Curaçao expands its tourism market to the Southern Cone

In this context, Travel2latam spoke with Iris Carrasco, Coordinator for the Southern Cone of the Curaçao Tourist Board.

How will your participation in FIT be and what are your expectations for this event?

This is the second year that Curaçao is at FIT. Last year was super positive for us. We are positioning the destination for the consumer.

That is the idea of ​​being here and we also obviously want to invite all those who are part of the trade business to learn more about Curaçao. We have been growing quite well in the Argentine market and that is why we are here at the fair. 

How would you describe the current situation of the Curaçao tourism market? What news can you share with us?

The news is that we have had impressive growth. Our expectations for what was going to be 2024 have already been exceeded and I think we are going to set a new record for the arrival of passengers to the island. We are going for 700 thousand, if I am not mistaken, to receive this year. And the expectation was much lower. So the truth is that we are very happy with everything. It is a very big job that we are doing. People are getting to know the destination, they are seeing the diversity and everything that we can offer to such an extent that now we speak as a destination “Come, meet me and experience, live it for yourself on the island.” 

You are expanding connectivity, especially with Latin America, which is something very important for you…

That's right, in fact, one of the great innovations that we are going to bring is the promotion of the new Buenos Aires to Bogotá flight that leaves from Aeroparque, and connects with the flights to Curaçao. So now we have, apart from those that left from Ezeiza, this other flight that will connect three times a week and that increases our seat availability. Likewise, with Copa we also have flights from different cities in Argentina, such as Buenos Aires, Mendoza, Córdoba, Rosario, and all the flights in the first time slot connect with the Curaçao flight. In fact, Copa recently increased to nine frequencies between Panama and Curaçao. The idea is that we will soon continue increasing and announcing frequencies to Curaçao because we have really been growing quite well. Obviously, that demand then has to be supported by hotel rooms. 

How is the hotel market in Curaçao? How do you describe the current situation?

We currently have approximately 8,500 beds, including apartments and Airbnbs, but we are bringing in new hotels this year. A new section of the Dreams Curaçao Resort has just opened , adults only, with a different concept of oceanfront cabins where you can practically step out of your room, which is that cabin, onto the beach. The new Marriott Courtyard has also just opened recently, which is an addition to the city hotel offering we have. It is very well located for those who want to go out and retire or run.

New products are being built and will possibly open between 2025 and 2026, so we are working on increasing the number of beds, because we are obviously aware that we have to increase quality in order to offer a better service. 

The gastronomic offer is also growing, isn't it?

Yes, not only gastronomy, we also have shopping tourism and many activities, but specifically in gastronomy we have many restaurants and for all types of budgets, from the most economical international fast food to the most exclusive ones, listed among the best in the Caribbean. We have something for all levels and in all areas of the island with a very good offer, restaurants in front of the beach, others perhaps on a rooftop where you can see all of Curaçao, there are different ones.

And then I can tell you that in terms of activities we have many things to do, depending on what the tourist wants to do. We always have something to do, especially good weather, that should also be noted. We are outside the hurricane zone and it is summer all year round, with 29 degrees Celsius. Our beaches are crystal clear, with intense turquoise colors. 

How are the plans regarding trade and MICE working? 

We are working closely with wholesalers and tour operators here in Argentina. We are attending trade and consumer fairs, such as FIT, which is a hybrid event. But we are also going to be at other fairs aimed at consumers, to position the brand more at the consumer level, such as a fair that is going to take place called The North Experience. And with the operators we are also working on training, on particular events that they are organizing for a select group of travel agents. We are going to be at the Master Free Way in Mendoza next week, where it will be an exclusive event for 50 travel agents, the best salespeople will be there. So we are working a lot with the trade here in Argentina.