by Brian Major
Last updated: 10:31 AM ET, Fri May 10, 2019
Curaçao has joined the list of Caribbean destinations reporting strong first-quarter visitor arrivals. Curaçao Tourist Board (CTB) officials said this week the island's visitor arrivals are up 17 percent year-over-year through May, "with all markets showing positive growth."
The Dutch Caribbean nation's land-based visitor arrivals totaled 127,156 land-based, overnight guests, a 15 percent increase over 2018, while cruise ship arrivals totaled 278,108 passengers, a five percent year-over-year increase. "We've experienced tremendous growth this winter, particularly from South America and the U.S.," said Paul Pennicook, CEO of the Curaçao Tourist Board.
Indeed Curaçao's strong early 2019 arrivals have been driven in part by North American arrivals. Travelers from Canada and the United States increased 19 percent year-over-year in early 2019, said officials, led by a 21 percent jump in American arrivals. The September re-opening of the Curaçao Marriott is also expected to boost American arrivals said CTB officials.
CTB also re-designed the destination's website to appeal to "modern, adventure-seeking" travelers. Visitors can access customized one- through 10-day itineraries that highlight Curaçao's rich mix of African, Caribbean and European cultures, historic colonial cityscape, distinctive cuisine and surprising sports traditions.
The website also allows visitors to search Curaçao hotels, resorts and vacation rentals, plus attractions and events including the historic capital city of Willemstad, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Curaçao also features numerous distinctive museums, art galleries and monuments plus events including the North Sea Jazz Festival (NSJF) in July. The island also features plenty of sun and fun activities, with more than 40 diverse beaches on the island's southern side.
Curaçao is served by JetBlue Airways, which offers three weekly nonstop flights from New York's J.F.K. International Airport and American Airlines, which offers three daily departures from Miami International Airport. American also flies non-stop to Curaçao from Charlotte weekly.
In addition, Air Canada offers year-round, non-stop service from Toronto, plus seasonal service from Montreal. Seasonal non-stop service to Curaçao from Canada is also available via WestJet and Sunwing.
"The increased demand from all international markets shows that our strategies, including securing additional airlift and working closely with our private and public sector partners, are effective," Pennicook said.
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