WILLEMSTAD – The historic city center of Willemstad and the beaches along Curaçao’s south coast were the most frequently visited locations among tourists in 2025, according to an exit survey conducted by the Curaçao Tourist Board (CTB). Visitors were asked which areas they explored during their stay on the island.
At the top of the list is Punda, which was visited by 81 percent of respondents. The broader Willemstad area, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, also scored highly, with 77 percent of tourists indicating they had visited the historic heart of the capital. The figures once again highlight the central role of downtown Willemstad as Curaçao’s cultural and commercial showcase.
Otrobanda remains a major attraction as well. Some 65 percent of visitors reported going to this part of the city, while 68 percent crossed the iconic Koningin Emmabrug (Queen Emma Bridge). The pedestrian bridge connecting Punda and Otrobanda continues to be a focal point for tourists exploring the capital.
Beaches remain a major draw
Beyond the city center, Curaçao’s south coast beaches continue to attract large numbers of visitors. The Mambo Beach Boulevard was visited by 65 percent of tourists, making it one of the island’s most popular beach destinations. The Jan Thiel and Caracasbaai area also scored strongly, with 51 percent of respondents indicating they had visited the area.
These results confirm Curaçao’s dual appeal as both a cultural destination and a classic sun, sea, and beach holiday location.
Growing interest in Westpunt and nature
Notably, more remote parts of the island are also attracting significant visitor numbers. The western side of Curaçao, including areas such as Westpunt, was visited by 58 percent of tourists. This suggests that the west of the island is increasingly positioning itself as an attractive alternative to the busier city center and south coast beaches.
Other areas, including Sint Willibrordus (22 percent), Santa Barbara (14 percent), and Piscadera (34 percent), were visited less frequently but remain part of the broader tourism offering, with potential for further development and visitor dispersion.
Historic neighborhoods such as Scharloo (12 percent) and Pietermaai (34 percent) lag behind the top destinations, despite their cultural and architectural value. This indicates that not all of Willemstad’s tourism potential is currently being fully utilized.
Visitor dispersion remains a challenge
The survey results show that tourists still concentrate heavily around a limited number of hotspots. For policymakers and entrepreneurs, this presents a clear challenge: encouraging a more balanced distribution of visitors across the island to better manage crowding, infrastructure pressure, and economic returns.
At the same time, the findings underscore Curaçao’s strength as a diverse destination. From UNESCO-listed heritage and vibrant city districts to beach boulevards and rugged natural areas, the island continues to appeal to a broad and varied audience.
