More Travelers Are Choosing Curaçao — And They’re Staying Longer

Tourism is surging in Curaçao. The island welcomed 53,671 stayover visitors in September, an eight percent increase compared to the same month last year — another sign of how strongly the destination has rebounded.

The gains weren’t isolated to one market. North America posted the biggest jump with a 13 percent rise in arrivals, followed by South America at 11 percent and Europe at four percent. Europe remained the top feeder market in total numbers, sending 21,407 visitors, while South America contributed 14,516 and North America 14,283. Visitors stayed an average of 8.3 nights, reflecting a healthy balance between resort stays and more independent travel.

Where the Visitors Came From
The Netherlands continues to anchor Curaçao’s arrivals. Dutch visitors climbed three percent to 17,693 in September, with most staying for nearly two weeks.

The U.S. market was another standout. More than 13,000 Americans visited the island in September, an 11 percent jump year over year. Nearly 70 percent of them stayed in resort hotels, averaging almost six nights per trip.

Colombia posted the most dramatic growth: arrivals jumped 26 percent, with travelers staying an average of five nights.

Momentum Across the Year
Through the first nine months of 2025, the island has recorded more than 1.2 million visitors across stayover, day-trip, and cruise segments. Stayover arrivals alone have climbed 13 percent since the start of the year, underscoring how steady airlift and strong source markets have pushed Curaçao into one of the Caribbean’s more consistent growth stories.

With a mix of loyal European visitors, rapidly growing U.S. interest, and a surge from Colombia, the island is on track for one of its strongest tourism years in recent memory.

So what’s driving all of this growth? A few major factors.

The Sandals Effect

A major driver of this surge is the arrival of Sandals Royal Curaçao. When the adults-only all-inclusive resort opened its doors in 2022, it did more than add luxury inventory — it introduced Curaçao to a new generation of travelers who might not have considered the island before. It created a strong foothold for the all-inclusive sector, long dominated by other destinations, and helped elevate Curaçao’s visibility across the U.S. and Canadian markets.

That momentum hasn’t stopped with Sandals. It has sparked a wave of new all-inclusive development across the island, from Wyndham’s Kunuku resort (part of the Trademark Collection) to The Rif at Mangrove Beach and the reimagined Dreams Curaçao Resort, Spa & Casino. Together, these properties are reshaping the island’s tourism landscape and giving travelers more ways to experience Curaçao through the all-inclusive lens.

A Beach Destination That Surprises You

Many visitors first think of Curaçao for its pastel-colored capital and European feel — but what often surprises them is just how much of a pure beach destination it is. Hidden coves, long stretches of soft sand, and turquoise water ring the island, from Cas Abao Beach to Playa Kenepa Grandi. It’s an island where you can spend the morning swimming in a calm, transparent bay, the afternoon at a chic beach club, and still have a vibrant urban scene waiting when the sun goes down. That mix — genuine beach escape and cosmopolitan energy — is what’s fueling repeat visits.

Willemstad’s Cool Factor

But the beaches aren’t the whole story. Willemstad is one of the most fascinating capitals in the Caribbean. It’s walkable, colorful, historic — a living museum of Dutch colonial architecture layered with Afro-Caribbean culture, waterfront cafes, and a pulse that feels both European and island-laid-back. You can wander over the iconic Queen Emma Bridge, lose yourself in the alleys of Punda, and stumble into rooftop bars and waterfront patios that feel effortlessly cool. That urban appeal is what makes Curaçao so distinctive: you can have a classic Caribbean beach day and still end it in a vibrant, walkable capital with real character. And don’t miss the Green Rum.

More Flights to the Island

The growth in tourism is being fueled in part by expanded air service. More carriers are adding routes to Curaçao, with increased capacity from key U.S. cities like Miami, Charlotte, and New York. Airlines are boosting frequencies and adding seasonal service that connects the island more directly to major North American hubs, making it easier for travelers to reach Curaçao without lengthy connections. That improved connectivity is translating directly into visitor growth, especially from the U.S. — now one of the island’s fastest-rising markets.