Curaçao Tourism Board Takes Promotional Push to Suriname

Thousands of tourists have been evacuated due to a wildfire burning near the French city of Bordeaux. Local authorities described the evacuations as a precautionary measure to ensure public safety. The fire broke out in the natural areas surrounding Bordeaux, a region known for its vast pine forests which are highly susceptible to wildfires, particularly during dry summer months. The scale of the evacuation reflects the seriousness with which French emergency services are treating the blaze. No details were immediately available regarding casualties or the extent of property damage. Wildfires in the Bordeaux region have become an increasingly frequent concern in recent years, with large fires having devastated the area in 2022. Authorities continue to monitor the situation as firefighting efforts are underway.

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.

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.