With its crystal clear beaches, breathtaking diving spots, magnificent landmarks and world famous festivities; Curacao tourism played a major factor in their current economy. Tourists from all over the world visit Curacao because of its unique beauty. The Curacao Tourism Board always increase their effort in gaining traction in the North American market. Their annual budget in promoting their tourism to the North American and European market are always increasing. With the assistance of the Dutch government, traffic from North America have increased by 8% within six months alone (January to August of 2003). Hotels and recreation facilities flourished throughout Curacao, as the demand in tourism increased.
Curacao’s tourists compose mostly of Europeans, South Americans and their Caribbean neighbors. Now, Curacao is attracting tourists from different parts of the globe, mostly, from the United States and Canada. With over a half a million visitors annually (of which over 300,000 are from cruise ships.). Though not really promoting mass market, the Curacao Tourism Board (CTB) is aiming to double its North American visitors (over 40,000 to 80,000 annually.). Curacao is slowly making itself known worldwide in the tourism industry.
The Curacao tourism industry is far from what we call a fully developed one. The Curacao Tourism Board is working hard to make Curacao competitive in the world of tourism. One of the many projects they are currently working on is the modernization of the Curacao Airport (Hato International Airport). With the awareness of a new tourism industry, hotels recreational facilities in Curacao are developing increasingly. Making themselves competitive with the rest of the world.
The main factor of Curacao’s tourism is its uniqueness from most of the other the Caribbean destination. It gives a different experience, very rich in its historical and cultural heritage, is known to be the best diving in the world; though underdeveloped, and offers a great quality of life.
For those who want to indulge great culture in their destination, Curacao is the place to be. Most Curacao tourists will be pleased of what its resorts and recreational facilities got to offer. You can go to the beach, do some diving, hike on the mountains, go shopping and the most fun of all, the festivities. Festivities in Curacao is very much famous. Where else in the world do you have festivities all year round? Only in Curacao. As most tourist in Curacao tourist point out; Curacao is truly a once in a lifetime experience.
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Curacao Gasoline
... How did the production of Curacao gasoline start? Oil was discovered around 1920 in the Venezuelan Lake of Maracaibo. Curacao Tourism Along with Aruba, Curacao began processing crude oil for Venezuela. The Royal Dutch Shell Refinery provided the biggest source of employment in Curacao. It encouraged immigrants to flock to Curacao because of job opportunities in this oil refinery. World War II made the oil industry in Curacao thrive even more. Its refineries, along with those of Aruba, supplied the fuel demand of the Allied forces in North Africa, making them vulnerable military targets. American soldiers were placed under the command of the Royal Dutch Navy and the Antilles troops. A lesser demand in oil around 1985 made Shell close its refinery and sell it to the local government. In turn, Curacao had it leased to PDVSA, a Venezuelan oil company owned by the state. So two days...
Curacao Government
... assemble regularly to preside over the administration of government. Each of the Netherlands Antilles has its internal affairs ran by the island's council and executive council which is composed of elected island council and a queen appointed governor. The newly elected prime minister of the island is Emily Elhage-Jonge. The Curacao government has extended its infrastructure and modernized. The island has a large desalinization plant for its water and its oil refinery installation is still a major factor in the economy. The Curacao government's revenue is still depending on the remittances from Holland. The oil refinery is more than 90% of its total export earnings. Offshore banking and tourism are also a major factor in their economy. With an annual 200 cruise ships calls and over 240,000 tourists, Curacao's tourism is rapidly growing. Shipping and other activity relating to the harbour of Curacao Tourism Willemstad also is...
Curacao Culture
... and European cultures. One of the distinguishing marks of the famed Curacao culture is its festivities. Curacao's yearly festivity (which is also known as "Curacao Carnival") is rapidly gaining the attention in the tourism industry worldwide. It is a gathering of different cultural groups that participate in a roadmarch, showing their cultural heritage. Most people don't know that the Curacao community is composed of more that 42 Curacao Tourism ethnic groups (mostly of African and European descent). Because of its strategic location and the Dutch motivated religious freedom, it has attracted trade market from different parts of the globe during the nineteenth century. Even its language (Papiamentu) is a variation of Portuguese, Spanish, and African language that originated from the slaves that was part of the history of Curacao. The Papiamentu is (Curacao language) the most common language that is spoken on Curacao but is slowly diminishing. The Curacao government is trying to develop Papiamentu and now it is being...
