current  |   archive  |   subscribe  |   Bonaire  |   email us  |  home
	Issue # 80 September 5, 2006
	Entre Nous Bonaire's Monthly Newsletter (Click here to subscribe or unsubscribe)

Entre Nous is the monthly newsletter from the Tourism Corporation Bonaire (TCB), Netherlands Antilles. In this newsletter you will find the accomplishments of TCB in Bonaire, North America, South America and Europe as well as the newest developments within the tourism industry.

We hope that you will read it with pleasure and if you have something that you think is relevant for the tourism sector to know just fax it to 717-8408 or e-mail to: info@tourismbonaire.com.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

TCB BONAIRE LOCAL REPORT From the Director's Desk We have been busily preparing for our upcoming Marketing Meeting which will take place on Sept. 14-16, 2006.  While it has been traditionally referred to in the past as a “marketing meeting”, this year we are changing gears and focusing more on TCB’s new image.  In short, I am taking the liberty of calling it a Brand Development Meeting! Our goals will be directed toward producing a Master Plan for TCB.  The meeting will be directed toward the finalization and approval of Marketing Plans 2007 (and beyond), incorporating a new Brand image as well as promotional and Product Development ideas for the marketing plans.  We will be looking for feedback on branding concepts, internet development and areas for targeted product development.   We will be asking the meeting participants to help us develop ideas how to attract more visitors to the island by pinpointing areas of interest while developing ways to improve the quality of the time they spend here.  In turn, by working toward these goals, we will be able to provide more income-generating opportunities for our stakeholders and help ensure that more tourists return for another visit. Our secondary goal is to generate enthusiasm and motivation among the respective stakeholders; this can be accomplished by fostering support for current and future TCB projects.  We want to create synergy throughout the entire tourism industry by cementing relationship and building confidence while preparing for future "growth" developments. We also have finalized our static’s report for 2005 and the first half of 2006. Owing to the importance of reporting accurate figure, we were very careful to dot every i and cross every t.  We have cleared up the backlog and are now are on target for timely reporting to our stakeholders.  You can obtain the reports by e mailing Rico at asstgm@tourismbonaire.com. In light of our streamlining our statistics reporting, we will be publishing reports on a half year basis, allowing our tourism partners access to information so that they may make their future plans more meaningful.  Sept. 27, 2006 is World Tourism Day sponsored by WTO, the World Tourism Organization.  TCB would like everyone to be aware of it and take note of this year’s theme:  "Tourism Enriches.”   It kicks off a worldwide awareness campaign, with the launching of new communication tools and reaffirmation of importance of tourism as one of the leading activities of the humankind. On the airlift front, the direct non-stop from Newark shows excellent reservations for the high season beginning with the inaugural flight this December.  Of course, the Houston flight continues to report high capacity.  Also Arkefly will have its first arrival in November and we are looking forward to an increased number of arrivals from our European Market.  Beginning this month we are making changes to Entre Nous, one of our tools that have been created to keep our partners informed of tourism developments in Bonaire. I invite all stakeholders to make use of it and send us your information.  Any suggestions/remarks on how we can improve the newsletter are greatly appreciated. Back to the top New Bonaire Ambassadors « AWARDED GOLD: Harold “Di” Dieter At Habitat AWARDED GOLD: Clifton Roger Lewis, Donald Schrader, James Carez, Marvin Trippett at Habitat » AWARDED SILVER: Daniel Graham, Donna Trippett at Habitat » AWARDED BRONZE: James Carl Radcliffe, Pearl Graham, Karen Pace at Habitat » « AWARDED GOLD, SILVER, & BRONZE: Diana Scumaci, Raquel Santiago, Stella De La Cadena (Silver) At Divi, Robert, Ramona and Jessica Deal (Bronze) At Divi, Bill and Sharon O’Connor (Gold) At Divi AWARDED BRONZE: Cynthia & Ignacio Suberbuhler (Bronze) At The Windsurfplace Sorobon » « AWARDED BRONZE: 10 year old Owen Levin (Bronze) At Carib Inn To see more of Bonaire's Bronze, Silver, or Gold Ambassadors, visit http://www.bonaireambassador.com! Back to the top Jong Bonaire’s Sixth Swim to Klein Bonaire fundraising event On 08 October 2006, Jong Bonaire will sponsor it’s Sixth Swim to Klein Bonaire fundraising event.  The Klein Swim has become an island standard with about 300 swimmers taking part last year. The distance to Klein is about 600 meters and can easily be managed by almost anyone who swims.  The Klein Swim is not a race but a fun swim. Some people make the swim both ways and others choose to go one-way only. Participants can use fins, masks or even flotation devices if they need them.  There will be many boats for anyone who wants to leave the water and the channel will be patrolled to avoid any boat traffic.  Everyone is welcome and family groups are encouraged to participate. The entry fee is NAfl 15,- and includes lunch and a drink after the swim.  Tickets can be purchased at Jong Bonaire, Bon Fysiotherapie, Croccantino and De Freewieler.  Back to the top Rotary Club Press Release On Wednesday August 23 2006, the Rotary Club Bonaire visited Ka’I Mimina, the elderly home in Tera Cora. Sister Swinda, the compassionate leader of Ka’I Mimina honored members of the Rotary Club Bonaire by giving a complete tour of the facility, plant growing area, sleeping rooms, as well as the traditional handicrafts made by the elderly.  