WILLEMSTAD - During the third week of March, Minister of Economic Development, Ruisandro Cijntje, led a delegation that participated in Seatrade Cruise Global in Miami. Seatrade Cruise Global is the world's largest cruise event, where stakeholders exchange insights on all relevant aspects related to the cruise industry. At this event, Curaçao joined forces with Aruba and Bonaire to promote the islands in the cruise industry through the ABC concept. Alongside Minister Cijntje, the Curaçao delegation consisted of managers from the Curaçao Ports Authority (CPA), Curaçao Tourist Board (CTB), and the Harbour Master. 

In addition to strategic discussions Minister Cijntje had with Aruba's Minister of Tourism, Mr. Oduber, and Bonaire's Deputy Tourism Commissioner, Mr. Abraham, on cruise tourism development on the islands, Minister Cijntje and his delegation also exchanged views with managers from the Aruba Ports Authority (APA), Aruba Tourism Authority (ATA), Bonaire Ports, and Tourism Corporation Bonaire (TCB) during the event. These discussions were part of promoting the Dutch Caribbean Cruise Itinerary program, which has been widely accepted by cruise lines. 

During Seatrade Cruise Global, Minister Cijntje and his delegation also met with the president of the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) and various cruise line executives, including those from Carnival Corporation, Royal Caribbean Group, Aida, Costa, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Holland America Line. This was aimed at product development, capacity enhancement, and solidifying Curaçao's position as one of the best cruise destinations in the Caribbean. 

For the remainder of 2024, Curaçao can expect to receive approximately 300 cruise ships, equivalent to a total of about 800,000 cruise passengers, representing an increase of nearly 13% compared to 2023. Minister Cijntje is committed to continuing to strengthen the cruise sector, which will contribute to economic development in Curaçao.