Curaçao has reported a successful start to the summer shoulder season, with a significant increase in visitor numbers. The Curaçao Tourist Board revealed that in May 2025, the island welcomed almost 59,000 stayover visitors, reflecting a 9 percent rise compared to the previous year. This growth highlights the island’s rising appeal and the consistent success of its tourism strategy across various key international markets.
South America led the surge in arrivals, with a notable 20 percent increase in visitors. North America followed closely with a 16 percent rise, and the Caribbean market saw a 13 percent growth in visitors. European arrivals remained stable, maintaining a steady flow of tourists. Europe and North America continued to be the top regions for visitor numbers, with Europe contributing 22,109 travelers, and North America bringing in 18,412 visitors, solidifying their significance to the island’s tourism sector.
Visitor Length of Stay and Trends
Visitors to Curaçao spent an average of 7.7 nights on the island during May 2025, based on data from the immigration card system. This trend suggests that tourists are opting for longer stays, further contributing to the island’s growth as a destination for extended holidays, rather than just short getaways.
Leading Markets for May 2025
The Netherlands retained its position as Curaçao’s largest market, with 19,008 Dutch travelers arriving in May 2025. Though slightly lower than the previous year’s total, Dutch visitors continue to show strong engagement with the island. The average stay for Dutch travelers was 11.3 nights, and 57 percent of them chose non-resort accommodations, which highlights the continued popularity of alternative lodging options like home rentals. The remaining 43 percent opted for resort stays, reflecting a healthy balance of accommodation choices.
Visitor arrivals from the United States surged by 21 percent in May 2025, with 17,296 Americans visiting Curaçao, up from 14,272 the previous year. A significant 68 percent of these travelers chose resort accommodations, staying for an average of 5.8 nights. This increase highlights the growing popularity of Curaçao as a sought-after vacation destination for U.S. tourists.
Colombia ranked third in visitor numbers, sending 3,977 travelers to the island, marking a 9 percent rise compared to May 2024. Most Colombian visitors, 59 percent, chose resort accommodations, with an average stay of 5.1 nights, continuing the trend of preference for full-service lodging.
Performance Overview for 2025 Year-to-Date
From January to May 2025, Curaçao attracted 794,688 visitors, comprising 342,550 stayover guests, 21,280 day-trippers, and 430,858 cruise passengers. This marks a 3 percent increase over the same period in 2024. The growth reflects the effectiveness of Curaçao’s targeted marketing initiatives and the continued partnerships with hotels, airlines, and other key players in the tourism sector, enhancing the island’s global appeal.
Outlook for Curaçao’s Tourism Future
Looking ahead, Curaçao is poised to continue its upward trend in tourism. The island’s focus will remain on enhancing the guest experience while preserving its unique cultural identity. With targeted marketing efforts aimed at deepening relationships with core international markets, Curaçao is well-positioned for sustained growth in the months to come.
Key Insights:
- May 2025 marked almost 59,000 stayover visitors, a 9 percent increase from the previous year.
- South America saw the most significant growth, with a 20 percent rise, followed by North America at 16% and the Caribbean at 13%.
- Europe and North America remain the top sources for visitors to Curaçao.
- The year-to-date performance showed 794,688 visitors, including 342,550 stayover arrivals, reflecting a 3 percent increase compared to 2024.
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via >EPR
