In November 2023, the Curaçao Tourist Board (CTB) proudly announced a historic milestone in tourism. For the first time, Curaçao surpassed half a million of stayover visitors. 2023 was a record-breaking year, with the island hosting 582,409 stayover visitors, at a 19% growth rate compared to the year 2022.
Already, we’re continuing that growth rate, with a remarkable 27% increase in January arrivals compared to last year’s!
Curaçao is quickly evolving and growing to be one of the Caribbean’s most diverse and dynamic destinations. For a “Best of Both Worlds” experience, Curaçao is the place to be: city and countryside, land and sea, luxury and adventure, history and modernity. The largest island in the Caribbean has it all.
To support our fantastic growth rates and additional stream of stayover guests, Curaçao has shown up in style! We’re happy to showcase new accommodation choices on the island—from hotels—boutique and international—to other properties. Take for instance, Sandals and Marriott, which feature world-class resort-style stays for guests.
Curaçao seeks to further establish itself as a premier destination, renowned for its rich culinary experiences, vibrant history and culture, and thriving art scene. Continuous efforts are being made to expand airlift between major airports and markets, reducing travel connection times and enhancing accessibility.
New Hotels
The Rif at Mangrove Beach
Newly opened in December 2023 is The Rif, a brand-new Corendon hotel, located near Willemstad. It offers guests an Ultra All-Inclusive package, from luxurious deluxe rooms with a view of the green garden oasis or the Caribbean sea, rooms with direct access to the pool to completely equipped Junior Suites. The Rif features more than seven restaurants, a family water park and private beaches.
Marriott Courtyard Curaçao
Marriott debuts with their hotel, the Marriott Courtyard Curaçao, in the first quarter of 2024. Centrally located in Willemstad, the hotel is positioned to be the ideal base whilst guests explore the vibrant island. The modern lobby of the hotel will offer flexible spaces to work and relax whilst the more active can enjoy its well-equipped fitness center, an outdoor pool and hot tubs. The Marriott Courtyard Curaçao features restaurants and spas.
Parasasa Hotel Curaçao – Caribbean Experience Center
The Parasasa Hotel Curaçao, due to open its doors in 2024, is a learning hotel for Hospitality Management trainees. Managed by the CHTTC Foundation, this benefits the local community in creating positive employment while upskilling talent. The hotel offers students the unique opportunities to gain practical real-life experience in this hybrid learning environment.
Culinary takes center stage
Curaçao has a long culinary history with Caribbean, European and South American influences. Curaçao is becoming the culinary epicenter of the Caribbean, with new restaurants and cuisine spread across the entire island.
Pasawa Box Eatery
Outside Willemstad, Pasawa Box Eatery is circled by vibrantly colored shipping containers. Surrounding a central cocktail bar, this unique food court offers guests a taste of the diverse range of Curaçao dishes. Order drinks at the cocktail bar, grab a table and dip into different flavors at every container—whilst live music keeps toes dancing! There’ll be something for everybody: meat, fish, poke bowls, desserts and lots more.
Caleo Crudos A La Parrilla
In the heart of Kura Hulanda Village in Otrobanda you will find Caleo. Guests can pick from their cold menu, Crudos, featuring cold local dishes or try out their special hot menu, a la Parrilla. A la Parrilla means grilled and grilled dishes is Caleo’s specialty. Definitely worth a visit!
Art & expression
It’s hard to think about Curaçao and not think about it being a hub for creative expression, from its colorful buildings to its locals. It’s an island with residents who are vibrant and colorful—all part of its intrinsic culture.
In the past years Otrobanda has really developed into a must-see part of the island. Each corner is more vibrant than the last, with the most gorgeous memorial art decorating the streets. Be sure to head out and discover the hidden art gems of Willemstad, whether on foot, bike or e-scooter.
Sustainability, biodiversity and education
Carmabi
One of the most important goals for the non-profit organization CARMABI (the Caribbean Research and Management of Biodiversity) is prevailing the beautiful nature—so that all can enjoy it, now and in the generations to come. The organization has its infancy as the Marine Research Institute in 1955 and today, they are the administrators of the Christoffel National Park, Shete Boka National Park, Curaçao Rif Mangrove Park and Curaçao Marine Park.
Not only are they the caretakers of these beautiful natural reserves, but also invest into educating people, particularly the youth of the island, about the importance of biodiversity.
Lionfish Caribbean
The lionfish is spectacular and is often seen as the perfect icon for the coral reef. But don't let its showy beauty fool you. Although a favourite sight with scuba divers as a longstanding showstopper, the lionfish feasts on the young of native species essential to keeping the coral surrounding Curaçao algae-free and healthy.
The fish was first spotted in Curaçaoan waters in the early 2000s and has been a threat to the reef ever since. In 2016, Lionfish Caribbean was founded. It’s an organisation working to preserve the reef through sustainable lionfish hunting. The catch is transformed many ways through the creative Curaçaoans: their spikes, fins and scales make stunning jewellery and to boot, lionfish make tasty meals!
Limpi
Limpi is Papiamentu (the local language in Curaçao) for clean. In an effort to maintain Curaçao’s beautiful, dreamy beaches and keep its crystal-clear waters untainted by debris, Debrah and Mitchell began Limpi to collect and recycle the plastic waste on the island. Gathered from beaches, Limpi transforms collected plastic into colorful island mementos and souvenirs. Today, Limpi cleans up Curaçao—one item at a time.
