Profit In Paradise - July2025 - 2024 - A Year in Review

2024 was a year of record growth, rising spend and market diversification.

1. Long‑Term Arrivals & Market Shifts

Over the past three years, Curaçao has seen steady, accelerating growth in stay‑over arrivals. From 489,559 in 2022 to 582,405 in 2023 (+19%) and 700,249 in 2024 (+20%). Europe remains the leading region (42% market share YTD 2024), but South America’s share grew from 18% to 20% over the same period, while North America held steady at 30%. This subtle shift underscores Curaçao’s expanding appeal beyond traditional markets and hints at a more balanced, resilient visitor base.

2. Rising Spend per Guest

Visitor nights edged up from 5.2 million in 2023 to 6.1 million in 2024 (a 16% rise). Meanwhile, the island’s economic impact (direct + indirect, including cruise) jumped from $2.3 billion to $2.7 billion (+18%). Broken down, average spend per person per night (direct impact only) in 2024 topped $128 on accommodation, $40 on restaurants and $28 on transportation, with ancillary categories like shopping, activities and others adding meaningful revenue beyond room rates.

3. Shifts in Lodging Preferences

Alternative accommodations (apartments, villas, bungalows) now capture 54% of European demand, up from 49% in 2023, while branded hotels hold the other 46% . North America’s split is more hotel‑leaning (68% hotels vs. 32% alternatives), but the growing European bias toward self‑catering stays points to a lasting appetite for private, spacious retreats.

4. Economic Impact & Guest Expenditure

Tourists directly contributed $1.6 billion in 2024 (up 18%), with accommodations leading the way (782 million, +19%), followed by restaurants (243 million, +19%) and transportation (168 million, +18%) . Combined with 834,922 cruise arrivals, total visitor spending fueled $2.7 billion in island-wide economic activity. A vital lifeline for local businesses and services.

5. Top Spenders & Categories

Per‑night spend charts reveal that accommodation remains the single largest bucket at $128, followed by restaurants at $40 and transportation at $28). Notably, shopping and activities generate $25 and $18 respectively, underscoring the value of curated guest experiences and retail partnerships.