Curaçao Tourism Flourishes with Significant Rise in September Arrivals, Here’s All You Need to Know

Positive growth continues to characterize Curaçao’s​ tourism industry. According to the Curaçao Tourist Board, there has been an 8% increase in stayover arrivals in September 2025 compared to last September. 53,671 tourists visited the island last month, indicating that the island remains popular and continues to be a highly sought after Caribbean destination.

Such growth demonstrates the tourism industry’s resilience as both North and South America continue to be the major source markets. European markets contributed to the growth, but to a lesser extent. The Caribbean, on the other hand, recorded a decrease in arrivals. This further confirms the relative strength of Curaçao as a destination amidst challenging conditions elsewhere in the Caribbean.

Curaçao’s Strong Performance in September 2025

The 8% increase in stayover arrivals in September marks a continuation of the upward trend seen in previous months. The island’s tourism sector has benefited from strong performances across key source markets, particularly from North and South America. These markets accounted for the largest increases in visitors, while Europe remained a key source but saw more modest growth.

According to the Curaçao Tourist Board, the 13% increase from North America and the 11% rise from South America were the main drivers of the overall growth. On the other hand, Europe saw a more modest 4% rise, with Caribbean arrivals experiencing a slight decline of 8%. This shows that while Curaçao remains a popular destination within the Caribbean, it is particularly thriving among travelers from North and South America, indicating that the island is continuing to attract visitors from both continents, where it is positioned as a top leisure destination.

Key Source Markets for September 2025

The most notable source markets for Curaçao’s September arrivals are in Europe, North America, and South America, with each region contributing significantly to the overall increase in tourist numbers.

• The Netherlands remains Curaçao’s largest source market in terms of individual visitors. Dutch travelers continue to favor the island, with 17,693 visitors arriving in September, marking a 3% year-over-year increase. Dutch visitors tend to stay longer than others, with an average stay of 12 nights, and a notable 57% of them opted for non-resort accommodations, reflecting a trend toward more authentic and diverse travel experiences on the island.
• The United States followed closely with 13,245 visitors, representing an 11% increase over the previous year. U.S. travelers typically stay in resort hotels, with 69% of American visitors choosing this type of accommodation. U.S. visitors stayed for an average of 5.8 nights, reinforcing the island’s appeal as a luxury beach destination for North American tourists.
• Colombia posted impressive growth, contributing 3,803 visitors, which marked a 26% increase compared to September 2024. Colombian visitors stayed an average of five nights, with 57% opting for resort accommodations, highlighting a growing interest in Curaçao from the South American market.

These key markets reflect the diverse appeal of Curaçao and its ability to attract travelers from different regions with varying preferences and travel styles.

Tourism Growth Reflects Broader Regional Trends

In addition to September’s strong performance, Curaçao has also shown impressive growth for the year-to-date period. Between January and September 2025, the island welcomed a total of 1,207,419 visitors. This total includes 581,144 stayover arrivals, 34,262 day-trippers, and 592,013 cruise passengers, representing a 7% overall increase compared to the same period in 2024. This indicates that the island’s tourism industry is continuing to recover and expand, with significant contributions from cruise tourism as well as stayover visitors.

The stayover segment is particularly strong, with a 13% increase year-to-date, emphasizing the growing interest in longer stays and more in-depth travel experiences on the island. The increase in stayover arrivals suggests that Curaçao is increasingly becoming a preferred destination for travelers seeking luxury resorts, cultural experiences, and extended holidays.

Impact of Tourism Growth on Local Economy

The growth in tourist arrivals is having a positive impact on Curaçao’s local economy, particularly in key sectors such as hospitality, transportation, and local services. The increase in visitors is translating into higher demand for accommodation, food and beverage services, and tourism-related activities, which in turn supports job creation and local business development.

As more visitors from North and South America arrive, particularly those seeking luxury accommodations and authentic experiences, there is growing interest in Curaçao’s diverse attractions. These include its beaches, cultural festivals, and historic sites, which help position the island as more than just a typical Caribbean destination.

Tourism Trends: Growing Interest in Authentic Experiences

Curaçao is also benefiting from a shift in travel preferences. Modern travelers are increasingly looking for authentic experiences that go beyond traditional beach vacations. This trend has resulted in a rise in demand for non-resort accommodations and locally guided tours, with visitors seeking deeper cultural engagement.

In response to this growing demand, Curaçao’s tourism sector is focusing on diverse experiences for visitors, from exploring the island’s rich history and local culture to enjoying eco-tourism activities such as hiking and diving. The rise of sustainable travel is also a factor, with more tourists choosing destinations that align with their values and offer opportunities to engage in environmentally responsible tourism.

Future Prospects for Curaçao’s Tourism Industry

Looking forward, the future of Curaçao’s tourism appears promising, with continued growth expected in the coming months and years. The 8% rise in arrivals in September 2025 and the 13% increase in stayover visitors year-to-date demonstrate that Curaçao is attracting a steady flow of travelers who are eager to explore the island’s diverse offerings. Additionally, the island’s ability to maintain its appeal among traditional markets while attracting new visitors from South America and Eastern Europe sets the stage for continued success.

To build on this momentum, tourism officials are focusing on expanding flight connections, improving local infrastructure, and enhancing the visitor experience to ensure that the island can accommodate future growth. By investing in both luxury tourism and sustainable travel initiatives, Curaçao is positioning itself as a dynamic and resilient destination in the Caribbean.

Curaçao’s Bright Tourism Future

Curaçao saw even more success in global tourism in September 2025. The increase in stayover visitors, especially from North and South America, highlights the island becoming recognized as a sustainable, diverse destination. Cursaos unwavering commitment to developing and enhancing its tourism infrastructures sealed the islands unparalleled investment returns.

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