Terry Ward
Updated on: October 12, 2024 2:23 pm GMT
In a vibrant display of recovery and appeal, Curaçao has reported a remarkable 18% surge in stayover arrivals for August 2024, welcoming a total of 58,291 visitors. This increase highlights the country’s growing allure as a travel destination and coincides with the exciting Curaçao North Sea Jazz Festival, which drew in numerous tourists, particularly from neighboring countries and beyond.
Record Growth in Visitor Numbers
The Curaçao Tourist Board proudly announced that the island recorded an additional 9,033 stayover visitors compared to August of last year. This impressive rebound can be attributed to a combination of cultural events and strong marketing efforts aimed at international tourists.
Here are some key statistics from August 2024:
- Total stayover visitors: 58,291
- Year-over-year increase: 18%
- Increase in visitors from last year: 9,033
The surge in arrivals has been closely linked to the North Sea Jazz Festival, an event that not only showcases renowned artists but also boosts the local economy and tourism sector.
Top Source Markets for August
Curaçao’s visitor growth is diverse, with several countries showing significant increases in tourist arrivals. The top three countries contributing to this growth are the Netherlands, the United States, and Colombia, each demonstrating unique trends in visitor preferences and behaviors.
The Netherlands
Visitors from the Netherlands made a significant impact in August, with a total of 20,935 Dutch tourists arriving—an impressive 22% increase from 17,146 visitors in August 2023. Notably:
- 52% of Dutch visitors chose non-resort accommodations.
- The average stay for Dutch tourists was 11.7 nights.
United States
The United States remains a strong source market, with 14,703 arrivals in August 2024, marking a 24% increase from 11,834 a year prior. The accommodation preferences for US visitors are as follows:
- 69% opted for resort hotels.
- 31% selected other lodging options available on the island.
US tourists stayed on average 5.6 nights, with a large portion visiting from New York, New Jersey, and Florida.
Colombia
Colombian visitors also saw significant growth, rising by 37% to 4,317 visitors compared to 3,153 in August 2023. Key insights include:
- 54% of Colombian visitors stayed at resort hotels.
- The average duration of their stay was 4.9 nights.
These statistics underline the island’s appeal among South American visitors as they seek tropical getaways.
Year-to-Date Performance
The positive trend in arrivals is not limited to August alone. Over the first eight months of 2024, Curaçao has welcomed a total of 464,017 stayover visitors, reflecting a 24% growth compared to the same period in 2023.
The breakdown of visitors by country year-to-date is as follows:
| Country | Number of Visitors |
|---|---|
| The Netherlands | 165,980 |
| United States | 120,078 |
| Colombia | 31,272 |
| Brazil | 27,981 |
| Canada | 23,505 |
In total, encompassing cruise visitors and day trippers as well, the island registered 1,042,754 tourists from January through August 2024, marking a 23% increase compared to the same period last year. This indicates a robust and growing interest in Curaçao’s offerings.
The Road Ahead for Curaçao Tourism
With impressive growth numbers, the future of tourism in Curaçao looks promising. The island’s strategic positioning, beautiful landscapes, and vibrant culture provide a compelling lure for visitors. The Curaçao Tourist Board is committed to further enhancing the visitor experience through:
- Promoting local events and festivals.
- Strengthening partnerships with travel agencies and airlines.
- Continuing to showcase the island’s diverse attractions to international markets.
The positive trend in tourism growth is expected to continue as Curaçao works to attract more visitors and ensure their time on the island is memorable.
Curaçao is getting more popular as a travel spot, and that’s great news! People love its fun cultural events, nice places to stay, and beautiful views. This growth is helping Curaçao’s economy and giving local people jobs and chances to grow their businesses. If everyone keeps working together, Curaçao has a bright future in tourism!
