On Tuesday, January 17th, Curaçao’s Minister of Economic Development, Eugene Rhuggenaath and the Minister of Finance, Kenneth Gijsbertha, on behalf of the government, signed an important agreement with Airbnb that will help to promote Curaçao as world-class tourist destination. This partnership will also create a framework that will allow the Government of Curaçao and Airbnb to address issues such as taxes, host accommodation standards and regulations share aggregate data and support Curaçao’s tourism marketing campaigns.
Airbnb’s representative for the Caribbean and Central America, Shawn Sullivan, stated “today’s agreement with the Government of Curacao is a great example of how governments and the private sector can work together to achieve mutually desired goals. Curacao is an important and growing market for Airbnb and we are very excited to be working with the government to help grow sustainable tourism to the island.”
Airbnb plays an important role in Curaçao tourism industry with one thousand listings across the island and a typical host earns $4,400 USD per year. Today’s agreement brings new opportunities to grow Curaçao’s economy and to spawn new jobs with the sharing economy.
“Collaboration is vital determinant of success and competitiveness for both individual tourism entities and destinations alike. Through our collaborative efforts, we can achieve more effective and efficient tourism development and a greater degree of environmental and social-cultural sustainability. Therefore, I am very pleased with the agreement signed today with Airbnb.” said Eugene Rhuggenaath, Minister of Economic Development of Curaçao.
With this partnership, Airbnb will continue promoting tourism and highlighting Curaçao’s history and culture. The strategy focuses on the diversification of the tourism industry and maintaining a balance with Curaçao citizens and tourism.
About Curaçao
The Curaçao Tourist Board (CTB) was formed in 1915 as The Curaçao Association for the Promotion of Foreign Visits, but it was until 1955 it changed to its actual name. Curaçao’s tourism economy is nearly 18% of the total economy, impacting every economic sector on the island. Curaçao: A Different Dutch Caribbean, offers a tourist new destination, while highlighting the Caribbean’s traditional sun, sand, and sea seasoning with the unique blend of eclectic cultures. The coastlines bays, inlets and hot springs of this island offers an on-site source of natural mineral, thermal or seawater. There is plenty to do in Curaçao, it does not matter if you are visiting with family, friends or alone; if you are looking for adventures or relaxation… museums, beaches, extraordinary sights, everything you wanted is in Curaçao. ¡Dive in the Mushroom Forest, explore the Hato Caves or hike the trails of the 4,446-acre Christoffel National Park! You name it. http://www.curacao.com/
About Airbnb
Founded in 2008, Airbnb is a trusted community marketplace where people can belong when they travel by being connected to local cultures and having unique experiences. It provides access to accommodations, at any price point, in more than 34,000 cities and more than 191 countries around the world – online or from mobile phone. Airbnb is the easiest way for people to earn a little extra income from their extra space in a home or from sharing passions, interests and cities. For more information: Catarí Sanchez / catari@eurekandco.com or Luis Perez / luis@eurekandco.com