WILLEMSTAD – Interest group CASHA is raising concerns that the rapid growth of tourism in Curaçao is placing increasing pressure on the island’s infrastructure and environment.
The organization warned that current expansion in the sector is not aligned with the island’s capacity, pointing to growing strain on infrastructure, energy supply, and waste management systems.
While the government continues to promote further tourism growth, CASHA argues that the pace of development risks becoming unsustainable if not properly managed.
The group has proposed several measures aimed at restoring balance, including revising or eliminating tax incentives for large resorts, adjusting the planned visitor entry fee, and introducing stricter regulations for rentals within the sector. It also called for stronger enforcement of existing rules.
According to CASHA, the key issue is not whether tourism should grow, but how that growth is managed. The organization stressed that long-term sustainability depends on aligning expansion with Curaçao’s physical capacity and protecting the island’s living environment.
CASHA’s warning adds to a broader debate about the future of tourism on the island, as stakeholders increasingly question how to balance economic benefits with social and environmental impact.