Curaçao: Another Stunning MICE Destination

Curaçao:The “Dutchest” of the Dutch Caribbean Islands

Nestled between Aruba and Bonaire, Curaçao offers much of what people have come to expect from a Dutch Caribbean island – the perfect weather, gorgeous beaches, sparkling crystal-clear waters, and so on. But Curaçao is also different from its neighboring islands. It’s the biggest of the three, being twice the length of Aruba, which means even more of those beautiful white-sand beaches. Curaçao has maintained the closest ties to the Netherlands in a cultural sense, making it the most “Dutch” of three sister islands.

Willemstad: A Rare UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Dutch Caribbean

One of Curaçao’s most distinguishing features that sets it apart from the other Dutch Caribbean islands is its capital city, Willemstad. This incredibly well-preserved city has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is a rarity in the Caribbean. It’s made up of four quarters, including Punda and Otrobanda, which are separated by an inlet called Sint Anna Bay that in turn that leads into a large natural harbor called the Schottegat. The other two quarters are called Scharloo and Pietermaai Smal, located across from each other on the smaller Waaigat harbor. This downtown area features an array of colonial architecture dating back as far as the late 1600s and early 1700s that is heavily influenced by Dutch styles. You won’t soon forget the stunning palette of bright colors on display throughout the city. The bright yellow building on the corner there is the Penha Building, originally built in 1708. It house the Penha Company, a luxury beauty products business that is still owned and operated by the same Penha family that started it in 1865.

The Dutch Caribbean with a Distinct European Flavor

Another interesting difference between Curaçao and Aruba is who tends to visit. For whatever reason, North American tourists tend to gravitate towards Aruba while European visitors make up the lion’s share of tourists on Curaçao. This gives a more naturally European feel and atmosphere to Curaçao, which some might prefer.

Curaçao: A Dutch Caribbean Island by the Numbers

• 12¬∞: The number of degrees north of the Equator where Cura√ßao is located.
• 2010: The year Cura√ßao became an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. 444 square km (171 sq miles): Cura√ßao‚Äôs land area.
• 61 km (23 miles): The island‚Äôs length. with a maximum width of
• 14 km (5 miles): maximum width of the island.
• 375 meters (1,230 feet): Highest point on island, Mount Christoffel.
• 142,000: The population of Cura√ßao

Interested in finding out more about partnering with ECO DMS for your company’s MICE travel needs? Contact us now for a free quote!