WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao's economy is now expected to grow by 2.8 percent in 2026, slightly stronger than previously forecast, after tourism performed better than anticipated during the first half of the year.
The Centrale Bank van Curaçao en Sint Maarten (CBCS) revised its growth projection for Curaçao upward by 0.1 percentage point compared with its June forecast, according to its September 2026 Monetary Policy Report.
The Central Bank says stronger-than-expected tourism is the main reason for the improved outlook.
Economic growth this year is expected to be supported by both domestic demand and net foreign demand. Private investment is playing an important role, particularly through tourism-related projects and residential construction.
However, the CBCS expects the pace of economic expansion to slow next year.
Real gross domestic product is projected to grow by 2.3 percent in 2027, compared with 2.8 percent this year.
Domestic demand is expected to become the principal driver of growth next year. The CBCS specifically points to continuing residential and tourism-related investments, including the airport expansion and new tourism developments.
Government spending and a larger public investment budget are also expected to contribute.
The external sector, however, is expected to become less favorable. Imports are projected to increase faster than exports in 2027, causing net foreign demand to weigh on economic growth.
Inflation also remains a concern. The CBCS has increased its inflation forecast for Curaçao by 0.1 percentage point for both 2026 and 2027.
Inflation is now projected at 2.5 percent this year and 2.4 percent next year. The revision is linked primarily to expected developments in international oil prices amid continuing instability in the Middle East.
The new forecast therefore presents a mixed picture. Curaçao continues to expand and tourism remains an important engine of the economy, but growth is expected to moderate in 2027 while inflation continues to put pressure on consumers.