Curaçao becoming more investor-friendly

Curaçao is enhancing its attractions by instituting reforms that will make it more investor-friendly.

Eugene Rhuggenaath, Commissioner of Economic Affairs, Labor and Tourism as well as Chairman of the Curaçao Tourism Board, explains that one priority is labor reform. “Our project is based on ‘flex security’, which means a secure, yet flexible labor market that will allow for more coherent development,” he says.

Eugene Rhuggenaath, Commissioner of Economic Affairs, Labor and Tourism

Cutting out red tape for investors is another priority. The government is also setting up an organization to help ensure fair treatment of investors and is devising new services for small and medium-sized companies. “We want to give them a boost concerning exports,” Rhuggenaath says. Curaçao has always favored economic diversity and will maintain this position along with ensuring more transparency, he adds. In the tourism sector, Curaçao is working to improve human resources by providing training and educational opportunities for locals wishing to work in the sector. The island also aims to step up its marketing in the American market, and has opened an office in New Jersey. “We have also created fiscal incentives that have attracted well-known hotel brands to Curaçao, including Westin, Hyatt, and Renaissance,” the commissioner says. Curaçao’s tourism policy is to focus on the upscale market.

Rhuggenaath is very positive about Curaçao’s future. He concludes, “We have a sophisticated workforce and knowledge pool. We are diversified. Once we identify where we want to go as a nation, we have all the ingredients to be an investment destination of choice.

Royal Resorts – The Royal Sea Aquarium

“We put guests first.”

Estela Villanueva, Manager

The five-star Royal Sea Aquarium, part of the prestigious Royal Resorts group, offers the ultimate in luxury: just 30 villas on a private island adjoining the world-famous Curaçao Aquarium, only 10 minutes from Willemstad. Estela Villanueva, Manager, says, “This is such a small resort that we know all our guests and we enjoy taking care of them.”

Lovers of water sports can enjoy the resort’s private white-sand beach, snorkeling, swimming in the pristine Caribbean or in the resort’s swimming pools, scuba diving, and sports fishing. Other amenities include guided tours of the island, the convivial Augusto’s waterfront restaurant and bar, free admission to the aquarium, where visitors can swim with dolphins, and access to tennis courts, boutiques, and an upscale fitness center.

The resort’s air-conditioned, two-bedroom, two-bathroom luxury villas feature spacious living and dining areas, and American-style kitchens; each villa sleeps six. The Royal Sea Aquarium is a perfect choice for active families since its activities team organizes all kinds of sports, games, tours and classes, including special activities just for kids.

The Royal Sea Aquarium also offers exclusive time shares. For a short holiday or a longer stay, as Villanueva explains, “The Royal Sea Aquarium is the top choice in Curaçao. We put guests first.”