WILLEMSTAD – The Curaçao Parliament is set to hold a Central Committee meeting in the first week of May to examine the island’s tourism capacity, following mounting concerns that rapid growth in the sector is putting increasing pressure on local communities and infrastructure.
The meeting was requested by members of the Partido Nashonal di Pueblo (PNP), including Ruthmilda Larmonie-Cecilia, Ornelio ‘Kid’ Martina, Sheldry Osepa and Ruisandro Cijntje. Representatives from the Curaçao Tourist Board, the Curaçao Hospitality and Tourism Association and Carmabi have been invited to participate in discussions focused on what is described as the “touristic capacity of the country.”
According to the requesting members, the debate comes at a critical moment as tourism continues to expand rapidly, while a long-awaited study on the island’s carrying capacity has yet to be presented. The issue of how many visitors Curaçao can sustainably accommodate has been under discussion for some time but remains unresolved.
In their formal request to the President of Parliament, the PNP members state that although tourism is essential for economic development, current trends are raising serious concerns. They argue that the “explosive growth” of tourism, combined with what they describe as fragmented permitting processes and an accelerated pace of development, is increasingly taking place at the expense of the Curaçao population.
The party emphasizes that infrastructure such as water supply, electricity and road networks is under growing strain. In addition, they warn that the expansion of tourism-related developments is contributing to pressure on the housing market, making it more difficult for residents to secure affordable homes. There are also concerns about the potential loss of the island’s cultural identity and natural environment.
The upcoming session will also address calls from within the tourism industry itself. The Curaçao Hospitality and Tourism Association has recently advocated for a strategic shift toward higher-value, lower-impact tourism, signaling concern from the sector about the sustainability of current growth patterns.
Parliamentarians behind the request stress that transparency is essential, particularly regarding the so-called Destination Carrying Capacity Study. They argue that this study should serve as a foundation for the island’s Tourism Master Plan, guiding future policy decisions.
The Central Committee meeting is expected to provide a platform for policymakers, industry representatives and environmental experts to assess how Curaçao can balance economic benefits with long-term sustainability, as the island navigates the challenges of a growing tourism sector.