Curaçao Emerges as One of the Caribbean's Top Fall Travel Destinations

Starting Wednesday, people with leg prostheses can safely enjoy rides at the Efteling, a major Dutch theme park. This breakthrough is made possible by a newly designed safety strap developed specifically for guests with prosthetic limbs. Previously, standard safety restraints were not adequately designed to accommodate prostheses, potentially excluding or posing risks to this group of visitors. The custom strap ensures that guests with leg prostheses are properly secured, allowing them to participate in attractions alongside other visitors. The development represents a meaningful step toward greater accessibility and inclusion at one of the Netherlands' most popular tourist destinations. While the news originates from the Netherlands, it is relevant to Caribbean travelers from Curaçao who may visit Dutch attractions, given the island's close ties to the Netherlands.

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.