WILLEMSTAD – The Curaçao Tourist Board (CTB) aims to attract 880,000 tourists by 2027, an increase of 180,000 visitors compared to 2024. At the same time, the board is developing strategies to preserve the quality of life on the island and ensure growth remains within sustainable limits. 

According to CTB Director Muryad de Bruin, the strategy focuses on market diversification. While the number of Dutch visitors is expected to remain stable, the board is targeting growth from markets such as the United States, Brazil, Belgium, Aruba, and Argentina. This diversification is aimed at reducing the tourism sector's vulnerability to fluctuations in specific markets. 

To closely monitor the impact of this growth, CTB is commissioning a carrying capacity study. The research will identify pressure points and bottlenecks based on data from residents, visitors, and stakeholders. 

The findings of the study will serve as the foundation for a monitoring system designed to help the island manage tourism development in a sustainable manner. According to De Bruin, growth should not come at the expense of the everyday life of residents.