Curaçao bets on the South American market with new routes and over 20 hotels on display

Among the participants were renowned international brands and local properties presenting their offerings to operators. Sandals Royal Curaçao, Sunscape Curaçao, Zoëtry Curaçao, Dreams Curaçao, Kunuku Aqua Resort, One Mambo Beach, The Piermont – a Marriott Collection, and Tui Blue Curaçao were some of the highlights of the event.

In this context, Travel2Latam spoke with Elaine Francisca, Regional Manager for South America & Caribbean at Curaçao Tourist Board:

What are the expectations and objectives set with the organization of this symposium?

We are very pleased to resume this event after four years. The Curaçao Tourist Board, along with the airport and the Hospitality Association, organized the symposium with the idea of presenting the Curaçao product and updating tour operators on what’s coming in 2026. We invited 43 tour operators from different South American countries, as well as press and airlines we work with. Additionally, 21 hotels and receptive operators from the island registered to participate in one-on-one meetings, and we planned nearly 20 inspections for operators to get an in-depth look at our offerings.

What impact do you expect to achieve with this meeting?

Our goal is to put Curaçao on the map of major South American markets. We want tour operators to know us better and be able to sell and package our offerings more competitively. We have set a goal to receive 55,000 tourists from Colombia in 2026 and 206,000 in total from South America, and this event is key to our strategy to reach those numbers.

Connectivity is key to these objectives. What news do you have regarding flights?

Currently, we have Copa Airlines operating two daily flights from Panama and Avianca also with two daily flights from Bogotá. Starting December 2, LATAM will begin operations connecting Lima and Bogotá with Curaçao. This will allow us to reach markets like Colombia, Brazil, Argentina, Peru, and Chile more efficiently, where we are focusing our promotional efforts.

During the symposium, hotel development updates were shared. What openings are planned?

For 2026, we will add new brands and an increase in room offerings. Among them is The Piermont, a Marriott Collection adults-only all-inclusive resort, opening in the first quarter; and Tui Blue Curaçao, a family-friendly all-inclusive resort on the west side of the island, opening in the second half of the year. There are also expansions in properties like One Mambo Beach, which will add new villas.

How does the island's all-inclusive offering strengthen with these developments?

Today, we have resorts like Sandals Royal Curaçao, Sunscape Curaçao, the Hyatt Inclusive Collection (Zoëtry, Dreams, and Sunscape), and Kunuku Aqua Resort. With the arrival of Tui Blue and The Piermont, we will have a more complete offering that combines adults-only and family-friendly options.