The Southern Dutch Caribbean island of Curacao continues to be a Caribbean hot spot for LGBT clients and just about all Millennials looking for a fun, safe, welcoming island.
From the planned construction of a second mega cruise pier on the island to signing an agreement with Airbnb, Travel Agent breaks down the latest news to come from this trendy island.
Construction of Second Mega Cruise Pier Underway
Curacao Ports Authority is working on constructing a second mega cruise pier, The Tula Pier, located in the Otrobanda area, west of St. Anna Bay. The $43 million project, which is currently on schedule, will assist in keeping up with increasing cruise traffic demand.
Over the next few months, supplies, including cranes, 165-foot pipes and special concrete will be delivered to the island from overseas to build the pier.
Visit www.curports.com
Airbnb and Curacao Sign Tourism Agreement
Last month, the government of Curacao and Airbnb signed an agreement that will create a partnership allowing the parties to address pertinent issues, including taxes and accommodation standards, as well as data sharing strategies and support for the Curacao Tourism Board’s marketing campaigns.
Together, Eugene Rhuggenaath, Curacao’s minister of economic development and tourism, and Kenneth Gijsbertha, Curacao’s minister of finance, met with Shawn Sullivan, Airbnb’s Caribbean and Central America representative, to pen an agreement that will help promote Curacao as a world-class destination for travelers.
Currently, there are more then 1,000 Airbnb listings in Curacao, and the agreement will play an important role in growing the island’s sustainable tourism through government and private sector partnerships. The new agreement also aims to diversify the island’s tourism industry and bring new opportunities and job development to the nation.
Curacao Airport Unveils New Arrivals Hall and Restaurant
The Curacao Airport Partners and Rhuggenaath recently unveiled a new arrival hall at Hato International Airport. The new hall, located outside of Customs, features a Gelati Bella Italia, a cafe serving gelato, coffee, pizza, paninis, smoothies and shakes.
Visit www.curacao-airport.com
Hottest Hotel News
Mood Beach Club Opens at Kontiki Beach Resort
Kontiki Beach Resort recently welcomed Mood Beach Club, a chic, bohemian-inspired beachfront area, open daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Located on the sands of Seaquarium Beach, the new area features comfortable beach beds and spacious cabanas shaded by gently swaying palms. Adjacent to Mood Beach Club is Mood Bites, a stylish oasis set beneath an African-inspired stretch tent. The trendy bar and restaurant serves a selection of sandwiches, salads and pasta for lunch, along with fresh gourmet bites in the evenings.
Visit www.moodbeachcuracao.com
Morena Resort Adds New Villas, Apartments, Pool and Cafe
Morena Resort, one of Curacao’s most environmentally friendly hotels, recently completed its expansion process, welcoming new one and two-bedroom apartments, as well as luxurious three and four-bedroom villas. The new accommodations have a modern design with splashes of reds, warm wood undertones, open kitchens and breezy balconies overlooking the resort’s tropical gardens. Additionally, the property’s new saltwater pool includes luxe chaise lounge chairs and oversized palapas, while the resort’s new restaurant, Mocca Cafe, is expected to debut this month.
Visit www.morenaresort.com
Avila Beach Hotel Renovates Restaurants and Plans for Room Renovations
Avila Beach Hotel, the oldest operational hotel in Curacao, recently introduced new menus in all of its on-property restaurants, including the Pool Bar, Schooner Bar, Belle Terrace and Blues Bar & Restaurant. New items include gourmet starters such as mango ceviche and steak tartare, along with fresh seafood and a Truck di Pan 2.0 – a local favorite taken up a notch with chicken, cabbage and fries, smothered in barbecue sauce. In addition to the new restaurant menus, Avila Beach Hotel plans to renovate its 20 Oceanfront Blues Rooms in early spring with new furniture additions.
Visit www.avilabeachhotel.com
ACOYA Opens A New Spa and Restaurant
Located in downtown Willemstad, ACOYA recently opened its Lotus Spa & Wellness Center and La Lagoon Restaurant. The new spa encourages guests to rejuvenate with relaxing massages, facials, waxing, manicures and pedicures, while La Lagoon Restaurant features international dishes and is overseen by the same managers who run the popular “The Green House” restaurant.
Visit www.acoyacuracao.com and www.curacao.com. Keep visiting www.travelagentcentral.com for all your latest Caribbean news and be sure to follow Travel Agent’s Joe Pike on Twitter @TravelPike and Instagram @pike5260.