The streets of Willemstad fill quickly in winter. Pastel Dutch buildings glow along the waterfront, cafés open their terraces early, and beaches across the island fill with travelers escaping colder climates. February has long been part of Curaçao’s high season — and the island just posted another strong month.
According to new data from the Curaçao Tourist Board, the island welcomed 74,591 stayover visitors in February 2026, a 7 percent increase compared to February 2025. That represents 4,984 additional visitors year over year, underscoring how strong winter demand remains for the southern Caribbean destination.
Travelers also stayed longer than a typical Caribbean trip. Immigration Card data shows visitors spent an average of 8.6 nights on the island, highlighting Curaçao’s appeal as a place people settle into rather than simply pass through.
The numbers reflect a destination continuing to attract travelers from Europe, North America, and South America during the winter travel season.
South America Drives the Fastest Growth
The strongest surge came from South America, where arrivals jumped 27 percent compared to February 2025.
Curaçao has long had strong connections to nearby countries including Colombia, Brazil, and Argentina, and that regional demand continued to climb this winter. The island welcomed 16,206 stayover visitors from South America in February.
Meanwhile, North America recorded 27,042 visitors, representing 6 percent growth year over year.
Europe remained Curaçao’s largest overall source region, accounting for 27,799 visitors in February, with arrivals increasing 3 percent compared to last year.
The Caribbean region saw a decline in arrivals during the month, although the island’s core long-haul markets continued to deliver steady demand.
The Netherlands Still Leads the Way
The island’s strongest single source market remains the Netherlands, reflecting Curaçao’s long-standing historical and cultural ties.
In February, 23,460 Dutch travelers visited Curaçao, a 2 percent increase compared to the 22,969 arrivals recorded in February 2025.
Many Dutch visitors choose longer stays and a broader range of accommodations. According to tourism data, 55 percent stayed in non-resort accommodations, while 45 percent opted for resort hotels.
Dutch travelers also spent the longest time on the island, staying an average of 11.8 nights.
American Travelers Remain a Core Market
The United States continues to be one of Curaçao’s most important tourism markets.
The island welcomed 19,622 visitors from the United States in February 2026, with arrival numbers holding steady year over year.
American travelers tend to favor traditional resorts, with 64 percent staying in resort hotels and 36 percent choosing other types of accommodations such as boutique hotels or vacation rentals.
On average, American visitors stayed 6.1 nights during their trips.
That slightly shorter stay reflects a common pattern for U.S. travelers taking weeklong winter escapes.
Canadian Travel Surges
One of the biggest surprises in the February numbers came from Canada.
Visitor arrivals from Canada climbed 25 percent, reaching 7,420 travelers compared to 5,917 visitors during February 2025.
Canadian travelers also tended to stay longer, averaging 9.4 nights on the island.
Accommodation preferences were evenly split: 50 percent stayed in resort hotels, while the other half chose alternative accommodations across the island.
The strong growth highlights increasing interest from Canadian travelers looking for winter sun in destinations outside the traditional Caribbean hotspots.
Why Curaçao Keeps Attracting Winter Travelers
Curaçao’s winter appeal comes from several factors that distinguish it from many Caribbean destinations.
The island sits outside the Atlantic hurricane belt, which historically reduces storm risk during peak travel seasons. Its position in the southern Caribbean, just north of the Venezuelan coast, also produces consistently warm temperatures and lower rainfall during winter months.
Add in Curaçao’s UNESCO-listed Willemstad, more than 35 beaches, a strong culinary scene, and an expanding hotel landscape, and the island has positioned itself as one of the Caribbean’s most distinctive winter escapes.
The tourism board says February’s results reflect a balanced visitor mix across global markets, along with continued traveler engagement once visitors arrive.
That engagement shows up clearly in the 8.6-night average stay, a figure that suggests many travelers use Curaçao as a base to explore the island’s beaches, diving sites, historic districts, and cultural attractions over several days.
A Strong Winter Season Continues
February’s performance reinforces the island’s broader tourism momentum heading into the rest of 2026.
With steady demand from Europe, growth across North America, and particularly strong expansion in South American markets, Curaçao continues to broaden its visitor base while maintaining its traditional travel connections.
For an island known for colorful architecture, turquoise coves, and a distinct blend of Caribbean and Dutch culture, the latest numbers confirm something tourism officials have been seeing on the ground all winter.
Travelers keep coming — and they’re staying longer once they arrive.
Caribbean Journal Staff
2026-03-15 20:17:00