Rotary Members were pleasantly entertained with songs, and a dance organized by the elderly. Afterwards, Rotary members transported and treated the elderly to a delicious lunch at Maiky Snack. The Rotary Club of Bonaire not only offered the lunch but with the weekly raffle held amongst the Rotary members when all tickets were passed to the elderly that day. Prizes were raffled including a grand prize of a Radio CD player. President of the Rotary Club Bonaire, Marisela Croes, also donated the materials to build a green house on the parcel of land Ka’I Mimina just received in long lease from the Government.  They plan to build a recreation area, a play ground for the grand children, a meditation area and the green house. The green house will be used to grow all kinds of vegetables and fruits for own use, as they do now on a small scale at Ka’I Mimina. Back to the top                     TCB WORLDWIDE TCB-EUROPE REPORT Travel trade promotion to kick off The post-summer trade promotion ‘Tijd voor Bonaire’ had its kick off. This promotion challenges travel agents to watch www.BonaireVisits.tv to spot the unique Bonaire Watch in the various movies. How many watches do you see around the wrists of the celebrities? The promotion is organized for tour operators as well as travel agencies. Within a few months the winners will be announced. In addition three original Bonaire Watches, a grand prize can be won: a trip for two to Bonaire. TCB Europe would like to thank KLM, Divi and Divi Dive for their kind co-operation to make this promotion work. Back to the top   Nochi Coffie finished his work In the year where Holland celebrates ‘Rembrandt 400’, Nochi Coffie showed what a fine artist he is by completing his work at Lucas Diving, the largest dive shop in the Netherlands.  Owner Dick Lucas is one of Bonaire’s greatest ambassadors. Nochi’s painting covers an entire wall giving everybody entering the dive shop a superb view of Bonaire. It brings all the great aspects of our island to life in a creative way. Thanks again to Nochi Coffie and again to Dick Lucas and his staff, to Bonhata and to KLM.  Back to the top New viral campaign to be launched In September TCB Europe will launch a brand new viral campaign. Not only directed to the Dutch market, but also in the other European countries. These secondary markets remain very important markets for Bonaire given the rise in numbers over the past few quarters. This viral campaign will enable TCB Europe to increase its e-database of tourists further. It makes e-mail marketing a far more important and cost efficient tool. The campaign is directed at consumers and also trade professionals. In addition, dive shop around Europe will be contacted. Back to the top Hit single to promote Bonaire Recently Do’s hit single “Beautiful Thing” was launched in Holland and other European countries. On this hit single one can find also a great Bonaire promotion. It is Do’s thank you to Bonaire for the wonderful hospitality received on Bonaire while shooting her video. On the CD cover all the Bonaire websites are mentioned so that everybody buying the single version can also surf to Bonaire. The will see for themselves why singer Do is so very enthusiastic about Bonaire! Back to the top TCB to join travel trade presentations TCB’s Marieke Raaff accompanied by Bonhata and Plaza’s Bous Scholts will be at the large travel trade promotions in the Netherlands. Kuoni Holland, a brand new operator for Bonaire on the Dutch market will be the first presenter (Aug 28). They will followed by two presentations at Does & Cadushi and finally a more generic trade event organized by CTO Holland. TCB is there to inform the travel agents on the various ways to fly to our island. Presently they can fly direct via KLM and Arkefly and also with a stopover via Curacao and Aruba thanks to DAE. We’ll keep you posted. Back to the top                     TCB-NEW YORK REPORT Bonaire to Welcome the "Wounded Warriors" this October... TCB-NYC secured a very special group of individuals to visit Bonaire.  During the week of October 14-21, nine severely wounded US Soldiers and Marines (8 men and one woman) and members of their families, a representative of the Handicapped Scuba Association and two DEMA Staff, will travel to the island to complete the final step in the process of obtaining their dive certification. Their journey to become certified scuba divers began in July 2006 at the Disabled Sports USA 2006 Adaptive Water Spots Festival. Part of Disabled Sports USA’s nationwide Wounded Warrior Sports Project, this Festival provided the opportunity for injured service men and women, many with single and multiple amputations, to experience water sports like sailing, water skiing and scuba diving. Of the eleven service people who tried Scuba at the Festival, nine of them decided to pursue their dive certification.   Captain Don’s Habitat will be providing complimentary accommodations for the group. We are hoping to secure other complimentary items from our island partners such as tours, access to training in other activities such as kayaking, windsurfing or land surfing and a series of nightly dinners, events and receptions. We are all looking forward to welcoming the group and having them experience not only the natural beauty and pristine waters of the destination, but also the warmth and friendliness of the Bonairean people and their genuine hospitality. Back to the top Move Over Mickey and Minnie! It's Ramp Up to DemaLand ... Update #1 It’s that time of year again when preparations are underway for Dema. Orlando, FL, is going to be buzzing during November 8-11 when Bonaire’s hoteliers, dive shops and other members of the tourism sector descend on the city to attend the show in full force. Thanks to TCB and Bonhata, Bonaire, once again, secured the sponsorship of the pre-show workshop “Selling the Dive Travel Experience” formally known as the Adventure Travel Symposium.  Peter Greenberg, the NBC Today Show travel editor and a certified diver, will take his place again as the keynote speaker, present the latest trends in dive travel, and relate how those trends impact selling travel for the dive retailers. The workshop will be an interactive and fast-paced program, that will bring experienced travel-oriented retailers, experts from within the dive travel, and adventures travel industries. The objective is to provide the participants with the tools they need to make their businesses grow beyond only “survival”. Back to the top

