Willemstad, November 11, 2025 –The Curaçao Investment and Export Promotion Agency (CINEX), in collaboration with the Curaçao Tourist Board (CTB) and the Curaçao Hospitality and Tourism Association (CHATA), proudly hosted the Caribbean Hotel and Investment Conference and Operations Summit 2025 in Curaçao for the first time. The two day summit brought more than two hundred international investors, financiers and global hospitality leaders to our island, marking an important milestone for Curaçao as a high potential destination for sustainable investment.
CHICOS is regarded as the premier hospitality and tourism investment conference in the Caribbean. This year’s edition introduced many first time visitors to Curaçao and allowed us to showcase not only our investment opportunities but also the authenticity, professionalism and warm spirit of our people. Participants closed their year in a vibrant, sunny destination and expressed great appreciation for the outstanding organization and welcoming atmosphere.
The conference experience began on Sunday with a comprehensive island investment tour curated by CINEX. Delegates were introduced to development sites and opportunities across Curaçao. After the tour, guests enjoyed a scenic boat journey on the Mermaid hosted by CHATA and CINEX, showcasing Curaçao’s coastline and warm hospitality. Later that evening, CHATA in collaboration with CINEX hosted a welcome event at The Kontiki Beach Resort.
CHICOS 2025 also featured senior leaders from some of the world’s most respected hospitality, finance and development institutions. Executives from Mandarin Oriental, Hilton, IHG, Hyatt, Six Senses, Driftwood Capital, IFC World Bank, JLL and STR contributed to the sessions. Their expertise strengthened discussions on regional hospitality performance, capital markets, luxury and lifestyle development, the evolution of all inclusive models, new investment structures, sustainable design and global trends shaping Caribbean tourism. Their presence underscored the quality and seriousness of the conversations held in Curaçao and highlighted the island’s growing position as an attractive and credible market for future development.
On Monday, the first full day of the conference took place at the Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort. On Tuesday, the program continued with a half day of high-level sessions, concluding at midday with a closing lunch where delegates reflected on investment opportunities and collaboration.
Government participation added further strength to the event. Minister Cooper delivered the official welcome address. Prime Minister Pisas opened the Curaçao Investment Panel, which was introduced by moderator and CEO of CINEX, Miles Mercera, host and CEO of CHATA, Anuschka Cova, and host and Director of CTB, Muryad de Bruin. The panel featured co panelists Caroline Manuel of the Ministry of Traffic, Transport and Urban Planning, tax expert and owner of Soxia, Zuleika Lasten, and Robbin Vogels, owner and General Manager of Avila Hotel and TUI Blue and Board Member of CHATA.
Their insights emphasized that Curaçao offers a diverse and balanced portfolio of sustainable hospitality and investment opportunities, supported by historical double digit growth in ADR and RevPAR along with steady increases in occupancy. Curaçao is not growing on one metric, we are growing on all metrics at the same time, including rate, revenue and occupancy. This is what resilience looks like. It is balanced, consistent and it positions Curaçao as one of the most stable performers in the Caribbean. This momentum reflects the hard work of our hotels, our teams, our partners and the strong confidence the market has in Curaçao.
The successful execution of CHICOS 2025 demonstrates the power of collaboration between CINEX, CTB, CHATA and the Government of Curaçao. Together, these partners delivered an exceptional event that showcased the island’s capacity to host high level MICE programs and attract global interest.
We thank all participants, speakers, sponsors and partners for contributing to this milestone. Curaçao invites investors to continue dreaming boldly with us. Invest in Curaçao, use your imagination.
We look forward to hosting many more MICE events and continuing to build momentum for sustainable hospitality growth and economic development.
