A mix of unrelated elements has propelled the bafflement Caribbean island of Curaçao has been on the radar of American vacationers since summer time 2022 – and the pattern exhibits no indicators of slowing down.
In August, the Dutch island reported a 24 p.c enhance in American guests and welcomed 14,703 arrivals – the best development of any section for Curaçao, based on information from the native Vacationer Board.
In October the island registered 12,544 arrivals from the United Stateswhich represents a 20 p.c enhance in comparison with the ten,483 who visited throughout the identical interval the yr earlier than.
In abstract, Curaçao registered 53,234 in a single day guests final month, reflecting an 11% enhance within the variety of arrivals of various nationalities.
The Curaçao Vacationer Board additionally reported a noticeable enhance within the variety of households with youngsters, preferring to benefit from the island in the course of the weekend.
This sample might clarify why 74% of American vacationers select all-inclusive resorts as their most well-liked sort of lodging.
“Most U.S. guests (74%) most well-liked resort motels, whereas 26% selected different forms of lodging. On common, guests from the US stayed 5.8 nights, with most vacationers coming from New York, Florida, New Jersey, Texas and Georgia.”
The Netherlands, Curaçao’s mainland, stays the second most vital supply market. Final month, 20,114 Dutch individuals flew to the island, a rise of 16% in comparison with the 17,395 arrivals in the identical month in 2023.
As soon as once more, Colombia is rising as one of many quickest rising markets for Caribbean islands, with an 11% enhance in guests in comparison with October 2023, with a complete of three,914 arrivals final month.
“Up to now, Curaçao welcomed 566,827 in a single day keep arrivals, 23,730 day trippers and 627,395 cruise passengers, and welcomed a complete of 1,217,952 arrivals from January by October 2024, a rise of 23% in comparison with the identical interval final yr”, mentioned the Vacationer Workplace.
This fairly optimistic pattern stems from the collaboration between the Board of Tourism, the Curaçao Hospitality and Tourism Affiliation and the native authorities, who’ve anticipated a powerful Christmas season and an equally wonderful 2025.
“Curaçao’s tourism sector exhibits stable stability in 2024, with the strategic effort to stay constant in creating consciousness in key focus markets. This development highlights the island’s success in creating demand by displaying provide “Really feel it for your self,” reads the latter Tourist Office of Curaçao press launch.
What drives the rising curiosity of People in visiting Curaçao?
Recognized for its wealthy historical past, blended European and Caribbean tradition, colourful colonial structure, turquoise waters and laid-back ambiance, this island has lengthy been a haven for vacationers – nothing new till now.
Nonetheless, as we now have already talked about, there are a number of elements driving the rise in guests. These embody the event of a number of well-known American resort manufacturers, minimal sargassum arrivals, and a lack of destructive hurricanes.
Over the previous two years, Curacao has attracted main resort manufacturers historically well-liked with American vacationers, additional strengthening Curacao’s enchantment as a prime vacation spot within the Caribbean. Notable openings embody Sandals Royal Curaçao (June 2022), Courtyard by Marriott Curacao (June 2024), The Reef at Mangrove Seaside Corendon Curaçao All inclusive, Curio from Hilton (2024), and an adults-only part at Goals Curaçao Resort, Spa & On line casino (2024).
One other vital issue is that in 2024, Curaçao skilled minimal impacts from sargassum, a seaweed that has severely affected different Caribbean hotspots such because the Mexican Caribbean. Whereas beachgoers on the north coast might see some accumulation of seaweed, the favored southern seashores remained largely clear and welcoming.
Final however not least, Curaçao’s location exterior the first hurricane belt considerably diminished the danger of direct hurricane impacts, giving it a bonus over many Caribbean opponents that suffered from the arrival of devastating hurricanes this yr.
Featured picture supply: Supply: Sandals Royal Curacao