Willemstad, September 19, 2025 – The Curaçao Hospitality and Tourism Association (CHATA), in collaboration with the Curaçao Tourist Board (CTB) and Curaçao Airport Partners (CAP), successfully hosted the Latin American Trade Symposium (LATS). The event brought together leading travel agents and tour operators from Argentina, Ecuador, Peru, Colombia, Brazil, Venezuela, Panama and Uruguay for a dynamic week of networking, cultural immersion, and first-hand experiences of Curaçao’s diverse tourism product.
The symposium was made possible thanks to the support of the hotel sector, with the Main Host hotel The Rif at Mangrove Beach Corendon Curaçao All-Inclusive Resort, Curio by Hilton, and main sponsors Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort, Renaissance Wind Creek Curaçao Resort, Courtyard by Marriott Curaçao, and Dreams Curaçao Resort, Spa & Casino. Additional support came from Kontiki Beach Resort Curaçao, Blue Bay Curaçao Golf & Beach Resort, and Papagayo Beach Hotel. Major tour operator sponsors included FBTT Travel and TMC Tours.
The program included site visits to more than 18 hotels and accommodations across the island, an art walk through Otrobanda, and visits to Chobolobo, Chichi, and the Curaçao Aloe Farm. In addition, over 20 hospitality companies engaged in one-on-one meetings with the visiting Latin American agents, creating valuable opportunities to build stronger partnerships and future business. This focus was particularly relevant given that in Latin America, 40 to 50 percent of bookings are still made through travel agents, highlighting the importance of direct engagement and relationship building.
The symposium concluded with “Taste of Curaçao,” powered by Curaçao Airport Partners and the Curaçao Tourist Board, a vibrant evening at Netto Bar and Coco Jamboo Bar where guests celebrated with live music, local cuisine, and authentic cultural flavors.
Representatives from key organizations shared their perspectives:
“LATS strengthens Curaçao’s presence in Latin America by deepening partnerships with tour operators and airlines, while showcasing our unique tourism product. With the support of 43 leading partners, we are working together to boost sales and ensure sustainable growth for Curaçao as a preferred destination,” said Muryad de Bruin, Managing Director of the Curaçao Tourist Board.
Peggy Croes, representing Curaçao Airport Partners, stated: “We are pleased to be a proud host of the 2025 Latin American Trade Symposium together with our tourism partners, CTB and CHATA. The South American market has been growing exponentially for Curaçao and of importance. With non-stop service from Bogotá, Panama, Belo Horizonte and soon from Lima, we are well positioned to further grow our market share in a sustainable manner.”
Anuschka Cova, CEO of CHATA, added: “LATS is a perfect example of public-private collaboration. It allows key Latin American partners to experience our hospitality, culture, and diversity first-hand. We are confident that this symposium will translate into stronger relationships, more visibility, and ultimately more visitors choosing Curaçao. We are proud that CHATA organized both this event and NATS, and we look forward to continuing with these initiatives in the future.”
Special thanks were extended to the hotel sector and sponsors whose contributions made this symposium possible.
