WILLEMSTAD - On a monthly basis the associations CHATA & CASHA publish the figures regarding hotels, alternative accommodations, car rentals and diving schools. By doing this together, both associations aim to create a broader and balanced overview of Curaçao’s tourism & hospitality sector’s performance and recovery.

CASHA presents occupancy figures for January 2022

The new year started of promising for CASHA members with an occupancy of 83,3% in the month of January. Two members even indicated to not having one night available, with an occupancy of 100%, while 7 accommodation members registered an occupancy of over 90%. These accommodations are spread over the island from Bottelier to Boca Sami and from Vista Royal to San Sebastian. The high occupancy score at the west side of the island is quite remarkable, especially at Banda Bou. Tourists choose alternative accommodations: eco-resorts in the middle of nature, close to the most beautiful beaches, luxury safari cabins or small hotels in the historical city. The other accommodations registered an occupancy of 88%. Tour companies and car rentals also had a good month with an occupancy of 87.2%. Dive schools registered an occupancy of 69,8%, which is a little less than the month before.

CHATA presents occupancy figures for January 2022

January was a positive month for CHATA members in terms of hotel occupancy. In the month of January 2022, the larger hotels had an average occupancy of 65,9%. Compared to the year before (19.7%) this is a substantial increase of 234,5%. However, if we look at the occupancy data pre-COVID (January 2019: 80,1%), this is a decrease of 17,7%. The average daily rate also increased with 67,6% compared to 2021, to $234,68. Compared to January of 2019, this is also an increase of 11,4%.

As for the revenue per available room, numbers indicate a significant increase of 460,9% compared to 2021. From $27,56 in 2021 to $154,55 in 2022. Compared to the pre-COVID data, the revenue per available room decreased with 8.4%.

The table below, showcases the STR data compared to the last two years: 

*Source: STR. Smith Travel Research (STR) is the leading global provider of competitive benchmarking, information services and research to the hotel industry.

Cautiously optimistic

CHATA and CASHA are happy that the positive trend of the second half of last year continued this year as well. However, they remain cautiously optimistic, as many other vacation destinations in the world are opening again making the competition stronger. Consequently, Curaçao will have to work harder to attract tourists. For larger hotels this is the first month that occupancy is lower compared to 2019. This may be the effect of Omicron but may also have to do with the fact that there is more competition compared to the end of last year.

Many countries are relaxing their entry measures and even though the 3rd day antigen test is not necessary in Curaçao since February 21, CHATA & CASHA agree that we must be aware that the entry policy to our country affects tourism. Especially now that other countries are opening again with no to little entry measures. Both associations are happy that tourism is flourishing again and that tourists are visiting our island. For this reason, we commit our efforts to continue the tourism recovery. And let’s not forget the importance of the contribution of both associations’ members to our local economy’s taxes.