Widespread publicity about the disappearance of Alabama teenager Natalee Holloway might be having an impact on the number of American tourists visiting Aruba -- though not in every market ...

Smith says that after 10 years of steady growth, tourism in Aruba is suddenly flat. "I think that a lot of people think that Aruba is not safe, and it's just not the case," he insists.

I was pleasantly surprised by the cultural aspects that Aruba had to offer. Here’s why you should book your next trip there.