Curaçao Is Expanding Its Tourism Workforce as Tourism Numbers Keep Climbing
Curaçao is ramping up efforts to strengthen its tourism sector with a renewed focus on hospitality training. A total of 57 participants recently received certificates after completing the Hospitality Industry Training Program, an intensive course designed to prepare workers for entry-level roles in the hospitality field.
The graduates were trained across multiple service areas, including 23 assistant cooks, 8 assistant bartenders and waiters, 5 bellmen and hosts, and 21 housekeeping staff. The program combined classroom instruction and hands-on training, equipping participants with both technical skills and interpersonal development.
The 12-week assistant cook and bartender/waiter courses covered food preparation, bartending techniques, order-taking, and guest service. All participants also completed a Personal Empowerment module focused on communication and professionalism.
The housekeeping curriculum included safety, hygiene, and bed-making techniques, while bellman/host training focused on guest interaction and communication.
The initiative is a collaborative effort between the Curaçao Tourist Board and the Ministry of Economic Development.
During a recent ceremony, Franklin Sluis, Chief of Cabinet for Curacao’s Ministry of Economic Development, presented certificates to the participants on behalf of Minister Charles Cooper.
As part of the program structure, most participants are currently working in five-month placements with local hospitality businesses. These roles are paid and may lead to permanent employment depending on performance, according to the CTB.
The training program is part of Curaçao’s broader strategy to enhance service quality and expand local participation in the island’s growing tourism industry, officials told Caribbean Journal.
Expanding the tourism workforce in Curacao is more important than ever, with the Dutch Caribbean island continuing to post record-breaking tourism numbers.
The island actually just opened a brand-new training hotel called the Parasasa, where hospitality students actually run a full-fledged hotel.
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.
