Another Month Of Remarkable Growth In Tourism!

The Curaçao Tourist Board recently announced another period of remarkable growth in tourism, with stayover arrivals increasing by 18% in August 2024 compared to the same month last year. A total of 58,291 visitors were recorded, marking an increase of 9,033 stayover visitors. This upward trend is part of a broader surge in tourism that reflects Curaçao’s growing appeal as a destination.

A significant boost in visitor numbers occurred during the last weekend of August, thanks to the Curaçao North Sea Jazz Festival. This popular event attracted substantial numbers of tourists from Aruba, Suriname, Colombia, Brazil, the United States, and the Netherlands, contributing to the overall increase in arrivals.

The top three source markets for August 2024 demonstrated strong performances:

The Netherlands: Curaçao welcomed 20,935 Dutch visitors in August, a 22% increase from 17,146 in August 2023. Dutch visitors, who stayed an average of 11.7 nights, showed a preference for non-resort accommodations (52%), while the remaining 48% chose to stay at resorts.

United States: The U.S. market remains robust, with 14,703 arrivals, a 24% rise compared to 11,834 in August 2023. American visitors, primarily from New York, New Jersey, and Florida, averaged a stay of 5.6 nights. The majority (69%) opted for resort hotels, while 31% chose other lodging options.

Colombia: Arrivals from Colombia saw a substantial 37% increase, with 4,317 visitors compared to 3,153 in August 2023. Colombian visitors stayed an average of 4.9 nights, and 54% chose resort hotels for their accommodations.

The year-to-date figures for 2024 have been equally impressive, with 464,017 stayover arrivals recorded in the first eight months, a 24% increase compared to the same period in 2023. The Netherlands leads with 165,980 visitors, followed by the USA with 120,078, Colombia with 31,272, Brazil with 27,981, and Canada with 23,505. Including cruise visitors and day trippers, a total of 1,042,754 visitors were registered from January through August 2024, reflecting a 23% increase from the previous year.

These achievements are part of Curaçao’s long history of promoting tourism as a pillar of its economy. Since the mid-20th century, Curaçao has positioned itself as a premier Caribbean destination, leveraging its natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and strategic location. Over the decades, the island has evolved from a hidden gem to a well-known tourist hub, attracting visitors worldwide with its diverse offerings, including world-class events like the Curaçao North Sea Jazz Festival, pristine beaches, and vibrant local culture.

The recent growth in tourism reflects ongoing efforts by the Curaçao Tourist Board and other stakeholders to diversify and expand the island’s offerings, catering to a wider range of travelers.

Source: curacaochronicle.com