WILLEMSTAD – Tourism in Curaçao reached record levels in 2025, but many residents say they are not seeing the economic benefits.
Figures from the Ministry of Economic Development show that stay-over tourism increased by 13 percent, reaching nearly 790,000 visitors, while tourism revenue climbed by 10 percent to 5.3 billion guilders.
The tourism sector was one of the strongest contributors to Curaçao’s 3.7 percent GDP growth in 2025.
At the same time, construction activity linked to hotels and resorts has increased significantly, bringing millions in new investments into the island.
However, economists warn that these gains remain concentrated in specific sectors and among higher-income groups, while low-income households continue facing poverty and stagnant wages.
Analysts say the disconnect between tourism growth and household prosperity reflects deeper structural inequality in the economy.
Despite record tourism performance, many families continue struggling with rising living costs.