Curaçao tourism continues to record growth in 2023
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Willemstad, the capital of Curaçao
Credit: Curaçao Tourist Board
Curaçao saw a 13 percent increase in stayover visitors in March 2023, with 45,914 visitors recorded, according to the Curaçao Tourist Board.
The growth was driven by visitors from North and South America, offsetting a decline in European visitors. Despite not registering growth, Europe was still the top source market, accounting for 43 percent of arrivals. North America and South America followed with 34 percent and 14 percent of arrivals, respectively.
The United States registered a 60 percent increase in visitors compared to the same period in 2022. Canada also saw an increase in stayover visitors. Additionally, there were 42 cruise ship calls and 107,307 cruise visitors to the island in March 2023.
Curaçao is on track to meet its target of welcoming a record 525,000 stayover visitors in 2023, with a 20 percent increase in February and a 35 percent increase in January year-over-year. The island’s recovery in 2022 was attributed to its early reopening strategy, marketing efforts, and the opening of new resorts and the rebranding and renovation of existing ones.
The island’s increased popularity has led to the addition of two additional JetBlue flights from John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, increasing the number of nonstop flights from three to five weekly.
Curaçao remains committed to preserving its unique culture and natural beauty, according to Ruisandro Cijntje, Curaçao’s Minister of Economic Development.
“While welcoming new visitors, we remain dedicated to preserving that which makes our island so desirable – a place you can immerse yourself in our local art, culture, cuisine, sunshine and adventure – and we look forward to welcoming new visitors eager for something exceptional and sharing the beauty of our island,” he commented.