My father, Basil, often implores that the Caribbean must continually remind the world that the archipelago is a diverse multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, multi-religious, multi-culinary, multi-genre (musical), multi-lingual and multi-talented group of destinations.
Nestled between North and South America, with Central America to the west and bordered by the mighty Atlantic Ocean to the east, it’s no wonder the region has been influenced by diverse cultures and histories. Take Curaçao, for example.
This constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, located in the Caribbean Sea just off the coast of Venezuela, is a destination that offers a melting pot of cultures, with residents communicating in Dutch, Spanish, English, and their native Papiamento with ease and efficiency.
Curaçao are a multitalented people – from their musical and culinary prowess to their outstanding management of tourism and economic development activities. Their communications talents are equally impressive, matched only by the warm hospitality eagerly extended to the regional tourism leaders assembled here for the Caribbean Tourism Organisation’s (CTO) business meetings.
The Curaçao Tourist Board, with its skilled use of data and analytics to drive arrivals and spending, offers an exciting model for others to emulate. Travel to Curaçao is becoming wildly popular, especially among American visitors, many of whom are pleased – and surprised – to discover that while sun, sand and sea may be the common denominator, the Caribbean offers much more than a cookie-cutter experience.
After spending a few busy, yet delightful, days on the island, it is clearer than ever why travellers from around the world flock to the Caribbean for relaxation, restoration, recuperation, and for some, like the brother in the corridor, resettlement. Considering a visit? Now is a great time to join locals and visitors alike in celebrating the spirit of Curaçao Carnival.
|
|
|