Continental Sunburst Stickers Rise Again...

Our signature announcement tool to let everyone know about Continental Airline’s service to Bonaire last year, will be back again at DEMA. Once again the bright yellow stickers will be everywhere promoting the new flight out of Newark, NJ starting in December. It’s so bright, you can’t miss the great news!

Back to the top

Bonaire's New DVD's Go Snail Mail....

In August, 10,000 of Bonaire’s new dvd’s were packaged and delivered to a portion of our North American database. The Dive version of the dvd was sent in a separate mailing to our dive retailers. Notes were inserted into the dvd cases that announced the new Continental Airlines flight from Newark, NJ to Bonaire, and reminded our past visitor-friends that we were waiting for them to return, or invited our inquirer-friends to visit the island soon and reminded the dive retailers that Bonaire is still a number one dive destination in the Caribbean.  The dvds speak for themselves…

Back to the top

Spreading the News ... Pro Kids Event

To announce the start of the Pro Kids Windsurfing Event and to inform that the information on the event was available online, an email was sent to editors at windsurfing and adventure magazines along with windsurfing organizations and online e-zines.   The email was distributed on August 4, 2006 the day the competition began.

Back to the top

Dive Newswire

In August one press release was distributed on Dive Newswire.  The press release announced Continental Airline's new flight from Newark to Bonaire.  It was posted to the site and distributed on August 8.  Dive Newswire is distributed electronically to more than 6,000 dive shop owners, manufacturers as well as media outlets.

Back to the top

Bonaire EZ News

In August three issues of Bonaire EZ News were distributed to our database of 40,000 consumers and travel agents. The August 2nd issue announced the new Continental Airlines flight from Newark to Bonaire, while the August 14th issue focused on tour operator packages including air on Continental Airlines in order to support the launch of the new service.  The third issue of EZ News was distributed on August 28th and it contained information on the new hotel to be built in Bonaire and upcoming events for October.

Back to the top

Press Releases

As part of the ongoing press release program, Adams Unlimited researches, writes and prepares a steady stream of releases for mailings to the media for applicable editorial coverage based on editorial calendars and the need to disseminate timely news. In August two press releases were written and distributed. The first release announced Bonaire's online contest with Caribbean Travel & Life magazine. The second release focused on the new Continental Airlines flight from Newark to Bonaire.  Both were distributed to the media, plus the release on the new flight was distributed on Dive Newswire.

