CTB’S Quality Label: What Curaçao Homeowners Should Know

In August, the Curaçao Tourist Board (CTB) began inviting homeowners and property managers to participate in its new Quality Certification program for vacation rentals, developed in concert with the Ministry of Economic Development and the Curaçao Innovation & Technology Institute (CITI). Designed for smaller alternative accommodations like villas, bungalows, guesthouses and bed‑and‑breakfasts with up to forty independent units, the initiative aims to raise safety, hygiene and service standards across the island’s burgeoning non‑hotel segment. Participation is voluntary, but successful applicants earn a two‑year CTB Quality label, priority listing on the official tourism site www.curacao.com and inclusion in CTB’s promotional efforts. 

The certification unfolds in five clear phases. First, owners submit an application and pay a 265 XCG fee. Next, CITI auditors conduct a preliminary inspection, checking fire safety equipment, smoke detectors, lockable doors and windows, cleanliness protocols, valid permits, online‑booking systems and availability of local tourist information. Properties that fall short receive a two‑month window to remedy any deficiencies before a final assessment. When all criteria are met, the CTB awards the Quality Certification plaque, signaling to guests that the property adheres to island‑wide best practices. Importantly, CTB reserves the right to carry out interim audits and failure to maintain standards can lead to revocation of the certification.

For many hosts, the benefits of certification are immediately apparent. A CTB‑backed label lends credibility and instills confidence in prospective guests, particularly those unfamiliar with Curaçao’s diverse rental market. One could assume that Certified properties would enjoy higher occupancy and average daily rates thanks to featured placement on curacao.com and targeted marketing campaigns. The audit process itself offers a valuable opportunity to uncover and address maintenance or service gaps, effectively serving as a quasi-free operational review. Moreover, the scheme aligns Curaçao with global peers; France’s “Gîtes de France,” New Zealand’s Qualmark program and Spain’s “Distintivo de Calidad Turística” all leverage independent audits and tiered classifications to assure travelers of safety, comfort and sustainability.

Certification, however, is not without its drawbacks. Fees add up when owners must purchase or upgrade fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, energy‑efficient appliances or professional cleaning services. The paperwork, scheduling of inspections and follow‑up audits, introduce an administrative layer that some owners, accustomed to a more informal approach, are likely to find intrusive. Formal entry into a government‑endorsed program also increases visibility to tax authorities and municipal regulators. Owners may suddenly face audits for holiday‑home taxes, zoning compliance or rental licenses. And the possibility of mid‑term inspections, while intended to uphold quality, could be disruptive during peak booking periods. 

Curaçao’s push for quality certification reflects broader ambitions: bolstering visitor numbers to half‑a‑million by 2026, diversifying lodging options beyond traditional hotels and cementing the island’s standing among world‑class Caribbean destinations. Alternative accommodations represent a rapidly growing niche that includes eco‑travelers, families seeking privacy and groups organizing retreats. A reliable certification program could help translate that growth into sustained revenue and elevated guest experiences. For property owners, weighing the upfront investment, potential regulatory scrutiny and ongoing compliance against marketing advantages and operational insights is crucial. 

Ultimately, this initiative invites each host to consider where their priorities lie. Whether the CTB’s Quality label serves as a passport to a new tier of guests and rates, or whether a more hands‑on, independent model better suits their business. By staying informed and engaging thoughtfully with the certification process, homeowners can chart the course that best supports both their properties and the travelers who choose to call Curaçao “home,” even if only for a few nights.