WILLEMSTAD – What initially appeared to be positive news for tourism has sparked an unexpectedly strong backlash on social media. Following the announcement that Curaçao is considering eliminating visa requirements for Venezuelan visitors, hundreds of comments from Venezuelans revealed that many are not eager to return to the island.
Earlier this month, Minister of Economic Development Roderick Middelhof confirmed that the government is evaluating the possibility of restoring visa-free travel for Venezuelans in an effort to revive tourism and strengthen economic ties with Curaçao's closest neighbor.
However, reactions on social media suggest that the proposal has reopened wounds about the fact that Venezuelans face visa requirements and stricter entry controls.
"We Have Everything at Home"
Many Venezuelan commenters argued that they no longer see Curaçao as an attractive destination and instead prefer to spend their tourism dollars within Venezuela or in other countries.
One widely supported comment came from a Venezuelan traveler who said he had visited Curaçao twice but concluded that Venezuela offers far more natural attractions.
"I can say with complete certainty that Curaçao pales in comparison to the beauty of Isla Tortuga, Los Roques, Margarita, Morrocoy, Choroní and the coasts of Aragua," the commenter wrote.
The same individual praised Venezuela's diversity, pointing to deserts, jungles, snow-capped mountains, volcanoes, beaches, plains, the Catatumbo lightning phenomenon, the Guiana Highlands, and Mount Roraima.
"After visiting 18 countries and living in two of them, I returned because I realized the treasure was always at home," the commenter wrote, ending with a call for Venezuelans to support domestic tourism.
Calls for "Dignity" and Boycotts
Many comments expressed resentment over what some Venezuelans described as years of humiliation and discrimination while traveling abroad.
Several commenters stated they would refuse to visit Curaçao even if visa requirements were lifted.
"Before going to Curaçao, I would rather go to the Dominican Republic," one person wrote.
Others called for a policy of reciprocity, suggesting that Curaçao residents should also be required to obtain visas to enter Venezuela.
"It is time for reciprocity because what is equal is not cheating. Let them now apply for a visa to enter Venezuela," another commenter said.
Several individuals grouped Curaçao together with other countries that introduced visa requirements for Venezuelans over the past decade, including Aruba, Chile, and Peru.
"We should not return to any country that humiliated us," one comment read.
Others spoke of preserving their dignity and refusing to reward destinations that they believe treated Venezuelan migrants unfairly during the country's migration crisis.
Not Everyone Agrees
Not all commenters supported the criticism.
Some Venezuelans argued that many of the problems experienced abroad were caused not by discrimination but by the failure of some migrants to respect local laws and regulations.
One lengthy response that received considerable attention challenged those claiming to be victims of xenophobia.
The commenter asked how many Venezuelans had properly legalized their status, respected local rules, and adapted to the societies where they settled.
"The problem is that many people wanted to live in Curaçao, France, England or Peru while continuing the same behaviors they had at home," the commenter wrote.
Examples cited included ignoring traffic regulations, littering, smoking in prohibited public areas, and failing to respect local customs and laws.
The writer argued that being Venezuelan should mean respecting the laws of the country in which one lives.
"I have many friends and family members living legally in those countries and none of them have experienced the xenophobia that others talk about," the commenter concluded.
A Complex Relationship
The reactions highlight the complicated relationship that has developed between Curaçao and Venezuela over the past decade.
For years, Venezuelans were among Curaçao's most important visitors, contributing significantly to retail sales, tourism, real estate, and the broader economy.
But the political and economic crisis in Venezuela, combined with migration pressures and changes in entry requirements, altered that relationship significantly.
The social media debate suggests that while Curaçao may be looking to rebuild tourism from Venezuela, a segment of the Venezuelan public has not forgotten the difficulties experienced during those years.
Government Still Reviewing Proposal
For now, the proposal remains under consideration and no final decision has been announced.
Whether visa-free travel is eventually restored or not, the online reaction demonstrates that the issue extends beyond tourism and economics. For many Venezuelans, it has become an emotional discussion involving memory, dignity, migration, national pride, and the future relationship between two neighbors separated by just a few dozen miles of Caribbean Sea.
The comments also reveal a reality that policymakers may need to consider: attracting Venezuelan visitors again may require more than removing visa requirements. It may also require rebuilding trust.