WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao welcomed 63,565 stayover visitors in September 2026, an increase of 18 percent compared to the same month last year, while cruise passenger arrivals surged by approximately 78 percent, according to figures released Friday by the Curaçao Tourist Board (CTB).
The results highlight continued growth in the island's tourism industry during September, traditionally considered one of the quieter months of the year.
In September 2025, Curaçao recorded 53,672 stayover visitors. This year's total represents an increase of 9,893 visitors, reflecting stronger demand from several international markets.
The growth was not limited to one region. Visitor arrivals from the Caribbean increased by 37 percent, followed by South America with 28 percent and North America with 23 percent. Europe recorded a more moderate increase of 8 percent.
The figures suggest that Curaçao's efforts to attract visitors from different geographical markets are contributing to sustained tourism activity outside the traditional peak season.
The cruise industry also recorded substantial growth.
During September, Curaçao received 57,621 cruise passengers aboard 17 cruise ship calls. In September 2025, the island welcomed 32,372 passengers during nine calls.
This represents an increase of 25,249 cruise passengers, or approximately 78 percent, while the number of ship calls nearly doubled.
Combined, the stayover and cruise figures indicate that more visitors arrived on the island during September, potentially generating additional activity for hotels, restaurants, transportation providers, tour operators, retailers, and other businesses connected to tourism.
However, the CTB figures also reveal an important development in visitor behavior.
Although stayover arrivals increased by 18 percent, the total number of visitor nights grew by a slower 14 percent, reaching 510,824 nights.
The average length of stay declined from 8.3 nights in September 2025 to 8.0 nights this year.
This means that Curaçao welcomed significantly more tourists, but visitors spent slightly less time on the island on average.
The difference is relevant because tourism's economic contribution depends not only on the number of arrivals but also on how long visitors remain and how much they spend during their stay.
Accommodation preferences remained relatively balanced.
According to CTB, 55 percent of September's stayover visitors chose resort hotels, while 45 percent stayed in alternative accommodations, including vacation rentals and other lodging options.
The figures underline the importance of both traditional hotels and alternative accommodations within Curaçao's tourism sector.
The September performance also reinforces a broader trend observed throughout 2026, with visitor arrivals increasing in every month of the year so far.
While the figures point to continued expansion, they also highlight the importance of monitoring average visitor stays, accommodation patterns, and tourism spending alongside arrival totals.
For Curaçao, the challenge is not simply attracting more tourists but ensuring that the growing number of visitors translates into sustainable economic benefits for the island.