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work with the government to find creative ways of funding the implementation of the
Master Plan.

Yet, another mandate of the Master Plan is investing in human capital. In that regard in
2018, we developed three training programs to foster a new generation of tourism talent
and we intend to repeat them in 2019. The Customer Service Training was a joint
collaboration between CHATA and the CTB, while the Tourism Safety Training program
called upon the people and organizations directly and indirectly involved with ensuring the
safety of Curaçao’s travelers and the community at large. Finally, the Tourist Guide and
Hospitality Course is a program provided by the CTB in close collaboration with One
Curaçao, Reda Sosial, and the Ministry of Social Development, Labor and Well-being.
Together these programs had more than 225 graduates in 2018, and hopefully we’ll see that

number grow year after year. I’m sure you’ll agree that our success in growing tourism
depends on our delivery of high-quality, professional, and friendly service, which is vital in
creating a positive everlasting impression on travelers.

The final mandate of the Master Plan includes developing our UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Over the past ten years, Willemstad’s developing Pietermaai district has been a beacon for
growth, ushering in a series of boutique hotels, trendy restaurants and bars worthy of
Instagram feeds and social sharing. From the American perspective, the area’s gentrification
and positioning, which compares it to the likes of Brooklyn or Miami’s artsy Wynwood area,

is attractive to discerning travelers in search of a unique getaway. It is my hope that we can
tap into the elements that have catapulted Pietermaai into this new era of economic
prosperity, and replicate that model in Willemstad’s three other districts. Scharloo is on its
way as evidenced by its growing street art culture and hidden coffee-shops and art galleries,
but Punda and Otrobanda need our continued attention. Not only do these regions serve as
the home to some of Curaçao’s most iconic landmarks, they receive the most foot traffic
from cruise passengers. Our goal is to transform the UNESCO World Heritage Site into a
vibrant area that best showcases the island’s authenticity, European architecture, and
fusion of international cultures to be enjoyed by travelers and locals alike. We want to
encourage both current business owners and perspective entrepreneurs to harness the

potential of Punda and Otrobanda and charge forward in diversifying the shopping mix,
culinary offerings and entertainment options available to consumers.

One of the most important parts of seeing our plan to fruition is having the support of our
entire population. We can ALL benefit, whether directly or indirectly, by the successful
development of this island's tourism. As our newest initiative with CHATA, states, "Tourism
for ALL."

To that effect, last month we rolled out a documentary style, one-minute video series that
showcase the new theme and highlights some of the island’s tourism personnel. We have

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