CURAÇAO DEBUTS FIRST CHICAGO NONSTOP FLIGHT WITH A NIGHT OF COLOR AND CULTURE

Destination celebrates first-ever Midwest service with a vibrant launch event

CHICAGO – December 6, 2025 – Against the backdrop of a cold Chicago winter night, the Curaçao Tourist Board brought the island’s color, vibrancy, and warmth to the city to celebrate the launch of the first nonstop air service from O’Hare International Airport to Curaçao. The inaugural American Airlines flight, which departed on the morning of December 6th and continues through April 2026, marks a major milestone for the destination as its first-ever nonstop connection from the Midwest. The direct route opens the door for a new wave of travelers to experience Curaçao’s culture, cuisine, and turquoise waters with greater ease.

Step Into Curaçao: A Caribbean Escape Without Leaving the City

The ‘Takeoff to Curaçao’ event, hosted at Moonlight Studios in the Fulton District, featured an immersive, multi-sensory journey to the island. Upon entering the gallery, attendees were greeted by a 20-foot recreation of Curaçao’s iconic Handelskade - a row of colorful Dutch buildings instantly recognizable from postcards. Overhead, bistro lights and vibrant flags evoked the lively atmosphere of the Pietermaai Historic District. At the center of the space, a 360-degree wooden bar served signature cocktails featuring island favorites like AnnaBay Club Rum and Genuine Curaçao Liqueur by Senior & Co. Guests enjoyed creative drinks such as the ‘Tumba Tamarind,’ ‘Curaçao Cooler,’ and ‘Dushi Daiquiri,’ surrounded by floor-to-ceiling projections of Curaçao’s beaches, nature, and cultural celebrations, from Carnival to the Seu Harvest Festival and the North Sea Jazz Festival. Highlighting the island’s vibrant art scene, guests watched Curaçao-based artist, BAGIRA, painting live and admired a large-scale piece known as ‘Fearless’ that celebrated local women and culture. Meanwhile, DJ Alain Voigt, flown in from the island, mixed a lively soundtrack of salsa, reggaeton, pop, and Caribbean beats - fully immersing attendees in the sights, sounds, and spirit of Curaçao. In addition, the Tourist Board hosted a pre-event travel trade show in a private gallery space, where local travel agents were able to discover the destination and connect directly with Curaçao’s top hotels and resorts.

“It was such a joy to bring a taste of our island’s spirit and energy to the Windy City for this launch event, and to share the excitement of Curaçao with our friends, partners, and travelers,” said Muryad de Bruin, the Curaçao Tourist Board’s Managing Director. “From the music to the flavors and the lively atmosphere of our island, we loved giving everyone a true Curaçao experience. Consider this our official warm welcome - and an open-arms invitation - to all Chicagoans and Midwesterners to visit us this winter season.”

Nearly 200 Guests Celebrate Curaçao’s First Nonstop Flight from Chicago

The event was attended by nearly 200 guests, including government officials and leaders of the tourist board, airline partners, and Chicago-based travel agents, journalists and content creators. Notable guests included Zulaika Mook MSC, Interim Secretary General and Director of Economic Development and Innovation at Curaçao’s Ministry of Economic Development; Muryad de Bruin, Managing Director of the Curaçao Tourist Board; Mimi Luttge, Chairman of the Curaçao Hospitality and Tourism Association (CHATA) and Eric Strating, Chicago Consulate General for the Netherlands. Nearly ten representatives from the island’s top hotels and resorts were also in attendance. Other distinguished guests included executives from the Illinois Restaurant Association, organizers of the Chicago Gourmet food festival; editors from local publications such as Chicago Magazine and national titles like The Points Guy; and influencers including Chef Mike Hard, Cori Hanna, Sherrie Tan, Olga Goffman, and Jeremy Joyce.

Direct From O’Hare: Curaçao Is Closer Than Ever

The new nonstop Chicago–Curaçao flight will operate weekly on Saturdays through April 2026, giving Chicago travelers a quick five-hour escape from winter’s chill to Curaçao’s year-round 80-degree sunshine and vibrant Caribbean culture. To get to know all that Curaçao has to offer and begin planning your trip, visit www.curacao.com.

About Curaçao

Home to more than 35 captivating beaches, a diverse heritage spanning 55 different cultures, including Dutch, Spanish and Portuguese, a “love it or love it” attitude, and stunning European architecture, Curaçao – which sits on the outer fringes of the Hurricane Belt – remains an unrivaled tropical escape in the Southern Caribbean. Ranked by Condé Nast Traveler as one of the “best islands in the Caribbean,” Curaçao’s natural beauty, world-class dive sites, pristine beaches and idyllic weather have won it further accolades and recognition. Its capital city, Willemstad – a UNESCO World Heritage site – features the iconic and colorful Handelskade backdrop, vibrant street art, and a growing portfolio of boutiques, al fresco restaurants and trendy cafes, just to name a few of the many reasons why Curaçao continues to flourish as one of the most exceptional islands in the region. For general travel updates, visit www.curacao.com or call toll-free 1-800-328-7222. Connect with the Curaçao Tourist Board on social media by following us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/curacaotb and Instagram at @CuracaoTB.