Curaçao Just Reported a Big Tourism Increase, Led by Strong Growth From Canada
Curaçao continued its strong tourism momentum in April, with the island reporting another major increase in stayover arrivals as demand remained elevated across key international markets.
According to new data provided to Caribbean Journal from the Curaçao Tourist Board, the island welcomed 75,332 stayover visitors in April 2026, representing a 10 percent increase compared to the same month last year.
The numbers reinforce Curaçao’s continued rise as one of the Caribbean’s fastest-growing destinations, particularly among travelers from the United States, Canada and Europe.
Most visitors traveled to the island for vacation purposes, accounting for roughly 90 percent of all stayover arrivals during the month. Smaller segments included travelers visiting friends and relatives and business travelers.
Visitors stayed an average of 7.9 nights, a figure that continues supporting hotels, restaurants, transportation providers and excursion operators across the island.
The Netherlands Remains Curaçao’s Largest Market
The Netherlands continued to lead all source markets in April.
Curaçao welcomed 24,620 visitors from the Dutch market during the month, an 11 percent increase over April 2025.
Dutch travelers accounted for roughly one-third of all stayover arrivals to the island in April, continuing the long-standing connection between Curaçao and the Netherlands.
The market also continues producing some of the island’s longest average stays, with Dutch visitors spending approximately 11.4 nights on the island.
Interestingly, more than half of Dutch travelers selected non-resort accommodations during their stay, reflecting Curaçao’s growing appeal among travelers seeking apartment hotels, villas and independently operated accommodations alongside traditional resorts.
US Tourism to Curaçao Keeps Climbing
The United States remained another major driver of tourism growth for the island.
Curaçao reported 20,491 stayover visitors from the US in April, representing a 14 percent increase compared to the same month last year.
American travelers now account for roughly 27 percent of all stayover arrivals to the island.
That growth has been fueled heavily by expanding airlift from major US gateways and increasing demand for southern Caribbean destinations with strong beach, diving and culinary offerings.
Most American travelers continued favoring resort stays, with roughly 68 percent booking resort hotels during their visit.
US visitors stayed an average of 5.5 nights on the island.
The continued growth of the American market has become one of the most important tourism developments for Curaçao over the last several years, particularly as more US travelers discover the island’s combination of beaches, Dutch-Caribbean culture, colorful architecture and year-round warm weather outside the traditional hurricane belt.
Canada Continues Posting Strong Growth
Canada also posted one of the island’s strongest year-over-year increases.
Curaçao welcomed 4,754 Canadian visitors during April, marking a 22 percent increase compared to April 2025.
Canadian travelers accounted for roughly 6 percent of total stayover arrivals.
Visitors from Canada stayed an average of 7.3 nights, with nearly half choosing resort accommodations during their trip.
The Canadian market has become increasingly important for Curaçao as travelers continue looking beyond more traditional winter sun destinations.
Curaçao’s Tourism Momentum Continues Beyond High Season
April traditionally marks the close of the Caribbean’s peak winter tourism season, making the island’s continued growth particularly notable.
Curaçao has increasingly positioned itself as a year-round destination, helped by its location outside the Atlantic hurricane belt, expanding hotel portfolio and growing international airlift network.
The island has also benefited from rising interest in longer-stay Caribbean travel, particularly among visitors looking for a combination of beaches, diving, culinary tourism and walkable urban experiences centered around Willemstad.
Tourism officials said the island remains focused on balancing continued tourism growth with long-term sustainability and preserving the qualities that continue attracting travelers to Curaçao in growing numbers.
And based on the latest numbers, demand for the island continues moving strongly upward heading into the summer travel season.
Heading to the island soon? Check out our favorite places to stay.
Caitlin Sullivan began her career with Caribbean Journal as Arts and Culture editor before shifting to travel full time. She writes frequently on the Caribbean cruise industry, flight networks and broader travel news. Her most frequent Caribbean destination? Nassau.
