Kontiki Beach Resort Expands with 22 New Rooms and Suites

European travel giant TUI has delayed the opening of its TUI BLUE Curaçao resort, pushing the launch date back to November 1. The delay affects one of the most anticipated new hotel openings on the island, which had been expected to boost tourism arrivals and accommodation capacity. TUI BLUE is TUI's upscale hotel brand, and its Curaçao property represents a significant investment in the island's hospitality sector. The postponement may disappoint travelers who had booked stays ahead of the original opening date, potentially requiring rebooking or adjustments to travel plans. No specific reason for the delay has been publicly confirmed by TUI at this stage. The opening, once it does occur, is expected to strengthen Curaçao's appeal as a premium Caribbean destination and support the island's ongoing tourism recovery and growth efforts.

The Curaçao government is moving forward with plans to introduce an entry tax targeting visitors arriving on the island. The measure would require tourists to pay a fee upon entering Curaçao, adding a new layer of cost to travel to the Dutch Caribbean destination. Officials have not yet disclosed the specific amount of the tax or the exact timeline for implementation. The entry tax is widely seen as a revenue-generating initiative aimed at increasing government income, potentially to fund public services or tourism infrastructure. Similar visitor levies have been adopted across other Caribbean destinations in recent years, making Curaçao's move in line with a regional trend. The proposal is likely to draw scrutiny from the tourism industry, which may raise concerns about the impact on visitor numbers and the island's competitiveness as a travel destination. Further details on the structure and rollout of the tax are expected to be announced as the plan develops.

Carmabi, Curaçao's Caribbean Research and Management of Biodiversity foundation, is inviting both residents and tourists to take part in a special one-day 'Ocean Guardian' experience on Wednesday, August 12. The exclusive event combines nature conservation, science, and adventure, giving participants a hands-on opportunity to actively contribute to the protection of the island's marine environment. The initiative is designed to engage the public directly in ocean stewardship, blending education with real conservation work. By opening the experience to tourists as well as locals, Carmabi aims to broaden awareness of Curaçao's marine ecosystem among a wider audience. The event reflects a growing effort in the Caribbean to involve communities and visitors in active environmental conservation rather than passive observation.