Curaçao’s tourism sector continued its upward trajectory in March, with the island reporting 79,763 stayover visitors, a 10 percent increase compared to the same month last year, according to new data from the Curaçao Tourist Board.

The figures reflect sustained demand across key source markets, particularly North America, while reinforcing the island’s position as one of the Caribbean’s most consistent-performing destinations.

Longer Stays, Leisure Travel Driving Demand

Leisure travel remains the dominant driver of arrivals, accounting for 90 percent of all stayover visitors in March. Smaller segments included travelers visiting friends and relatives and business travelers, each representing 3 percent of the total.

Visitors are also continuing to spend extended time on the island, with an average stay of 7.8 nights. That duration supports continued activity across Curaçao’s tourism ecosystem, including hotels, restaurants, transportation providers, and tour operators.

The United States Leads the Way

The United States was Curaçao’s largest source market in March, with 24,043 visitors, marking a 9 percent increase year over year.

American travelers stayed an average of 5.7 nights, with a majority — 65 percent — opting for resort accommodations, while the remainder chose alternative lodging options such as vacation rentals and apartments.

European Mix Evolves

Arrivals from the Netherlands totaled 21,385 visitors, representing a 5 percent decline compared to March of last year.

Despite the dip, Dutch travelers recorded the longest stays, averaging 11 nights, and showed a preference for non-resort accommodations, with 53 percent choosing apartments or other alternatives.

The shift appears to reflect changing dynamics within Europe rather than reduced demand overall, with other markets in the region — particularly Germany — posting significant gains during the same period.

Canada Posts Strong Gains

Canada delivered the fastest growth among Curaçao’s major markets.

The island welcomed 8,400 Canadian visitors in March, a 40 percent increase year over year. Canadian travelers stayed an average of 7.8 nights, with 57 percent selecting resort hotels.

Steady Growth Outlook

Tourism officials said March performance aligned with expectations, with ongoing monitoring focused on maintaining balanced growth that supports both the visitor experience and local economic impact.

The latest figures underscore Curaçao’s continued momentum, driven by a combination of strong North American demand, evolving European travel patterns, and consistent length-of-stay trends.