WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao’s economy expanded by 5.1 percent in 2025, slightly outperforming the 5.0 percent growth recorded in 2024, according to the latest Economic Bulletin released by the Central Bank of Curaçao and Sint Maarten (CBCS). The figures confirm that tourism remained the primary engine of economic growth on the island.
The CBCS reported that higher numbers of stay-over visitors and cruise passengers boosted activity across several sectors, including hotels and restaurants, wholesale and retail trade, construction, and financial and insurance services. Tourism-related spending continued to ripple through the wider economy, supporting employment and business activity.
At the same time, inflation eased during the year. Consumer price growth slowed from 2.6 percent in 2024 to 2.0 percent in 2025, largely due to lower electricity and fuel prices following a decline in international oil prices. However, rising food prices continued to put pressure on household budgets and prevented inflation from falling further.
Government finances also improved significantly. The current budget surplus increased from 1.0 percent of GDP in 2024 to 3.1 percent in 2025 as government revenues rose while current expenditures declined. Higher tax collections were supported by stronger economic activity and continued efforts to improve tax compliance.
The stronger economy also helped reduce the government’s debt burden. According to the CBCS, Curaçao’s public debt-to-GDP ratio fell from 66 percent at the end of 2024 to 61 percent at the end of 2025, despite additional borrowing for capital investments. The decline was driven primarily by growth in the economy and higher nominal GDP.
The report suggests that Curaçao entered 2026 from a position of economic strength, supported by robust tourism activity, improving public finances, and moderating inflation.