Restarting Tourism in Curaçao for All
World Tourism Day has been held on September 27th each year since 1980. Now it’s celebrated around the world every September on the 27th to recognize the importance of tourism.
But WHAT is Tourism? In general, tourism can be defined as traveling to a destination (local or international) for pleasure or business to tour, use attractions, stay in accommodations, and entertain/service tourists.
While there are many sub-sectors in Tourism (Hotels, Resorts, Scuba Diving, Fishing, Restaurants, Private Charters, Tours, etc…), the overall Tourism Sector in Curaçao is the fastest growing sector of our islands economy. Suffice it to say, this sector provides employment to thousands of island residents to entertain and to service tourists.
However, “The COVID-19 pandemic has had a massive social and economic impact. Both developed and developing economies have been hit. And marginalized groups and the most vulnerable have been hit hardest of all. The restart of tourism will help kickstart recovery and growth. It is essential that the benefits this will bring are enjoyed widely and fairly.”
United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)
Let’s Celebrate World Tourism Day 2021
Today, on World Tourism Day 2021 we must not only remember what has happened by looking back, we must learn from our experiences and look forward with optimism to strategically deliver a sustainable economic future for our island, our residents, and our tourists alike. Today, we should be grateful and humbly celebrate because all the Curacao Tourism stakeholders including all the service/entertainment personnel have come together to restart tourism in a controlled manner.
In fact, “With over 30,000 stayover arrivals for August, there is now great momentum in our tourism recovery. Thanks in part to great partnerships with our local stakeholders as well as with our international partners in our main markets. On a year-to-date basis we are almost even with 2020 arrivals and as this trend continues, we will have increased the growth over 2020”
Mr. Paul Pennicook, CEO of the Curaçao Tourism Board
Curaçao Vacation Tips that Make a Difference
Curacao is, not just, a world class vacation destination in the Caribbean. It is also a destination where tourists can enjoy a relaxing and safe vacation because we are all waiting to welcome you back with open arms and at an appropriate distance. Here, tourists can enjoy the sun while gazing over the turquoise sea while being served a refreshing beverage. In Curaçao, letting the immediate worries of the coronavirus slowly slip away is not the problem.
Things to Do in Curaçao
The problem you will be faced with in Curaçao is deciding what to do (or not to do) amongst the seemingly endless possibilities of things to do.
According to the Secretary General of the UNWTO, “the human desire to travel and explore is universal, which is why tourism must be open for everyone to enjoy. So too must the many social and economic benefits that tourism brings be available to everybody. World Tourism Day 2021 highlights the power of ‘Tourism for Inclusive Growth. By celebrating this day, we state our commitment that, as tourism grows, the benefits that come will be felt at every level of our broad and diverse sector, from the biggest airline to the smallest family business.”
The fact is, Scuba Diving in Curaçao is the number one thing to DO – but of course there are plenty of things to explore and do in Curaçao with no right way to experience any of them.
Whether you love adventure, hiking, biking, sailing, shopping or just simply want to chill out on the beach, we can assure you, Curaçao is a Caribbean destination that has it all… and maybe more. Simply, it is your choice to experience it all, but it is also a perfect choice to do nothing at all too!
At Your Service
Service is everything while you are on vacation. Because of that – whether you are a scuba diver, a snorkeler or just a beach lover – a vacation in Curaçao depends not only on the variety of things to do but also on the qualified personnel that can deliver you the specific service and/or entertainment you desire.
Let’s be honest – your favorite beverage on the beach is not going to serve itself. Wait staff is needed right. Same can be said about our Dive Masters because they know the local dive sites and where to find that illusive frogfish or seahorse!
Not only that, but as a tourist, you have come to expect a high level of safety, quality, and value. So much so that this understandable expectation is taken largely for granted and rarely appreciated. But these expected factors are delivered by real people who work hard to provide you these services so that you can easily sit back and enjoy your vacation in Curaçao with no worries.
If we, as a global community, have learned nothing else from this pandemic – we should have learned the value of appreciating our fellow human beings – especially when someone is working hard to serve you so that you can have the opportunity to enjoy every moment while on vacation.
Please, when you are on vacation in Curaçao – take a moment to appreciate the hard-working service and entertainment personnel. A simple thank you to housekeeping, bartenders, tour guides, taxi drivers, or boat crews is often enough to show your appreciation.
But a monetary TIP goes even further in making a difference to their individual lives and it really ensures they know you care too!
Are you ready start planning you next Caribbean adventure?
The only thing better than trying to navigate Curaçao on your own is allowing our local guides and our sustainable tourism partners to show you the all the secrets spots and telling you the incredible stories that go along with them.
We hope you will start thinking of packing your mask, fins, dive computer, certification card and your thirst for adventure as you consider traveling to Curacao.
WHY? Because we believe that Curaçao is an incredible Dutch Caribbean Island that is a world class scuba diving and vacation destination! We invite you visit Dive Travel Curaçao and let us help you discover Curaçao so you can “feel it for yourself”!
We are ready and we hope to see you soon to Dive Curaçao.
