ISLAND INSIGHTS • The island is home to 55 nationalities and has four official languages—English, Dutch, Spanish and Papiamentu, the most widely spoken, developed as enslaved people arrived from different lands. • Curaçao became an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands on October 10, 2010. • Curaçao greets all visitors with a “dushi” welcome. In Papiamentu, dushi means sweet, lovely or wonderful, reflecting the island’s warm, inclusive and “live and let live” spirit. INCENTIVE TRAVEL REPORT PLANNER TAKEAWAYS When planning a trip to Curaçao, it’s important to leverage local expertise, says Sambo. “Partner with a reputable DMC who understands the nuances of the island and has strong vendor relationships.” She emphasizes tailoring the itinerary to align with your group’s interests, noting that the island offers everything from beaches and adventure to culture, history and wellness. And while there is so much to explore, Sambo also stresses the importance of downtime: “You need to balance the schedule with moments of rest and relaxation.” IDEAS PLANNERS CAN STEAL Sambo points to the power of infusing your program with local flavour: “Include authentic touches—like local cuisine, music and storytelling— to create a memorable and meaningful experience.” She also reminds planners that timing is everything, as popular venues and excursions can book up quickly, especially during peak travel periods, so early planning is essential. ISLAND EXPLORATION An exhilarating adventure on three-wheeled Can- Am Spyders, guided by Premium Paradise Tours, had attendees exploring the picturesque west side of the island, with stops at stunning beaches, a roadside stand for fresh coconut water and the Kas di Pal’i Maishi museum—a 130-year-old traditional adobe house. AUTHENTIC EATS Shaped by Spanish, Dutch, Venezuelan, Indian and Portuguese Jewish influences, Curaçao’s cuisine reflects its diverse heritage. In the lively Pietermaai district, the group enjoyed tacos and margaritas at Taqueria Maya and sampled the island’s signature Blue Curaçao liqueur at Mr. Porter Street Café. They also savoured fresh seafood and ocean views at Brisa do Mar on Caracasbaai beach and traditional fare at Plasa Bieu, a rustic food hall in Punda with open kitchens serving local dishes. UNDERWATER ADVENTURE The island is known as a top destination for scuba diving and snorkeling, with coral reefs easily accessible from its crystal-clear beaches. Guides from CURious 2 DIVE led the group on an unforgettable underwater adventure, encountering tropical marine life and exploring lush coral gardens. The company has also developed its own coral garden, propagating baby coral into robust reefs as part of Coral Reef Restoration Team Curaçao. Winter 2025 | Ignitemag.ca | 63
