VBC Pushes Back on Claims It's Inactive on Tourism Development

The Curaçao Tourism Board (CTB) recently organized another edition of its Kids Tourism Experience (KTE) program, introducing primary school and special education students to the island's tourism industry. A total of 1,006 children participated in the initiative, which is designed to give young islanders a firsthand look at how tourism works in Curaçao. Students took part in guided tours as part of the structured educational experience. The program targets foundational and special-needs school pupils, ensuring broad and inclusive participation across different learning communities. KTE serves as both an educational and industry-awareness initiative, helping to cultivate future local talent and appreciation for tourism, one of Curaçao's most vital economic sectors. By engaging children early, CTB aims to build a pipeline of informed, island-proud young people who understand and value the role tourism plays in their community.

The master plan for Waterfort Plaza in Punda, Willemstad, has been nominated for the World Architecture Festival (WAF) 2026, placing Curaçao on the international architectural stage. The project has made the shortlist in the WAF category 'Future Projects: Masterplanning,' one of the competition's most prestigious design-forward categories. Waterfort Plaza is a significant redevelopment project located in the historic Punda district of Willemstad, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The WAF is one of the world's largest and most recognized annual architecture events, drawing submissions from top firms globally. A nomination in this category signals international recognition of Curaçao's urban development ambitions and the quality of its architectural vision. The outcome of the competition could further elevate Willemstad's profile as a destination for design-led tourism and investment.

Minister Middelhof, together with the Ministry of Economic Development (MEO) and the Curaçao Tourist Board (CTB), has launched a wide-ranging and transparent consultation process to address Curaçao's Tourism Carrying Capacity study. The initiative aims to engage all relevant stakeholders as well as the general public in shaping the island's approach to sustainable tourism. The Tourism Carrying Capacity study examines how many visitors Curaçao can sustainably accommodate without harming its environment, infrastructure, or quality of life for residents. By opening the process to broad participation, officials signal a commitment to inclusive policymaking rather than top-down decision-making. The consultation marks a significant step toward defining a long-term, evidence-based tourism strategy for the island. No specific timeline or outcomes have been announced yet, but the process has officially begun.