Curacao, one of the Caribbean's ABC Islands, has long enjoyed a quieter reputation, but it’s now stepping into the spotlight with exciting plans for 2025. After a groundbreaking 2024, the island is ready to build on its success and continue growing as a top travel destination.
The island's flight network has seen a major boost. Curacao now enjoys nonstop flights from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) with Azul Airlines, offering four flights each week. Additionally, Delta Air Lines increased its service from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), going from one flight per week to daily departures. These new additions enhance Curacao’s already well-connected network, which includes nonstop flights from major East Coast hubs like JFK, EWR, CLT, and MIA, as well as international connections from Toronto (YYZ) and Montreal (YUL).
In 2024, Curacao set a record by welcoming 213,360 visitors from North America alone, including travelers from the United States and Canada. This surge in tourism reflects the island's growing appeal, especially with North American travelers, a market that now rivals Curacao’s strong European visitor base. The island’s growing popularity is the result of strategic partnerships with airlines like Azul and Delta, allowing more visitors to experience the Caribbean gem.
Rebecca Marval, marketing director of the Curaçao Tourist Board, expressed her excitement, saying, “2024 was a record-breaking year for the island...we’ve seen remarkable growth in North American visitors. We see this as a pivotal moment of opportunity as we approach the strength of our European market.”
But Curacao’s transformation isn’t just about air travel. The island is also investing heavily in enhancing its hospitality and tourism infrastructure. Hotels are upgrading their facilities and expanding their offerings. For example, the historic Avila Beach Hotel has renovated its oceanfront rooms, offering a more luxurious experience for guests. Baoase Luxury Resort has also unveiled newly designed accommodations, while the Curacao Marriott Beach Resort has expanded its popular Salty Iguana Ocean Grill. Other notable expansions include new property developments at Elements Hotel & Shops Curacao and retail additions at the Renaissance Wind Creek Curaçao Resort.
Marval highlighted that the focus isn’t just on numbers; the island is committed to creating a memorable and authentic experience for travelers. “On the island, we are not just building hotels; partners are creating immersive offerings that honor Curaçao’s natural beauty and rich heritage while staying true to the land and culture. We're not just inviting travelers, we're offering them a gateway to discover an authentic, unmatched, and transformative Caribbean experience the Curacao way.”
With new flights, enhanced accommodations, and a focus on cultural and natural experiences, Curacao is shaping up to be a must-visit destination in 2025. The island is not only expanding its offerings but also staying true to its roots, ensuring that visitors can enjoy an authentic Caribbean experience like never before.