposium in partnership with the United Nations World Tourism Organization.

The event is scheduled for September 13-14, and will highlight industry trends and synergies between tourism, culture and happiness.

“As the most tourism-reliant nation, relative to size, in the world, Aruba proactively remains attuned to industry trends – and is honored to organize a conference in which these impactful insights can be shared with tourism and culture stakeholders across the globe,” said Otmar Oduber, Minister of Tourism, Transportation and Primary Sector and Culture.

World-renowned tourism experts and thought leaders from Harvard, Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association, World Community of Museums, the United Nations, Aruba and other organizations are planning keynote speeches and breakout sessions on a variety of topics.

These include: “What Makes a Good Life,” by Harvard’s Dr. Robert Waldinger; “Future of Alternative Accommodations/Sharing Economy,” by World Economic Forum’s April Rinne; and “Cultural and Natural Global Protection” by ICOM’s Dr. Anne-Catherine Robert Hauglustaine, among many others.

Happiness 360 Conference will primarily target international Ministries of Tourism and Culture, National Tourism Organizations, Destinations Management Organizations, cultural and heritage managers, conservation experts and media.

“As the host of this important conference, Aruba’s goal is to enrich participants through our stimulating line-up of speakers as well as through our dynamic on-island culture, influenced by more than 90 nationalities,” said Ronella Tjin Asjoe-Croes, CEO of the Aruba Tourism Authority. “We’re confident and proud of the dynamic program we’ve developed in partnership with the UNTWO to accomplish both of these pursuits.”