Curaçao’s Big Year: The Historic Boom Of Stayover Visitors In 2023

In the span of the previous eleven months of 2023, the Curaçao Tourist Board (CTB) has witnessed an impressive surge in stayover visitor arrivals, hitting a record-breaking 519,016 visitors. This marks a significant 17% growth compared to the same period in the previous year, reflecting a robust trend of tourism expansion. The momentum is particularly notable as November alone welcomed 52,179 stayover arrivals, an 18% increase compared to November 2022.

This year has been defined by consistent growth month over month, with November taking the lead as the highest-performing month, surpassing even the record set in July 2023. Notably, arrivals from key countries like The Netherlands, United States, Colombia, Canada, and Brazil have contributed significantly, representing a collective 78% of all arrivals.

Specifically, the Dutch market, despite a slight downturn, remains a crucial source, with strategies in place to boost arrivals in December, including increased flight rotations by various airlines. Similarly, the United States has shown steady growth, with an impressive 20% increase in arrivals compared to the same period last year, promising a substantial contribution to Curaçao’s overall tourism success.

Colombia has also emerged as a significant contributor, recording an unprecedented 79% growth in November alone, a first for Curaçao, while Canada and Brazil have also seen remarkable increases, attributed to improved air services and strategic partnerships with airlines.

Beyond stayover arrivals, the island has welcomed cruise visitors and day trippers as well, collectively totaling 139,251 visitors in November 2023. Cruise arrivals saw a 6% increase compared to the previous year, aligning with the overall positive trend in tourism across different visitor segments.

In total, the eleven months of 2023 have seen a remarkable influx of visitors, surpassing the 1.1 million mark, consisting of stayovers, day trippers, and cruise visitors. This remarkable growth trajectory signals a thriving tourism landscape for Curaçao, setting the stage for continued success in the industry.

And adding to the wave of wonderful news, Delta Air Lines made its highly anticipated debut in Curaçao last week when a direct flight landed at the island’s Hato airport. This marked a significant milestone for both the airline and the island. The inaugural flight from Atlanta, Georgia, heralds the beginning of weekly flights on Saturdays, with special additional services on December 26th and January 2, 2024, catering to increased travel demand during the holiday season.

Atlanta, a pivotal hub for Delta Air Lines, will be offering travelers from diverse U.S. cities seamless connectivity to Curaçao. The flights will be operated using a Boeing 738 aircraft boasting a capacity of 160 seats. This significant development marks Delta’s renewed connection with Curaçao after a hiatus of 13 years, reinstating a vital link between the United States and the island.

The U.S. market holds substantial importance for Curaçao, and this direct route amplifies opportunities for more visitors to explore the island while presenting enhanced travel choices for local residents.