TORONTO — No matter what’s happening in your neighbourhood, put out the welcome mat and let visitors know you’re happy to see them.
That’s the approach Curaçao is taking as it navigates a very unexpected level of global attention, after the Jan. 3 strike by the U.S. administration on its neighbour just to the south.
The beautiful Dutch Caribbean island of Curaçao, part of the ABCs (with Aruba and Bonaire), has long been considered something of a hidden gem for Canadian travellers. Far, far away from the crowds thronging more high-profile Caribbean destinations, Curaçao has built a strong following for its colourful and charming capital Willemstad, scenic hikes in Christoffel National Park, and some of the best snorkelling and scuba diving in the Caribbean.
Muryad de Bruin, Managing Director of the Curaçao Tourist Board, wants it to stay that way. Meanwhile the island has proven its ability to handle unexpected disruptions, after the strike on neighbouring Venezuela.
U.S. flights in the Caribbean were halted for 24 hours during the FAA-ordered airspace closure, and the limitations on travel from in those 24 hours resulted in a manageable number of travellers requiring overnight accommodations. Through close coordination between the Curaçao Tourist Board (CTB), the Curaçao Hospitality & Tourism Association (CHATA), airline partners, and Curaçao Airport Partners, necessary hotel rooms were promptly identified and reallocated where needed.
Meanwhile all international flights continued as scheduled, including from Canada.
CURAÇAO: SAFE & FULLY OPERATIONAL
Air Canada briefly triggered its flexible booking policy for 17 Caribbean destinations, including Curaçao, in the wake of the Jan. 3 strike. And WestJet cancelled service to neighbouring Aruba on Jan. 3. There are reports of some hesitancy from some travellers to vacation in this part of the Caribbean, but otherwise it’s a mood of cautious optimism for Curaçao.
The message from the tourist board? Curaçao is safe and fully operational – all hotels, cruises, flights and tours continue – and the island is eager to welcome all.
“Curaçao remains a safe and welcoming destination where daily life, business and tourism continue as usual,” de Bruin tells Travelweek.
Visitors from around the world “can continue to visit Curaçao with confidence and enjoy the vibrant culture, natural beauty, and warm hospitality that have long defined the island as one of the Caribbean’s most beloved destinations.”
AVERAGE STAY: 8.4 NIGHTS
Curaçao has seen strong numbers lately, as interest in the island steadily increases. Curaçao welcomed 788,427 stayover arrivals in 2025, up 13% year over year. Add in 44,243 day trippers, and 881,665 cruise passengers, and that’s a total of 1,714,335 visitor arrivals for the year, a 9% YOY boost.
Data from the island’s Immigration Cards show that stayover visitors spent an average of 8.4 nights in Curaçao in 2025, and more than half (56%) opted to stay at resort hotels.
Canada may not be a top 3 source for Curaçao – that’s the domain of The Netherlands, the U.S. and Colombia – but we’re an important market just the same.
As de Bruin tells Travelweek, “Canada, in particular, continues to perform exceptionally well, with strong demand, repeat visitation, and growing awareness of the island beyond traditional sun-and-sand travel.”
PLENTY OF LIFT FROM CANADA
Airlift from Canada to Curaçao continues to expand in response to sustained demand, he says. Canadian travellers benefit from strong nonstop service from key gateways, including Toronto, year-round with Air Canada and seasonally with WestJet. Air Canada flies to CUR from YYZ on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, plus also once a week on Saturdays from Montreal. WestJet’s CUR service includes three weekly seasonal flights out of Toronto.
This consistent airlift makes Curaçao a dependable and easily accessible winter sun destination for Canadian travel advisors, says de Bruin. New nonstop service from Chicago (ORD) on American Airlines is another option, offering one-stop connection service for Canadian travellers, he adds.
Add Canada’s numbers in with the U.S. numbers, and the growth from the North American market could ideally give the European market a run for its money.
“North America has become one of Curaçao’s strongest growth markets thanks to reliable airlift, year-round sunshine outside the hurricane belt, and a destination that feels both European and Caribbean. Travellers are also drawn to Curaçao’s safety, culinary scene, and cultural diversity,” says de Bruin.
NEW HOTELS & RESORTS
Curaçao continues to welcome new resorts and boutique properties, alongside upgrades to existing hotels, providing more choice while preserving the island’s character and sense of place, says de Bruin.
The island’s newest property, Art Hotel, officially opened in July 2025. Centrally located in the vibrant Pietermaai district, it offers easy access to Curaçao’s dining, nightlife and cultural hotspots.
Looking ahead, 2026 is slated for big openings, notes de Bruin. Most notably, the first Marriott all-inclusive hotel and the first Autograph Collection hotel on the island (The Pyrmont) will open their doors, as well as a new TUI Blue resort. “Not to mention, various beloved hotels are unveiling new rooms and amenities, from spas to restaurants,” says de Bruin.
Curaçao is keenly interested in this year’s big global event: the 2026 FIFA World Cup. “Sports are a major part of Curaçao’s culture, and the island’s World Cup qualification has generated global attention and national pride, as it is recognized as the smallest country to ever qualify,” says de Bruin. “We’re excited to activate in the game cities, Houston, Philadelphia, and Kansas City, and introduce Curaçao to a variety of markets that might not yet be familiar with the island. This exposure not only showcases the island to a new international audience but also reinforces its strong global identity, elevating the destination’s visibility well beyond traditional marketing efforts.”
GROUP TRAVEL BOOMING
We asked de Bruin what sort of travellers are drawn to Curaçao, for travel advisors looking to qualify clients. “Curaçao attracts a wide range of travellers, including couples, families, divers, food lovers, adventure seekers, wellness-focused travellers, art and culture lovers and culturally curious explorers,” he said.
We also asked about vacation trends on the island. “In 2025, we are seeing a notable trend toward group travel, whether families, friend groups, or other travel parties, along with longer stays and growing interest in authentic, experience-driven travel, including outdoor activities and wellness experiences. Clients appreciate that Curaçao offers relaxation, adventure, and discovery all in one destination.”
Finally, we asked de Bruin about tools and resources for travel advisors. The tourism board offers an agent portal that includes marketing materials, upcoming events, the latest news and more resources.
Any clients unsure about a vacation in Curaçao should take heart that the Canadian government’s safety rating for the island remains Level 1, the lowest risk level: https://travel.gc.ca/
For more information about travel to Curaçao, see Curacao.com.
Lead image caption: Muryad de Bruin, Managing Director of the Curaçao Tourist Board
