Curaçao proactively plans for sustainable tourism growth with Destination Carrying Capacity Study

Curaçao addresses overtourism by partnering with Sustainable Travel International and GW IITS to conduct a Destination Carrying Capacity Study, focusing on sustainable, high-value tourism to balance economic benefits with environmental and cultural preservation. The article Curaçao proactively plans for sustainable tourism growth with Destination Carrying Capacity Study first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

Mar 28, 2025 - 14:51

Curaçao proactively plans for sustainable tourism growth with Destination Carrying Capacity Study

ILLEMSTAD, CURAÇAO – As destinations worldwide struggle with overtourism, the Caribbean island of Curaçao is taking a forward-thinking approach that prioritizes high-value, low-impact tourism growth and long-term resilience over short-term gains. In partnership with Sustainable Travel International and the George Washington University International Institute of Tourism Studies (GW IITS), Curaçao is implementing a Destination Carrying Capacity Study, a 360-degree framework evaluating the economic, environmental, and social impacts of increasing tourism. By shifting the focus from sheer volume to a more holistic measure of tourism’s value, this initiative aims to create a balanced, mutually-beneficial industry that maximizes economic benefits while safeguarding the island’s ecosystems, preserving its cultural heritage, and enhancing visitor satisfaction and community well-being.

Getting Ahead Before Challenges Arrive

In 2024, global tourism rebounded to 1.4 billion international arrivals, virtually reaching pre-pandemic levels. While this surge fueled economic recovery, it has also led to overcrowding, environmental degradation, community resentment, and infrastructure strain in many destinations.

Tourism in Curaçao is soaring to new heights, highlighted by a record 700,000+ stayover visitors in 2024 and continued strong arrivals into 2025 – underscoring the island’s global appeal driven by vibrant culture, pristine beaches, and captivating heritage. However, in anticipation of growing pains and recognizing the importance of strategic planning, Curaçao is taking proactive steps to prevent future challenges.

Beyond Traditional Success Metrics

Curaçao is partnering with Sustainable Travel International and the GW International Institute of Tourism Studies to conduct a data-driven Destination Carrying Capacity Study to guide sustainable tourism growth. For decades, tourism success has been measured by visitor numbers and revenue, but these metrics fail to capture tourism’s broader impact on communities, the environment, and long-term destination sustainability. Curaçao is embracing a more progressive approach, tracking success through community perceptions, ecological health, infrastructure capacity, visitor appeal, and cultural identity. This includes:

Assessing tourism impacts and modeling future growth scenarios to inform policy and planning.
Developing an action plan aligned with local priorities to ensure a high-value, low-impact tourism model.
Creating an adaptable system for Curaçao to track tourism’s impact on the destination as a whole and maintain balance by adjusting key levers that influence it.

A key focus is ensuring that all stakeholders have a voice in shaping Curaçao’s tourism future. The study will actively engage public and private sector stakeholders, local communities, and industry leaders, while incorporating visitor perspectives, fostering a sense of ownership and shared responsibility in decision-making.

“This isn’t about limiting tourism – it’s about managing it wisely,” said Paloma Zapata, CEO of Sustainable Travel International. “Instead of depleting resources or leading to overtourism, the goal is to create a virtuous cycle where thoughtful tourism growth strengthens community well-being and preserves the island’s unique appeal over time. This, in turn, enhances visitor experiences and generates economic returns that can be reinvested in continual improvements.”

The article Curaçao proactively plans for sustainable tourism growth with Destination Carrying Capacity Study first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.