Looking Back at 40 Years of Achievements

By Michelle Rodenburg

Last year, the Curaçao Hospitality and Tourism Association (CHATA) proudly celebrated its 40th anniversary. In the last four decades, the organization has made significant contributions to the development of the tourism industry on the island. To commemorate the event, CHATA honored 40 industry pioneers who enhanced the business environment and the economic growth of Curaçao, and published a series of articles. Here are some highlights from articles by honorary members Rudy Dovale, Frank Maynard and Nic Moller, as well as developers Dutch Schrier (Seaquarium Beach development) and Eduardo Halabi (Piscadera).

"Our economy will flourish and our citizens will benefit directly from the earnings coming out of the tourism industry. Even if we find oil, tourism can still become the backbone of our economy." — Rudy Dovale

"The CHATA became an important dialogue partner for the government regarding economic matters on Curaçao. By professionalizing the hotel organization, they succeeded in making the merchants, for example, aware of the fact that by giving their confidence they also help in promoting the island as a tourist attraction." — Frank Maynard

"From the first day already the initiatives of the Sonesta and the World Trade Center (WTC) were fully supported by banker Lionel Capriles and together, during a very difficult period and an extremely bad investment climate, we took these investments forward. We did this for no other reason than to stimulate the economy." — Eduardo Halabi

"The Sea Aquarium is beautiful. But not many people will travel to Curaçao just for that. But it's precisely because you have such a location—with many other special activities—that you turn Curaçao in its totality into an attractive destination." — Dutch Schrier

"In our development we have to keep our cultural and archeological heritage in mind in order to portray Curaçao's profile as clearly as possible." — Nic Moller