Willemstad, June 16, 2025 – The tourism sector in Curaçao currently accounts for 48% of the island’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), employs over 20,000 people, and significantly contributed to the 5.4% economic growth recorded last year. Over the past five years, the Curaçao Tourist Board (CTB) and the Ministry of Economic Development (MEO) have jointly invested in work-study programs aimed at retraining local talent for careers in tourism. Despite these coordinated efforts, the pace of growth continues to outstrip the availability of local labor. Starting in 2026, hundreds of new hotel rooms and apartment units will open through developments such as TUI Blue Curaçao and the Pyrmont Marriott, as well as major expansions at popular apartment complexes like Blue Bay and One Mambo. Combined, these projects will bring more than 1,000 additional units online. Restaurants, beach clubs, and tour operators are also preparing for an expected surge in visitors. But one critical ingredient is still missing: people.
A minimum of 2,000 to 3,000 additional workers required
Recent analyses project that between 2,000 and 3,000 additional workers will be needed over the next two years across hotels, apartments, restaurants, and tourism-related services. Roles in high demand include cooks, servers, bartenders, gardeners, front office staff, and operations managers. There are also persistent shortages in support roles such as housekeeping and wellness services.
CHATA has spent over a year providing thorough justification for these needs to the government and is encouraged by the positive engagement and shared understanding. To address concerns regarding salaries and working conditions, CHATA has conducted a comprehensive salary benchmark survey in collaboration with an external consultant. The findings of this survey will be presented later this month to promote greater transparency and improvement in sector practices.
CHATA also facilitates training in hospitality, language skills, and revenue management and is actively involved on the board of the Hospitality Faculty at the University of Curaçao and the Parasasa Hotel. While these initiatives are vital, they are not enough to meet the accelerated demand.
CHATA and its members work tirelessly throughout the year to attract local talent through internships, school visits, public awareness campaigns, and partnerships with educational institutions. In addition, hotels across the island host their own recruitment drives and job fairs throughout the year. Despite these extensive efforts, the supply of local workers remains insufficient.
CHATA Jobfair on Saturday, July 5: Prioritizing local recruitment
On Saturday, July 5, CHATA will host a major Jobfair at Sambil, where more than 20 leading hospitality companies will be on hand to engage with job seekers. CHATA continues to promote tourism as a viable and rewarding career path for young people, in close collaboration with universities and vocational institutions.
“But we must be realistic,” says CHATA CEO Anuschka Cova. “The number of students and job seekers simply does not match the growth rate of our industry. That’s why we are urging for more flexibility and the temporary importation of foreign workers to help maintain the service standards that our guests expect and our economy depends on.”
Tourism is the backbone of our economy
Mimi Luttge, Chairwoman of CHATA’s Board of Directors, adds: “We must pursue a dual strategy: actively recruit local talent while also temporarily importing foreign workers. Only then can we keep the sector running as we continue to encourage more young people to pursue careers in hospitality.”
Tourism remains the largest pillar of Curaçao’s economy and provides employment to thousands of families. CHATA calls on policymakers, educators, and the community to join forces in creating sustainable staffing solutions.
“We must value and protect tourism. That means addressing our labor needs with both pragmatism and urgency,” concludes CHATA.
