WILLEMSTAD - In July 2023, the occupancy rate of accommodations in Curaçao was 63 percent, according to data from 11 participating accommodations united under CASHA. This is slightly lower than July of the previous year, when the occupancy rate was 64 percent. 

According to the overarching organization, it appears that there are fewer tourists. Beaches are quiet, and there is space in restaurants. CTB figures reveal that almost six percent more tourists visited the island compared to the previous year. 

Where? 

CASHA wonders where these tourists are staying. One possible explanation is the growth of all-inclusive resorts and the shift of the market from Europe to the United States. Tourists at all-inclusive resorts often stay within the resort itself, leading to less spending outside of the resort. 

Moreover, American tourists generally have shorter stays on the island than European tourists. This may explain the decrease in the total number of overnight stays, from over 500 thousand to just under 492 thousand, despite the increase in the number of tourists, according to CASHA. 

Prices 

For tourists not staying at all-inclusive resorts, the rising costs are a recurring concern. High airfare prices, more expensive groceries, and increasing restaurant prices contribute to the feeling that everything has become more expensive. 

This sentiment is further reinforced among returning tourists who notice that prices on the island have risen in proportion more than elsewhere.