Curaçao is known as a tourist island — a vibrant destination that attracts visitors from around the world. Yet, when you arrive at a simple bus stop, the reality hits hard: no trash bins, no benches, and above all, a place that is dirty and neglected. 

Where one might have hoped that tourism would bring improvements for the local population — clean and well-maintained bus shelters, proper infrastructure, trash cans, reliable public transportation, clear bus schedules, lighting, and more — none of this has come to fruition. Instead, small but vital issues remain unaddressed, creating an eyesore for both residents and visitors alike. The condition of roundabouts, the litter scattered across streets, and poorly maintained roads all tell the same story. 

Curaçao wants to attract more tourists, but these basic public amenities continue to be overlooked. Worse, the economic benefits of tourism seem to reach only a very small, elite segment of the population, leaving many locals feeling excluded from the prosperity tourism promises. 

If Curaçao truly wants to thrive as a tourist destination, it must start by improving the everyday experiences of both its residents and visitors — beginning with simple, practical steps that show care for the island’s public spaces and infrastructure. Otherwise, the island risks alienating the very people who keep it alive.