WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao cannot continue expanding its tourism industry at its current pace and must increasingly focus on attracting visitors who contribute to the island’s long-term sustainable development, according to Curaçao Hospitality and Tourism Association (CHATA) Director Anuschka Cova.
Cova made the remarks during the Europe Trade Symposium 2026, organized by CHATA in cooperation with the Curaçao Tourist Board and Curaçao Airport Partners.
“We cannot continue growing at this pace,” Cova said, signaling a shift in emphasis from simply increasing visitor numbers toward attracting travelers who value Curaçao’s nature, people and cultural heritage.
According to Cova, the island should seek visitors who respect the destination and contribute positively to its development, including tourists who recognize the importance of keeping Curaçao clean.
The comments come as Curaçao’s tourism industry continues to expand, increasing the importance of discussions about how visitor growth can be balanced with the island’s infrastructure, environment and local communities.
CHATA’s position suggests that future tourism development should focus more strongly on the type of visitor Curaçao attracts rather than relying primarily on continued increases in overall arrivals.
Cova said the tourism sector must pursue growth that is sustainable and creates value for the destination.
The Europe Trade Symposium reflected that approach by exposing European travel professionals not only to Curaçao’s hotels but also to the island’s cultural and natural attractions.
Participants visited more than 17 hotels and other accommodations and were introduced to locations including Hofi Mango and Otrobanda.
The message from CHATA is that Curaçao’s future tourism strategy should increasingly connect economic development with preservation of the qualities that make the island attractive in the first place.
Rather than pursuing unlimited growth in visitor numbers, the organization wants greater emphasis on visitors who appreciate Curaçao and contribute to sustainable growth.