WILLEMSTAD - On a monthly basis the associations CHATA & CASHA publish the figures regarding hotels, alternative accommodations, car rentals and diving schools. By doing this together, both associations aim to create a balanced overview of Curaçao’s tourism & hospitality sector’s performance and recovery.  

CASHA presents occupancy figures for May 2022 

In the month of May, CASHA members reported an average occupancy of 67.3%, which is less than the month before, when they reported an average occupancy of 75.1%. Compared to the month of May 2021 (16.5%), this is a significant increase, as the COVID-wave was still a reality at the time. Two accommodations reported an occupancy of higher than 90%, six accommodations reported occupancies between 75% and 90%, all of which spread over the entire island. The remaining accommodations reported occupancies between 16% and 71.1%. According to accommodation owners, the competition with all-inclusive hotels and inexpensive travel packages compared to individual ticket prices is becoming more challenging. Furthermore, the other sectors also reported decreasing occupancy numbers compared to prior months, as dive schools reported an average occupancy of 59.9% and car rentals 75%.  

CHATA presents occupancy figures for May 2022 

The month of May was once again a positive month for CHATA members in terms of hotel occupancy. In May 2022 the Curaçao large hotels had an average occupancy of 66.4%. Compared to the year before (25.4%) this is a substantial increase of 160.8%. Even taking pre-COVID occupancy data into consideration (May 2019: 64.9%), this is an increase of 2.3%. The average daily rate increased with 55.3% compared to 2021, to $189,31. Compared to the month of May 2019, this is also an increase of 20.5%. As for the revenue per available room, numbers also indicate a significant increase of 304.9% compared to 2021. From $31,03 in 2021 to $125,63 in 2022. Compared to pre-COVID data, the revenue per available room slightly increased with 5.1%.  

The recovery for the month of May compared to 2019 was 101.5%. The total year to date recovery for Curaçao for 2022 compared to 2019 is 94%, while the recovery of the same period for 2021 vs. 2019 was 51%.  

The table below, showcases the STR data:  

*STR Data is based on a sample of 11 reporting properties and represents 2122 rooms, which is 65.8% of the total rooms in Curaçao.   

Fast progressive recovery  

It is evident that the sector is recovering from the COVID pandemic, as we are returning to ‘normal’ tourism with different seasons like we knew before. But the effects of the war in Ukraine are felt worldwide and in all sectors. Furthermore, people can travel in Europe again and book inexpensive and long vacations. Therefore, the sun, sea, and sand-vacations are possible and more accessible once again during the summertime. Additionally, our island is becoming more expensive for the European tourist, due to the Euro currency depreciation. Despite all the revoked measures, travelers are still canceling mostly due to COVID. Lastly, the situation at Schiphol is concerning, although this is a reality at various airports around the world. The specific effects for Curaçao remain unknown, as, unfortunately, the situation allows the Netherlands’ traveler reason for cancelation. Despite the above-mentioned factors, CHATA and CASHA members remain positive about the future perspectives of our hospitality and tourism sector.