Curacao Convention Bureau, a division of the Curacao Tourism Development Bureau Pietermaai 19 Willemstad, Curacao Contact: Rajendra Merien Local Phone: 011-599-9-4616000 Fax: 011-599-9-4615017 E-mail: ccbcur@ibm.net Web: www.interknowledge.com/curacao U.S. Sales Contacts: Miriam Inesia Martin Phone: (212) 683-7660 Chandra Smouse Phone: (305) 374-5811
Vital Statistics Curacao is a cosmopolitan island located 35 miles north of the coast of Venezuela, in the Netherlands Antilles. Hato International Air-port is served from the U.S. by American Airlines, ALM Antillean Airlines, Air Aruba, and Guyana Airlines. Curacao's climate is tropical, with average year-round temperatures of 82 degrees Fahrenheit. Dutch is the official language, and Papiamentu is the local language, though English and Spanish are widely spoken. The Antillean Guilden is the official currency.
Recent Developments Avila's West Beach Project was completed in December 1996 and consists of 25 deluxe rooms with private terraces and balconies overlooking the ocean. An adjoining function deck provides space for small meetings and receptions. The new wing is ideal for business conferences and mini-conventions for up to 25 persons. In May 1997, Curacao's International Trade Center was renamed the World Trade Center Curacao (WTC Curacao). The new name more accurately reflects the function and prominence of the center and signifies its membership in the World Trade Center Association.
Meeting Venues Hotels in Curacao that have the facilities to accommodate meetings and incentive programs include the Sonesta Beach Resort & Casino Curacao, Crowne Plaza Princess Beach Resort & Casino, Avila Beach Hotel, Curacao Caribbean Hotel & Casino, and Holiday Beach Hotel & Casino. The convention center has eight meeting rooms; the largest hall measures 23,380 square feet. There are 448 hotel rooms within walking distance of the convention center. On February 6, 1997, The Trestan Conference Center officially opened its doors. Attached to the Hotel Seru Coral and Sport & Country Club Santa Catharina, the conference center offers multifunctional rooms, the largest of which seats 125 persons, and the latest in audiovisual equipment.
Sights to See There are many sights of historical and cultural interest in Curacao. These include the Dutch colonial architecture of Willemstad, the Mikve Israel Emanual Synagogue, forts, the Curacao Seaquarium, the Curacao Liqueur Distillery, the floating market, the Hato caves, the Amstel beer brewery, the Three Queens Bridges, Cristoffel National Park, the Willemstad walking tour, and the Boca Tabla caves. Special tours can be arranged for groups.
Special Events & Theme Parties Popular events include theme parties, such as Carnival and Black Tie & Barefoot on the Beach; sunset cruises; snorkeling and diving excursions; and day trips to Aruba or Bonaire.