WILLEMSTAD – Taxi and bus drivers participating in the "Rijdend met Kompas" training program took part in an educational excursion through Otrobanda and Banda Bou on Saturday, November 7, 2026. The initiative, organized by Nostra Growth, was designed to strengthen participants' knowledge of Curaçao's history, culture, traditions, and tourist attractions, enabling them to provide better information and service to passengers.
The excursion formed part of the Rijdend met Kompas course, a training program specifically developed for professionals in Curaçao's transportation sector, particularly taxi and bus drivers.
The program recognizes that public transportation drivers play an important role beyond transporting passengers from one destination to another. They are often among the first people visitors encounter and can contribute significantly to how tourists experience and perceive the island.
The group departed from the World Trade Center (WTC), accompanied by a certified professional tour guide who provided information about Curaçao's origins, its earliest inhabitants, European exploration, and the island's historical and cultural development.
Participants also learned about important landmarks between Zakitó and Otrobanda, including several bridges and their historical significance.
The excursion included several stops across the island, each offering an opportunity to learn about Curaçao's heritage and natural environment.
At Brionplein in Otrobanda, participants received information about the history and development of Willemstad's historic districts, including Otrobanda, Punda, Scharloo, and Pietermaai.
The guide explained how these neighborhoods developed over time and their importance to Curaçao's cultural identity.
The group then visited the viewing platform in Tera Kòrá, where participants learned about the wind turbines on the Noordkant plains, the development of the surrounding area, and changes in residential construction and housing patterns.
The excursion continued through Banda Bou, passing through Barber, Hòfi Pastor, and Wakawa.
During this part of the journey, participants received information about the historical, cultural, and natural characteristics of these communities and their surroundings.
The visit to Westpunt focused particularly on the importance of protecting Curaçao's marine environment.
Participants received guidance on how to inform visitors about sea turtles, their natural habitats, and the risks associated with disturbing or touching these protected marine animals.
The organizers emphasized that transportation professionals can help promote responsible tourism by sharing accurate information about wildlife conservation.
Another stop was Kenepa Grandi, one of Curaçao's best-known beaches and a popular destination for both residents and tourists.
The visit provided an opportunity for participants to become more familiar with the island's natural attractions and the information they can share with passengers interested in exploring Curaçao.
According to the organizers, the excursion was both educational and valuable for the participating drivers.
The initiative reflects the importance of ensuring that transportation professionals possess reliable knowledge about the destinations, communities, and attractions they regularly introduce to visitors.
Taxi and bus drivers frequently interact with tourists seeking recommendations about beaches, historical sites, restaurants, cultural activities, and other places of interest.
Accurate information, combined with professional and courteous service, can therefore contribute to a more positive experience for passengers.
The organizers stressed that drivers are not only transportation providers but also representatives of Curaçao.
Their knowledge, communication skills, and professionalism can influence visitors' impressions of the island.
The Rijdend met Kompas program aims to strengthen these qualities by combining professional development with a deeper understanding of Curaçao's identity and heritage.
The training initiative is a collaboration between the Traffic and Transportation Service (UOVV), the Curaçao Tourist Board (CTB), and Nostra Growth.
Through this partnership, the organizations seek to improve service standards within the transportation sector while encouraging drivers to take pride in representing Curaçao.
The excursion concluded with the message that understanding the island is an essential first step toward representing it with confidence and pride.
By investing in the knowledge and professional development of taxi and bus drivers, the program aims to contribute to higher-quality transportation services and a better experience for everyone traveling across Curaçao.