Back to the top

Press Visits

We continued dialogue with travel journalist Ryan Riccitelli in order to plan a press visit to the island in the coming weeks or month. 

We began a dialogue with Caribbean Travel & Life Editor-in-Chief Bob Friel about a press visit to Bonaire in late August, early September.  The magazine sent Chris Cox, the journalist, and the photographer, Tim Calver to the island to gather information for a cover feature story on snorkeling in Bonaire for the December issue.  They will be staying at Buddy Dive Resort and will go snorkeling with Caren Eckrich of Sea & Discover. We also arranged a meeting for Mr. Cox with "experts" on Bonaire's birds. 

We began a dialogue with David Fishman and Ethan Gordon from Fathoms Magazine.  They will be visiting Bonaire October 10-16 during the coral spawning to gather information on the island for a number of articles that will appear in the coming months in the magazine.  Under the guidance of the magazine's new publisher, the publication will focus more on the Caribbean and Bonaire was certainly the best destination in our opinion to be highlighted first in the publication.  

Back to the top

Editorial Highlights

New York Daily News (circulation 835,121)
Bonaire was featured in the “Deals of the Week” section in the July 2, 2006 issue of the New York Daily News.  The deal was a dive package for Buddy Dive which included seven nights accommodation, six days of unlimited shore diving, daily breakfast, full size van rental and airport transfers for $547 per person based on six divers sharing a three-bedroom condo.  Contact information was listed.  This article is not available online.

Sport Diver (circulation 200,000)
A feature including island news and updates from Bonaire appeared in the July 2006 issue of Sport Diver magazine.  The article included information about Kids Sea Camp at Buddy Dive, a Bonaire island map now available online at bonaireislandmap.com, the “Toucan” Dive for One special at Plaza, Divi Flamingo’s Dive Deal, vacation deals at Coco Palm Garden, Den Laman’s Explorer Adventures and free nitrox at Sand Dollar.  Contact information for each property was listed.  This article is not available online.

Scuba Diving (circulation 185,000)
Bonaire was featured in the deals section of the August 2006 issue of Scuba Diving magazine.  The deal was the “Drive, Dive & Dine Around” package from Golden Reef Inn.  Package details and contact information for the property was listed.  This article is not available online.

Caribbean Travel & Life (circulation 130,000)
Bonaire is one of just four islands featured in an article titled “From Idle Dreams” in the September 2006 issue of Caribbean Travel & Life.  The article is focused on buying homes in the Caribbean.  Information on what you need to know, how to do it and personal experience stories are all included in the article.  This article is not available online.

Moultrie (SC) News (circulation 21,000)

Back to the top

TCB-SOUTH AMERICA REPORT

Bonaire in Brazil!

Today Bonaire is considered one of the favorite diving destinations among the Brazilian divers. The four official tour operators keep promoting attractive packages especially for the upcoming holidays the week of Sept. 07th, Oct 12th and Nov 15th. The Bonaire ad in the dive magazine Mergulho continues to run and the Bonaire delegation is getting ready to visit again Sao Paulo on a promotional visit October 05th to the 10th. They are planning a sales blitz in Sao Paulo and surrounding cities.

Back to the top

Latitude magazine

Latitude is a Brazilian magazine for men that reaches a high target between 25 to 45 year olds who love outdoor sports and adventure. In its August edition, Latitude promoted the Island of Bonaire with a press release with 10 full color pages titled Mar Aberto with amazing pictures from Alcides Falanghe, underwater photographer and editor of Mergulho magazine. The article shows the beauty of the island, the different diving sites along the coast, hotels and general information about how to get to Bonaire. It also lists the documentation required, flights schedules, location of the island, hotels and the best season to visit the island. They print 30.000 copies which are distributed in Brazil. Tour operators used the article to offer their Bonaire packages.

Back to the top

Una mirada submarina al Caribe by OD Viajes

This is high class magazine Venezuelan that is positioned within the life style category, made a special dive report with four color pages in its August edition. With beautiful images, Bonaire was highlighted among the other destinations Aruba, Curacao, Bahamas, Barbados and Venezuela.

Back to the top

Dutch Antilles Express promoting its flights

In the Sunday tourism edition of the prestigious El Nacional newspaper, DAE is promoted its daily flights from Valencia in Venezuela to Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao. This is excellent timing for promotion due to the summer vacation in Venezuela.

