Curaçao’s Tourism Skyrockets with Fifteen Percent Growth in Stayover Visitors, Fueled by Thriving North American, South American, and European Markets

Published on November 17, 2025

Curaçao’s tourism sector continued to soar in October, with a remarkable 15% year-over-year increase in stayover arrivals. The island welcomed 61,013 visitors in the month, reflecting a steady upward trend in its popularity as a leading Caribbean destination. According to the latest data from the Curaçao Tourist Board, this robust growth underscores the island’s expanding appeal to global travelers.

One of the main drivers behind this surge in tourism is the influx of visitors from the island’s three largest international markets: North America, South America, and Europe. North America led the way with a notable 23% increase in arrivals. South America followed closely behind, posting a 16% rise in visitors, while Europe showed a solid 12% year-over-year increase. However, the Caribbean market experienced a slight decline, down by 5% compared to October 2024. This shift suggests that Curaçao is becoming increasingly popular among travelers from distant regions, particularly those seeking a tropical escape outside the typical Caribbean islands.

Europe continues to be the largest source of visitors for Curaçao, with 26,576 Europeans arriving in October. North America followed closely with 17,554 visitors, and South America contributed 12,918 arrivals. What stands out in these numbers is the average length of stay, which remains high across all markets. Visitors from these regions stayed on average for eight nights, further cementing the island’s reputation for providing a memorable, extended vacation experience.

Among the countries, the Netherlands was the standout, sending 22,128 visitors to the island—a 10% increase from the same month in 2024. Dutch tourists are known for their longer stays, with an average of nearly 11 nights. The United States came second with 15,315 visitors, a 22% increase from the previous year. American visitors stayed an average of 5.6 nights, reflecting the country’s growing interest in Curaçao. Colombia ranked third, contributing 4,497 visitors, a 15% rise from the previous year. Colombian travelers stayed just over five nights on average, highlighting the island’s popularity as a vacation destination in South America.

Looking at the bigger picture, Curaçao’s overall tourism performance remains strong for the year. From January to October 2025, the island recorded 1,324,557 visitors in total. This includes 642,157 stayover arrivals, 37,027 day-trippers, and 645,373 cruise passengers. The combined total reflects a 9% increase in overall visitation compared to the same period in 2024, which is a promising indicator of continued growth in the island’s tourism industry.

Curaçao’s growth trajectory is being fueled by the island’s appeal to a wide range of visitors. Its stunning beaches, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant local experiences make it an attractive destination for tourists from various parts of the world. From the island’s bustling capital, Willemstad, to its serene beaches and natural parks, there’s something for every type of traveler, from adventure seekers to those in search of relaxation.

The steady rise in visitors underscores the island’s strength in attracting international tourists. Curaçao has been able to maintain its popularity by focusing on high-quality tourism experiences, diverse cultural offerings, and world-class hospitality. As part of its ongoing efforts to support and expand tourism, the island continues to invest in its infrastructure, which includes upgrading its airports and enhancing the overall visitor experience. These investments are critical as the island looks to sustain and grow its market share in a highly competitive region.

Furthermore, Curaçao’s strategic marketing efforts have played a significant role in raising the island’s profile. The Curaçao Tourist Board has been actively promoting the destination to international markets through a variety of campaigns, highlighting not only its natural beauty but also its rich Dutch heritage and vibrant local culture. These campaigns have been particularly successful in attracting visitors from Europe, North America, and South America, all of whom are eager to experience Curaçao’s unique charm.

As the island looks ahead to the coming months, there are plenty of reasons to be optimistic about its tourism prospects. The year-to-date growth and the continuing influx of international visitors signal a strong future for Curaçao as a top Caribbean destination. With its diverse offerings, beautiful landscapes, and commitment to enhancing the visitor experience, the island is well-positioned to continue its upward trend in the years to come.

In conclusion, Curaçao’s tourism sector remains resilient and robust, with consistent growth driven by its strong international markets. The island’s unique appeal to a wide range of visitors, combined with continued investment in tourism infrastructure, suggests that the coming years will bring even more success for this thriving Caribbean destination.