Efteling Theme Park Now Safe for Guests with Prosthetic Legs

SSI Benelux has announced a commitment to train two Curaçao residents per year as certified dive professionals, entirely free of charge, according to evening newspaper Amigoe. The program is designed to provide islanders with a professional-level diving qualification that can open doors to careers in the marine tourism and diving industry. SSI, or Scuba Schools International, is one of the world's largest scuba diving training and certification organizations, lending significant credibility to the initiative. By targeting local residents specifically, the program aims to build diving expertise within the Curaçao community rather than relying solely on imported talent. Curaçao's economy is heavily tied to tourism, and its coral reefs and dive sites are among its most prized attractions, making certified local dive professionals a valuable asset. The annual cadence of two trainees suggests a modest but consistent long-term investment in local human capital development. No application process or start date was specified in the initial report.

Curaçao plans to introduce a mandatory $75 entry fee for all visitors beginning January 1, 2027. The fee will replace the island's current lodging guest tax, consolidating visitor charges into a single arrival payment. The measure is designed to create a more structured and predictable revenue stream from tourism. Tourists will be required to pay the fee upon arrival to the island. The shift reflects a broader regional trend of Caribbean destinations leveraging visitor fees to fund public services, infrastructure, and environmental sustainability. For travelers, the change means a higher upfront cost compared to the existing accommodation-based tax system. Authorities have not yet detailed whether the fee will apply universally to all visitor categories or whether exemptions will be considered.

The Aruban government has signaled a major shift in its tourism strategy, declaring that continuous growth is no longer the goal. Instead, officials say the focus will be on building a more sustainable tourism sector that is balanced with the island's capacity and the aspirations of its residents. The policy direction was outlined in the Government's address delivered by Aruba's Governor Alfonso Boekhoudt at the opening of the 2026-2027 Parliamentary Year. This marks a notable departure from the long-standing model of pursuing ever-increasing visitor numbers. The shift reflects growing concerns across the Caribbean about overtourism and its impact on local communities, infrastructure, and the environment. By setting sustainability and balance as the new benchmarks, Aruba joins a broader regional conversation about the long-term viability of mass tourism-dependent economies.