Back to the top

Bonaire hosted Venezuelan press fam

Every day we’re receiving emails from journalists thanking us for our recent fam to the island on August 06th to the 09th and for the kind attention received from DAE, host hotels and TCB. They made special mention of Robert, their official guide, who made them feel at home.

In their short 2 day stay in Bonaire, the press groups enjoyed the outdoor activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, landsailing, touring the island, the gastronomy, some shopping and were able to learn more about the Bonaire culture.

On behalf of the Venezuelan tourism market, thanks to all again for always cooperating and making possible the press fam. Very soon we will enjoy press releases in El Nacional, Daily Journal, Gam, Business Venezuela, El Carabobeño, Ruta’s and Concenso Medico.

Back to the top

Reaching the consumers ...

Starting in August, Bonaire will be promoted by Turismo Maso, one of the top tourism companies representing national and international corporations in Venezuela. Recently TCB signed an advertising agreement with Maso to appear in its two online portals www.turismomaso.com, and www.volando.com and also in its monthly Newsletter. It’s an important promotional and advertising tool which is sent to all their potential clients. A great opportunity to reach the final consumers whom will get general information about the island and also the packages for the properties, linking directly with our official web sites.

Back to the top

Bonaire promoted in the Peruvian and Ecuadorian markets

This advertisement for Bonaire in the main tourism magazines is maintained in both markets, as support for travel agencies to contact us to get more information about the island. With beautiful artwork, the ad shows a destination for diving, leisure and eco adventure.

Back to the top

Upcoming events

Brazil

Sao Paulo Boat Show, October 05th to the 10th
A great opportunity to meet again with all the industry and key diving people in Brazil. Bonaire has already confirmed its booth next to PADI and an official Bonaire presentation during the event.

Within the Sao Paulo Boat Show, a new edition of Brazil Dive Show will be carried out, attracting the diving sector to the event. For more information or participation of your property, pls contact Yasmin at southamerica@tourismbonaire.com.

Venezuela

II FITCAR - October 04th to the 08th
Bonaire has been invited again to participate in the II International Tourism Trade Show organized by the Department of Tourism of Venezuela (MINTUR), that will take place in Caracas on dates October 04th to the 08th with the participation of national and international destinations that will have the opportunity to be promoted in the tourism sector and general public attending the event. Bonaire as other expositors will have a complementary 20 mts booth as an incentive for participating. FITCAR will be held in the area of La Carlota Airport.

AVAVIT - Nov 13th to the 15th - Qta La Esmeralda
A new edition of Avavit will take place in Caracas from November 13th to the 15th. Avavit represents the opportunity to contact the diving and tourism sector of Venezuela. Bonaire will reserve soon a small booth.

Discover Bonaire & Discovery Scuba - Nov 16th 
TCB will arrive to the VIII edition of its seminars Discover Bonaire. An attractive event that combines the promotion of the island and its properties with the activity Discovery Scuba, done in a swimming pool permitting to familiarize travel agents with the main activity on island. Location: Izcaragua Country Club.

Contact Yasmin at southamerica@tourismbonaire.com, for information or participation of your property.

Back to the top

NEWS FROM THE TOURISM SECTOR

Tourism Specials Available Now

Fox Discount Car Rental, has a Special for Divers until December 15 - 2006:  Pick Up Truck Double Cabin Standard for as low as USD 23.00 per day or USD 145.00 per week, taxes not included. Pick Up Truck Double Cabin Deluxe with power-steering and A/C for USD 29.00 per day or USD 183.00 per week, taxes not included. For more information, visit their Web site. 

Back to the top

Calendar of Events

October 2006

Oct 8 to 14 - 39th Annual Bonaire International Sailing Regatta
Oct 11 - 5:30 PM 2-4-5km, ABN Amro Run
Oct 21 - Antilles Day
Oct 21 - Sixth Annual Bonaire Eco-Swim

Every Tuesday Night @ 6:30pm - BonaireTalk Dinner/Gathering at Gibi's, known for great local food. Call Gibi at 567-0655 for details, or visit www.BonaireTalk.com, and search for "Gibi."

Back to the top

To unsubscribe or subscribe, go to http://www.bonaireentrenous.com
*********************************************
Tourism Corporation Bonaire
Kaya Grandi #2
Bonaire
Dutch Caribbean
Tel: 599-7-8322/ 8649
Fax: 599-7-8408
E-mail: info@tourismbonaire.com
Web site address: www.tourismonaire.com

 Page hosted and maintained by BITS bv