WILLEMSTAD – The Board of Financial Supervision for Curaçao and Sint Maarten (Cft) has urged the Curaçao government to develop a structural policy for Airbnb accommodations and shift its tourism strategy toward quality rather than quantity. The recommendations were presented during a periodic meeting with the Council of Ministers on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, as part of broader discussions about the long-term economic and financial consequences of tourism growth.
During the meeting, Cft Chairman Hans Hoogervorst delivered a presentation focusing on the development of tourism and its potential impact on Curaçao's economy, public finances and society.
Cft in a meeting with the Council of Ministers
The supervisory board emphasized that while tourism remains an important economic driver, its continued expansion also presents challenges that require careful government planning.
According to the Cft, tourism growth can affect infrastructure, the labor market, the environment and the daily lives of residents. These effects must be considered when determining how the sector should develop in the coming years.
The Cft presented several opportunities for Curaçao to generate greater economic benefits from tourism while ensuring that growth remains sustainable.
One of its specific recommendations was to establish a structural policy for Airbnb as a form of tourist accommodation.
The recommendation highlights the importance of including short-term vacation rentals in the government's broader tourism strategy.
The Cft also advised the government to place greater emphasis on the quality of tourism rather than simply increasing visitor numbers.
The objective is to ensure that tourism development generates stronger and more sustainable economic benefits for Curaçao over both the short and long term.
Aging Population and Labor Market Challenges
During the discussions, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice Shalten Hato addressed the challenges associated with Curaçao's aging population, particularly its implications for the labor market.
An aging population can create additional pressure on the availability of workers and influence the country's ability to support continued economic development.
Finance Minister Charles Cooper explained that Curaçao has pursued a policy objective of increasing its population since 2010.
According to Cooper, population growth is intended to help the country support both current and future developments.
The discussion placed demographic changes alongside tourism growth as important factors influencing Curaçao's long-term economic outlook.
The availability of workers, the structure of employment and the ability to sustain public services are among the issues that must be considered as the island's economy develops.
Government and Cft Discuss Economic Diversification
In addition to tourism and demographic developments, the Council of Ministers and the Cft discussed social security and the importance of expanding economic activities beyond the tourism industry.
Economic diversification was identified as another important subject during the meeting.
Developing additional economic sectors could help Curaçao broaden its economic base and reduce its dependence on a single major industry.
The discussions also addressed the country's debt-to-GDP ratio, which has shown a declining trend since 2021.
According to the government statement, maintaining this downward trend is important for Curaçao's financial position.
The debt-to-GDP ratio is an indicator of the size of government debt relative to the country's economy. A declining ratio can indicate an improvement in the relationship between public debt and economic output.
Periodic Financial Discussions
The October 28 meeting formed part of the regular consultations between the Council of Ministers and the Cft.
During each visit, the supervisory board focuses on a specific subject, presenting relevant statistics, economic projections and recommendations based on available information.
The government described the discussions as positive and constructive.
The latest meeting focused particularly on how tourism development could affect Curaçao's society, economy and government finances over the coming years.
The Cft delegation was led by Chairman Hans Hoogervorst and included Paul Hilbers, the member appointed on the recommendation of the Netherlands; Elizabeth de Cuba, the member appointed on the recommendation of Curaçao; and Perry Geerlings, the member appointed on the recommendation of Sint Maarten.
Other delegation members included Han van Midden, Jeroen Tellings, Tiziana Penso and Jasmijn Kossick.