Curacao Liqueur
... "Curacao liqueur". The same family then marketed the product. They made a massive investment to start the Curacao liqueur industry. Curacao liqueur has become a world success and with that many liquor manufacturers worldwide albeit produced Curacao liqueur but with artificial flavors. The genuine Curacao liqueur is called "Curacao of Curacao". Original Curacao liqueur is clear in color. It later evolved, and is now available in various colors for cocktail purposes (blue, red, orange and green). Colored Curacao liqueur has the same taste as the original. At present, the liquor has many flavors. The name "Curacao liqueur" is now generic and can be based on any white spirits. Many Curacao Tourism wine manufacturers around the world now produce Curacao liqueur. So if ever you will visit Curacao. Don't forget to visit that famous "Chobolobo Mansion" or "Country Estate". It is where the famous original Curacao liqueur or "Curacao of Curacao" was developed. The Mansion is now...
The Curacao Flag
... country. That is because Curacao is under Netherlands Antilles (an autonomous part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands). Along with Bonaire and other three neighboring island in the north-eastern part of the Caribbean, Curacao belongs to the Netherlands Antilles. The Curacaos are Dutch nationals. Their flag is very much similar of the Dutch flag. Even if Curacao is under Netherlands Antilles, Curacao has its own flag. The Curacao flag is blue in color and has two five-pointed stars, the smaller star is on the upper left of the other star. A yellow stripe cuts horizontally near the center. Have you ever wondered what's the meaning of two stars and the single yellow stripe of the Curacao flag? The two white stars represent the two islands of Curacao; Curacao and small Curacao or also known as Klein Curacao (a small uninhabited island southeast of Curacao). The yellow stripe depicts the sun dividing the blue sky and blue sea (that's why the color of the Curacao flag is blue). The five points...
Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao: Abc’s Of The Caribbean
It comes in second in terms of population. The capital is Oranjestad. Bonaire is somewhat larger than Aruba, with a width of 4-7 miles and 24 miles long. Its population is only about 15,000 people. Kralendijk is its capital. Tourism is the main industry of the three islands. Aruba and Curacao have oil refineries while Bonaire has a storage facility and produces rice. The busiest economy of the three islands is Curacao, which has one of the largest dry docks in the world. Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao have good watersports opportunities. If you want to go diving, Bonaire has the best diving spots because of its immaculate coral reefs around the island. Aruba is more known for its beaches than diving, though it has some good diving spots. While Curacao has lots and lots of watersports opportunities, its diving spots are spread across the southern coast. The next time you want to go on a vacation, just think of the first three letters in the...
Curacao Island Map
... what you have read on your research. After all, you would finally be seeing how understated the beaches were and how unspoiled nature really can be. If you don't feel confident driving around yourself, be comforted with the presence of a Curacao Island map. And as a helpful tip, NEVER pay for a map while in Curacao. They are given free-of-charge. Some establishments though, like hotels, will charge you for one. The centuries-old Werbata Maps are available in the bookstores and are suited to those seeking adventure. This type of map is Curacao Island's first topographical map, and will likely lead to some unspoiled parts of Curacao. A lot of websites should be helpful. Curacao Island map as well as detailed maps of...
Map Of Curacao
If you are thinking of buying I suggest you go to www.ebay.com. Just enter "map of Curacao" on the search bar and eBay will do the rest. But if you want, you can print some on www.curacao-travelguide.com. Although the map isn't exactly detailed, it still is useful as to where one can find a place to enjoy because it has a brief description as to what is in the area and what to expect. The most likely you could do is order online. There are a lot of websites that offer maps of Curacao. All have to do is search it on a web based search engine (www.google.com or www.yahoo.com is highly recommended.). When choosing for a map, make sure that it is Curacao Tourism durable. With the wear and tear, most maps easily deteriorate after a few days of use. Some maps that are for sale on the internet,...
Curacao Hotels
... international resort, some with casinos, you will surely enjoy your stay on a Curacao hotel. There are also lots of smaller hotels and affordable guesthouses for those who are on a tight budget. Those who have frequently traveled to Curacao can testify that staying on Curacao hotels is quite easy on the pocket. You can search in the internet if you want to know the amenities and accommodations of Curacao hotels. Listed below are popular Curacao hotels and some very useful information: Hilton Curacao This fabulous hotel has a picture perfect beach, an activity center for kids, conference facility and private beach is just 10 minutes away from the airport or four miles from the island capital, Willemstad. Each guestroom has their own balcony and has complete amenities. It offers lots of activities such as golf, tennis, diving and snorkeling. Breezes Curacao...
