Exactly one year ago, in November 2019, I, Jasper – Business Travel Consultant at Uniglobe Alliance Travel, together with 27 other travel agents, was invited by KLM on a six-day study trip to Curaçao. The highlight of this trip was the 6the edition of the KLM Sales Run 2019. Last year, approximately 2500 participants took part in the KLM Curaçao Marathon.
An educational program & a selection of beautiful hotels
Together with the Curaçao Tourist Board, a very enjoyable and educational program was organized for us. This was to enable us to inform our clients even better in the future. Naturally, as a Business Travel Consultant, I primarily focused on the possibilities for our business travelers. During this trip, we visited a large number of hotels, such as the Avila Beach Resort hotel, the Renaissance hotel, and the Marriott Beach Resort. These hotels are centrally located, offer quiet rooms (or even have a separate wing) for business travelers, and provide various meeting spaces. Because business trips can sometimes be stressful and there is a need for relaxation, these hotels also offer excellent fitness and spa facilities. Curaçao also offers several very suitable locations for business dinners, some of which we will highlight later in this blog.
I myself stayed at the aforementioned completely renovated Marriott Beach Resort, located a 15-minute drive from the airport. This hotel offers beautiful rooms and has a stunning open-air lobby, which combines three trendy catering concepts. I couldn't have asked for better either, as the Marathon started from the hotel lobby!
With KLM to Curaçao
For business travelers for whom time is very precious, KLM offers Private Boarding. With KLM Private Boarding, a personal hostess will check you in immediately, while customs and immigration checks are handled on-site without long queues and waiting times. KLM usually departs from Schiphol at the beginning of the morning to Curaçao, allowing you to arrive in Curaçao mid-afternoon (local time) with a direct flight and without delays. On the return journey, you typically fly with KLM from Curaçao in the afternoon and will be back in Amsterdam early the next morning. For avid frequent flyers, it is also a nice idea to visit the Curaçao Museum once you have arrived on the island. This museum houses ‘de Snip,’ the first KLM aircraft that flew across the Atlantic Ocean in 1934.
8 tips for doing business in Curaçao
- Papiamentothe officially spoken language. Despite Papiamento being the official mother tongue in Curaçao, Dutch and English are the most spoken languages. No language barriers then!
- Official currency. On Curaçao, the Antillean Guilder is the official currency. Nevertheless, it is often possible to pay with US dollars.
- Visa. Travelers with Dutch nationality do not need a visa for stays of up to 180 days.
- Business Meetings. Antilleans handle business in a relaxed, informal atmosphere. Therefore, a meeting will often begin with a conversation about social topics.
- Greeting. Because many residents on Curaçao know each other, it is customary to greet each other friendly. Always be on time for an appointment to make a good first impression. However, this does not apply to your business partner.
- Prevent dominant behavior. Important decisions are made by the boss, but not before consultation with the employees. For large contracts, it is customary for these to first be approved by both the Island Council and the Government.
- Outer display. Curacaoans place great value on outward appearances. Formal attire is therefore customary for business meetings. Men typically wear a suit with a shirt, and women wear a skirt with a matching blouse.
- Kitchen. It is highly appreciated if you are knowledgeable about many dishes from Curaçaoan cuisine. It is a melting pot of different cultures and has many specialties. Such as, Sopi Mondongo (tripe soup), Funchi kun piska (corn-fish dish), and Pan Bati (corn pancake served with hot meals).
3 diverse suggestions for your business dinner in Curaçao
The island is rich in cozy, atmospheric restaurants where you can enjoy delicious dishes. From our own experience, we highlight three restaurants for you, which are ideally suited for a business dinner or a dinner on your own, on this sunny island.
Brakkeput Mei Mei
This historic country house and restaurant is beautifully situated on a hilltop close to the water. The road leading to Brakkeput Mei Mei might make you think otherwise, but the restaurant is truly an oasis. The tables are set up on the spacious terrace, in front of the tropical yellow country house, and are surrounded by tropical plants. The fish and meat dishes are prepared in the open outdoor kitchen and can be supplemented by you with the tasty side dishes from the salad bar. Additionally, “theme nights” are regularly organized. Dance salsa on Monday evenings and enjoy live music on Wednesdays and Thursdays. An atmospheric, rhythmic, and delicious dinner under the starry sky, what more could you want?! Don't forget to reserve your table in advance to ensure a spot.
2. Governor de Rouville
Gouverneur de Rouville is a well-known name in Willemstad. The stately building on Sint Anna Bay offers a magnificent view of the Handelskade and the Pontoon Bridge: one of Curaçao's most iconic sights. Choose to dine on the gallery, with the aforementioned view, or in the cozy inner courtyard. Experience the authentic, colonial atmosphere of the restaurant while enjoying a drink and one of the Green Egg specials or freshly prepared fish. Don't forget to make a reservation here as well!
Zest Beach Cafe
Zest Beach Café offers dining with your feet in the sand, sunset views, and picnic tables on the beach. This restaurant is therefore ideally suited for a relaxed, casual dinner. The dishes are prepared on the open grill on the beach. The Tuna Caribbean Salsa Burger (a mouthful, literally and figuratively 😉) is highly recommended! Zest Beach Café is part of Jan Thiel beach, where many other restaurants and hotels with beach clubs are located. Do you not want to deprive your business associate of a dinner with a beautiful sunset? Then dinner at Zest Mediterranean is also a good choice. The same breathtaking view, but without your feet in the sand, and a more extensive menu!
Are you going on a business trip to Curaçao in 2021 yourself and are you curious about more (business) opportunities on this sunny island after reading this blog? Then feel free to contact Meet with us. I or one of my colleagues, Business Travel Consultants, would be happy to brainstorm with you!
Travel Well
Jasper
Business Travel Consultant