MADRID – During a trade mission in Spain, the Curaçao Tourist Board (CTB), the investment agency CINEX, and two Spanish investment groups—CBS Asset Management and Via Appa Emerald—signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to collaborate on the development of a new hotel chain on the island of Curaçao. 

The agreement was formalized during a business dinner in Madrid attended by over 35 influential Spanish entrepreneurs. Curaçao was represented by Minister Charles Cooper, who highlighted the island's appeal as an investment destination, particularly due to its growing potential in tourism, sustainable energy, and the creative industries. 

In his presentation, Minister Cooper used the story of the Valencia orange—once brought to Curaçao and later transformed into the world-famous Blue Curaçao liqueur—as a metaphor for the power of collaboration and how unexpected opportunities can lead to successful ventures. 

Growing Concerns Over Tourism Impact 

The signing comes at a time when Curaçao is experiencing a tourism boom that is raising serious concerns about its environmental, cultural, and social sustainability. In 2024, the island welcomed a record-breaking 700,000 stay-over tourists, and the number is expected to continue climbing in 2025. 

This rapid growth has sparked alarm over the strain on infrastructure, pressure on natural resources such as water, and damage to fragile ecosystems including coral reefs and mangroves. Some residents also worry about the erosion of cultural identity and rising living costs driven by increasing demand for real estate and amenities. 

As the island looks to attract more international investment, questions remain about how to balance economic growth with responsible development that preserves the unique character and environment of Curaçao.