Summary: Curaçao tourism recorded a 26% increase in Canadian arrivals in January 2026. The island saw 79,387 stayover visitors and a total of 211,932 arrivals, driven by longer stays and growing interest from North America.

Curaçao tourism opened 2026 with encouraging growth, led by a sharp increase in visitors from Canada. In January the island received 79,387 stayover guests — an 8% rise from January 2025 — while arrivals from Canada jumped 26%, signaling both higher demand and longer-length visits.

Canadian Market Drives Growth

The Canadian market stood out in January 2026, with 7,582 visitors compared with 6,006 in January 2025 — a 26% year-on-year increase. Notably, Canadians averaged 11 nights on the island, a substantially longer stay than the short breaks commonly seen across other Caribbean destinations.

  • Stayover visitors in January 2026: 79,387 (up 8% vs Jan 2025)
  • Canadian visitors: 7,582 (up 26% vs Jan 2025)
  • Average stay for Canadians: 11 nights

Accommodation choices among Canadian travelers were split roughly evenly between resort hotels and alternative lodging such as villas, apartments and boutique properties. This mix points to an increasingly diverse tourism profile that supports both traditional holidaymakers and longer-term visitors.

Why Canadians Are Choosing Curaçao

Part of the shift toward Curaçao has been influenced by disruptions elsewhere in the region. Recent flight cancellations to Cuba by carriers such as Air Canada and WestJet have redirected some Canadian demand toward safer, more stable alternatives — and Curaçao has emerged as a favoured option.

Beyond connectivity, the island’s blend of beaches, culture and Willemstad’s waterfront appeal provides visitors with a mix of relaxation and urban exploration. That combination appears to be resonating with Canadians seeking longer, more immersive stays rather than brief escapes.

Regional Performance and Key Markets

Curaçao’s January figures show positive movement across several source markets. Europe and the Americas both contributed to the island’s growth, while the Caribbean market recorded a small decline.

  • Europe: 28,922 visitors (up 6% vs Jan 2025)
  • North America: 25,651 visitors (up 8%)
  • South America: 21,053 visitors (up 15%)
  • Caribbean: down 6%
  • United States: 18,069 visitors (up 2%)

The Netherlands remains Curaçao’s single largest market. In January 2026, Dutch arrivals numbered 24,443 — a 6% increase — and Dutch visitors typically stayed the longest, averaging 13.7 nights. A majority of Dutch tourists favour apartments and small hotels, reflecting the island’s historic connections with the Netherlands.

Willemstad waterfront and beach in Curaçao with tourists and colorful colonial architecture
Willemstad’s waterfront, cultural attractions and beaches are drawing longer-stay visitors, including a surge from Canada.

Total Arrivals and Cruise Traffic

Curaçao recorded a combined 211,932 arrivals in January 2026. That total includes 79,387 stayover visitors, 3,720 day-trippers and 128,825 cruise passengers, underscoring the island’s appeal across multiple visitor segments from long-stay tourists to cruise stopovers.

Early 2026’s performance suggests a promising year ahead for Curaçao. If the trend of longer stays from markets like Canada continues, the island could capture greater tourism spend and attract repeat visitors seeking more immersive Caribbean experiences.

  • Stronger Canadian demand could support more direct air services and package offerings.
  • Longer average stays point to higher per-visitor revenue potential for accommodations and local businesses.
  • Cruise volumes will keep day-visitor and port services in high demand.

What This Means for Travelers

For travelers, the surge in Canadian arrivals and the trend toward longer stays mean more flight options, a wider choice of lodging, and potentially expanded services catering to extended vacations. For Canadians in particular, Curaçao is emerging as a convenient and appealing alternative to other Caribbean destinations affected by service disruptions.

So what? The uptick signals that Curaçao is strengthening its position in the Caribbean as both a short-break port of call and a destination for longer, culturally rich stays. Travelers should expect growing connectivity and product variety; the industry can anticipate increased demand for mid- to long-stay packages and experiences that blend beach time with local culture.