Curaçao’s growth is showing up in familiar places. It’s there in the steady hum along the Handelskade, in the fuller tables at waterfront restaurants in Pietermaai, and in the growing lineups at beach clubs on the island’s western shore, from Cas Abao to Playa Kalki. Across the island, the rhythm feels busier, more confident, and more sustained. It’s because, simply, this island is hot. And we’re not talking about the temperature.
In 2025, Curaçao welcomed 788,427 stayover visitors, marking a 13 percent increase over the previous year and adding more than 88,000 additional overnight travelers. Total arrivals, including cruise passengers and day visitors, reached 1,714,335, a 9 percent increase compared to 2024. It is the strongest overall performance the destination has recorded, and it reflects steady gains across multiple markets rather than reliance on a single source.
This is growth built on consistency, visibility, and repeat demand.
A Strong Year for Stayover Travel
Stayover travel continued to anchor Curaçao’s tourism performance throughout 2025. Visitors stayed an average of 8.4 nights, underscoring the island’s appeal as a place where travelers settle in rather than rush through. More than half of those guests, 56 percent, chose resort hotels, reinforcing the strength of Curaçao’s accommodation sector across both established and newer properties.
Behind the numbers is a destination that has sharpened its positioning in key markets while maintaining a clear sense of identity. Curaçao’s cultural life, multilingual character, and varied landscapes remain central to its appeal, supported by targeted efforts to maintain visibility in the markets that matter most.
December Sets a New Record
The year ended with a milestone. December 2025 became the strongest single month ever recorded for stayover arrivals, with 80,891 visitors choosing to spend nights on the island. That figure represents a 10 percent increase compared to December 2024 and capped a year defined by momentum rather than seasonal spikes.
The strength of December performance signals more than holiday travel. It reflects confidence in Curaçao as a winter destination and continued interest from travelers willing to commit to longer stays.
The Markets Driving the Momentum
The Netherlands remained Curaçao’s leading source market in December 2025, delivering 26,243 stayover visitors, a 4 percent increase year over year. Dutch travelers stayed an average of 13.7 nights, with the majority coming from South Holland, North Holland, and North Brabant. The length of stay continues to distinguish this market as one of the island’s most valuable.
The United States followed closely, with 20,423 stayover arrivals in December, representing a 7 percent increase compared to the previous year. American visitors stayed an average of 6.5 nights, with New York, Florida, and Georgia leading as states of origin.
Colombia delivered the fastest growth among the top markets. December arrivals from Colombia totaled 6,902 visitors, a 29 percent increase year over year. Colombian travelers averaged seven nights on the island, primarily arriving from Bogotá and Antioquia, reinforcing Curaçao’s growing pull within South America.
A Destination in a New Phase
What stands out about Curaçao’s current performance is balance. Growth is coming from Europe, North America, and South America. Visitors are staying longer. Monthly records are being set without volatility.
For an island that has long occupied a distinct place in the Caribbean, culturally and geographically, the message from 2025 is straightforward. Curaçao has moved into a new phase as a high-performing destination, and the momentum is carrying forward.
Karen Udler
2026-01-15 20:28:00