Curaçao has entered 2026 on a high note, with Canadian travelers leading the charge in driving a significant boost to the island’s tourism sector. January 2026 marked a milestone, with the island welcoming 79,387 stayover visitors, reflecting an 8% increase compared to the same month in 2025. However, the most exciting development came from the Canadian market, where arrivals surged by an impressive 26%, signaling a shift towards longer stays and a growing interest in the island as a prime destination for extended vacations. This remarkable rise in Canadian visitors is not just a seasonal bump but a sign of a new era of long-term tourism for Curaçao, positioning the island as a key destination for travelers looking to fully immerse themselves in the Caribbean experience.
Canada’s Explosive Growth: Curaçao’s New Favourite Destination
January 2026 welcomed 7,582 visitors from Canada, up from 6,006 in January 2025. This 26% surge highlights an emerging trend: Canadian travelers are increasingly choosing Curaçao as their go-to Caribbean destination. Historically, the island attracted more visitors from Europe and the United States, but Canada is quickly becoming a key player in Curaçao’s tourism industry.
What’s even more striking is the length of stay for Canadian visitors. On average, Canadians stayed for 11 nights in January 2026, a substantial difference from the typical brief stays in many other Caribbean destinations. Not only are more Canadians choosing Curaçao, but they are also opting for extended stays, a shift that suggests the island is becoming a full-fledged vacation choice rather than a short escape. Half of these visitors stayed in resort hotels, while the other half selected accommodations such as villas, apartments, and boutique properties. This variety in lodging choices signals a diversified tourism profile, appealing to both short-term holidaymakers and long-term vacationers.
A Destination for Extended Stays and Authentic Experiences
Curaçao is increasingly recognized for offering more than just sun and sand. With its rich culture, lively waterfront in Willemstad, and charming neighbourhoods, the island provides an authentic Caribbean experience that draws visitors looking for both relaxation and exploration. Canadians, in particular, are seeking a destination that combines a relaxing beach retreat with the opportunity to experience vibrant city life and local culture without needing to travel long distances.
This appeal of Curaçao goes beyond a typical beach holiday, offering tourists the chance to truly immerse themselves in the island’s lifestyle. The option to move between tranquil stretches of sand and the heart of Willemstad makes it a unique destination that delivers on multiple fronts, catering to those seeking both rest and adventure.
Regional Growth: A Broader Look at Curaçao’s Performance
Curaçao’s tourism numbers for January 2026 demonstrate growth across several regions, with North America, South America, and Europe all showing positive results:
- Europe: 28,922 visitors (up 6% compared to January 2025)
- North America: 25,651 visitors (up 8%)
- South America: 21,053 visitors (up 15%)
- Caribbean: A slight decline of 6%
While the Caribbean market saw a small dip, growth in visitors from North and South America is encouraging. The U.S. market continues to grow steadily, with 18,069 visitors in January 2026, marking a 2% increase from 2025. However, it’s the Canadian market that has demonstrated the sharpest growth, with a 26% increase, suggesting that Curaçao is becoming a preferred destination for Canadian tourists.
The Netherlands Remains Strong, But Canada Is Gaining Ground
Despite the rise in Canadian visitors, the Netherlands remains Curaçao’s largest source market. January 2026 saw 24,443 Dutch visitors, a 6% increase from the previous year. Dutch visitors typically stay the longest, averaging 13.7 nights. The preference for non-resort accommodations is also common among Dutch tourists, with 59% choosing apartments and small hotels, a reflection of the island’s strong ties to the Netherlands.
However, with Canada’s increasing market share, it’s clear that Curaçao’s tourism landscape is evolving. The growing number of Canadian visitors staying for extended periods signals a shift in the types of travelers Curaçao is attracting.
The Shift from Cuba: Why Canadians Are Choosing Curaçao
The significant increase in Canadian arrivals can be partly attributed to recent disruptions in Cuba’s tourism sector. With airlines like Air Canada and WestJet cancelling flights to Cuba, many Canadian travelers are looking for alternative destinations, and Curaçao is stepping in to fill the gap. The island offers a similar tropical charm without the current uncertainty surrounding other Caribbean locations, making it an attractive option for Canadians seeking a safe, accessible vacation.
A Total of 211,932 Visitors in January 2026
Curaçao’s overall tourism figures in January 2026 include not only stayover visitors but also day-trippers and cruise passengers. In total, the island welcomed 211,932 arrivals, with 79,387 being stayover visitors, 3,720 day-trippers, and 128,825 cruise passengers. These figures confirm that Curaçao is appealing to a broad range of travelers, from those seeking extended stays to those visiting for a short getaway or a cruise stopover.
Looking to the Future: What’s Next for Curaçao?
Curaçao’s strong performance at the start of 2026 is a clear indicator of a bright year ahead. The surge in Canadian arrivals, in particular, highlights the island’s growing appeal in North America. As more Canadian travelers opt for longer stays and increasingly view Curaçao as a top vacation destination, the island’s tourism industry stands to benefit from sustained growth.
With Cuba facing challenges and other Caribbean destinations seeing fluctuating demand, Curaçao’s unique blend of sun, culture, and convenience makes it an attractive alternative. As the island continues to attract longer-term visitors, especially from Canada, it is set to establish itself as a leading Caribbean destination in 2026 and beyond.
The post Canadian Travelers Propel Curaçao to New Heights in January 2026, with a 26% Increase in Arrivals and a New Era of Long-Term Tourism appeared first on Travel And Tour World.
