WILLEMSTAD.- Last week, the Minister of Economic Development , mr. Ruisandro Cijntje, has put together a delegation to participate in Seatrade Cruise Global in Miami. Seatrade Cruise Global is the largest cruise event worldwide, where stakeholders exchange perspectives and ideas on various aspects of the cruise industry. During the event, Curaçao joined forces with Aruba and Bonaire to promote the islands to the cruise industry through the concept of ABC.
The delegation consist of the representatives from Curaçao Ports Authority (CPA), Curaçao Tourist Board (CTB), and the Harbor Master. Minister Cijntje engaged in several strategic discussions with the Minister of Aruba, mr. Oduber and the Deputy of tourism in Bonaire, mr. Abraham, with the focus on developing the cruise tourism across the islands. Additionally, Minister Cijntje and his delegation held discussions with officials from Aruba Ports Authority (APA), Aruba Tourism Authority (ATA), Tourism Corporation Bonaire (TBC) regarding the promotion of the Dutch Caribbean Cruise Itinerary program, which has been accepted by major cruise lines.
At Seatrade Cruise Global, Minister Cijntje and his delegation met with the President of the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) and executives from various cruise lines such as Carnival Corporation, Royal Caribbean Group, Aida, Costa, Norwegian Cruise Line and Holland America, with the focus on product development, capacity and volume enhancement, and solidifying Curaçao position as the best destination in the Caribbean for cruises.
Fow what is left of 2024, Minister Cijntje anticipates approximately 300 cruise ships, equivalent to a total of 800.000 cruise passengers, representing a 13% increase compared to 2023.
The Ministry of Economic Development, mr. Cijntje is committed to further strengthening the cruise industry which will continue to contribute to the economic development of Curaçao.
