WILLEMSTAD - Curaçao is set to experience a surge in tourism, leading to the development of thousands of new hotel rooms and culinary hotspots in the coming years, according to Muryad de Bruin, counterpart director of the Curaçao Tourist Board (CTB), in an interview with Reisbizz on Tuesday. 

The island has been witnessing a steady increase in tourist arrivals, prompting rapid growth in accommodations and dining options. "We expect about 4,000 additional rooms to be available by 2026, including hotel rooms, apartments, and vacation homes," stated De Bruin. 

Among the most significant construction projects underway are the Autograph Collection by Marriott in Pietermaai and TUI Blue in St. Martha, both of which will add between 300 and 350 rooms each. These hotels are responding to the rising demand for more luxurious accommodations among tourists. 

In addition to hotel expansions, numerous new apartment complexes, such as The Wharf and ONE, are also being developed. Existing hotels like Dolphin Suites and Lions Dive are increasing their capacity as well. "The demand for accommodations continues to grow, and these expansions are crucial to meet that demand," emphasized De Bruin.