Maps Of Curacao
... you have to do is find a map that is detailed enough for you to purchase or download. If you are opting to use the internet, here is a list of website that have maps of Curacao. Some are useful enough; Curacao Tourism some just show where certain locations are. Just choose a map that you may find useful. * http://www.ebay.com - A highly popular web based search engine that lets you search for anything that is for auction. Just key-in "maps of Curacao" then click "Search" and eBay will do the rest. Highly recommended for those who want to search for things at a low price. * http://www.curacao-travelguide.com - This website offers information of hotels, car rentals, beaches and even weather. The only setback of the map that they offered is that the map only shows popular places and tourist spots on Curacao. It doesn't show any details like the roads and...
Sports In Curacao
... popular sports in Curacao. Curacao has a National Park that you can climb or hike. You can hike through the 4,500 acre Christoffel Park. There is also Curacao Tourism the Rif Recreation Area that has a 2-mile jogging track. Horseback riding is also offered on Curacao. One can go horseback riding for an hour or for the whole day. One of the all-time favorite sports in Curacao is golf. Yes, golf. Curacao has not one but two world class golf courses. One is the Blue Bay Golf Club; a 18 hole AAA championship golf course. It is considered one of the top 50 golf courses in the world. The other is the Curacao Golf and Squash Club. This 9 hole golf course has a unique and unusual sand greens. Tennis is also a...
Curacao Map
... map is downloadable. Just right-click on the image and then choose "save picture as ". It is a very detailed map. It doesn't just feature the names Curacao Tourism of certain places, it also has details of what hotel or resort is on that area. It shows the location of places where you can shop and place where one can dine. A very important tool for those who love to go shopping and also useful for those who love to dine. It also shows historic sites, places of interest for you to go and most of all the, beaches (one of the most important places to visit when your in Curacao.). It also has the location of all must see places in Curacao and all the Kodak outlets (after you have visited the interesting areas you can go and have your picture developed on the outlet nearest you. http://www.ehi.com/travel/carib/bonaire/hot_map2.html Another website where you can have a Curacao map. Although it isn't as detailed as the one mentioned above, this is a Curacao Map and...
Curacao At A Glance
... beaches and diving spots. Over 35 beaches with a wide variety, some surrounded by cliffs and rocks others by flora and fauna, they all have the same clear turquoise waters. Because the unusual feature that is locally known as the "blue edge", Curacao's sea floor drops off just a few hundred meters from the shore where one can go diving without a boat. Curacao has a lot of astounding architectures and landmarks because of its rich history. The city of Willemstad has many attractions one of the most frequented is the Fort Amsterdam. Curacao is also famous for its fine liqueur which is made of locally grown oranges. Curacao's local cuisine is very delicious and unique. This is because it is a mix of different cultures; the taste varies as its residents. The best tasted Curacao Tourism are the nasi...
Curacao Games
Curacao. Biking enthusiasts will love the challenge when biking through Curacao's narrow and twisty paths. Curacao Tourism Bikes and motorcycles are available for rent. One is also allowed to choose his own route. Other favorite outdoor activities are hiking and jeep safaris. More beautiful scenery can be seen if you opt to explore Curacao. Guided horse-back riding is also available along Curacao's well-preserved nature. And just when you thought Curacao games stop there, think again. Curacao has two bowling places to go to. So bowling buffs can still enjoy their favorite game even if they're a thousand miles from home. And what better way to spend the day than to go bird-watching! Curacao is home to more than a hundred bird species. So whether you're curled up with a good book on the beach, or following your bike trail, you're sure to come across some of these winged creatures. Chess and indoor karting are...
Information On Curacao Island
... you feel like you're not sure of making the trip to the island unless you learn a few more stuff about it? If you're worrying about the transportation you are going to use in getting around the island, worry not. Curacao has its share of reliable car rental companies that are holding office at the airport as well. No cause for concern would be the accommodations too. Unless it's peak season and if prior reservations have been made, Curacao hotels and resorts will take you on a grand journey to a comfortable and memorable stay. Information on Curacao Island such as the language and currency they use are also important to first-time visitors. While English are widely understood in Curacao, it is helpful to learn a few Dutch, Spanish or...