WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao's infrastructure is struggling to keep pace with the rapid expansion of tourism, with the island's landfill nearing capacity, most wastewater still entering the environment untreated and the airport expected to exceed its current capacity, according to the Tourism Carrying Capacity Study.
The report paints a particularly concerning picture of the infrastructure necessary to support Curaçao's growing population and tourism industry.
One of the most urgent issues involves wastewater.
Researchers estimate that between 80 and 90 percent of Curaçao's wastewater is discharged untreated, directly affecting coastal water quality and marine ecosystems. Visitors, meanwhile, generate approximately 3.5 times as much waste per person as residents.
The study says Curaçao's landfill has only an 11 percent margin remaining.
The problem could intensify substantially if tourism continues growing at the projected rate, as tourist-generated waste is expected to double by 2030.
A United Nations Development Programme-supported initiative examining waste streams and landfill efficiency is reportedly underway. However, the study says greater clarity is needed about its timeline, warning that Curaçao cannot wait indefinitely to address increasing waste volumes.
Airport capacity presents another challenge.
According to the report, Curaçao International Airport is expected to exceed its current capacity in 2026.
A planned expansion would increase that capacity, but researchers project that even the expanded airport could become overwhelmed before 2030 if tourism develops according to current trends.
The report challenges the assumption that airport limitations will naturally place a ceiling on tourism growth. New hotels generate additional demand, the researchers argue, which in turn creates pressure to expand aviation capacity.
Roads face similar pressures.
The study projects nearly 28,000 additional vehicles on Curaçao by 2030, potentially adding substantially to congestion during peak periods.
The researchers argue that tourism cannot therefore be considered independently from Curaçao's infrastructure policy.
Responsibility for tourism lies largely with the Ministry of Economic Development, while wastewater, roads, environmental protection and other essential systems fall under different ministries and public entities.
That fragmented responsibility is one reason the study calls for a government-wide approach.
Stakeholders from government, the private sector and civil society broadly agreed that continued tourism growth without stronger management would increase pressure on Curaçao's systems and threaten long-term sustainability.
Among the priorities identified are better wastewater infrastructure, stronger governance and coordination, clearer development guidelines and closer alignment between tourism expansion and the priorities of residents.
The report warns that without substantial progress on waste, wastewater and airport capacity, tourism expansion will continue placing unsustainable pressure on Curaçao's national systems regardless of tourism-specific policies.