 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.
Last month we welcomed the second non-stop from Continental airlines. The Newark Bonaire Flight was almost full and continues to be a popular flight with visitors from the Northeast, one of our main target markets. Things look good for the upcoming few months and the airline has increased the size of it s aircraft to carry 150 plus passengers for the rest of January. As many of you know we have had an increase in the departure tax to $32 per person for international departures. I know there was not much warning and we have done our best to notify all our partners. Briefing of this to our partners has gone smoothly and negative feedback is very limited. If you need more information on this matter, feel free to contact TCB or BIA. Many of you have been inquiring about Bonaire Dive Into Adventure. After reviewing the event, return on investment and tourism trends during June and months around it, we will be modifying the program to be a better fit for the afore-mentioned aspects. More details in next month’s EntreNous. We are also finalizing the year end statistics and we will be able to report them next month. I would also like to let our partners know that Rico Martis will be leaving TCB at the end of the month. During his short tenure he met many of you and will continue to be on Bonaire and working in the private sector. Good luck Rico.To check out new Bonaire Ambassadors. please visit: www.bonaireambassador.com
On behalf of the entire staff at TCB Europe we do wish all the readers of Bonaire newsletter a wonderful 2007. Lots of luck, health and joy both private as business wise. Let’s promote our beautiful island together in the best ways we can!
This December, prior to the holiday ‘boom’ in marketing, TCB Europe gave its Dutch trade partners the exclusive preview of the new videos on www.BonaireVisits.tv. This winter the popular website features the Dutch female stars Birgit and Katja Schuurman. Being a singer/show host and an actress/show host both ladies can be grouped in the A-category of Dutch celebs. TCB launched a video on the trade section of www.VisitBonaire.tv for only 7 days giving the travel agents and tour operators not only a preview, but also a wonderful opportunity to win one of the limited edition Bonaire Bags. In January the winner will be announced... This New Year also marked the start of a brand new Dutch BonaireVisits.tv campaign. After the successful trade-campaign in early December, the first days of the new year TCB drew lots of attention by launching the Katja & Birgit-videos on BonaireVisits.tv. Remarkable is the unique content of these items. Both Dutch Celebs show our growing audience the unknown side of Bonaire. The ‘color locale’ of which we are so proud certainly comes forward in a couple of these videos. The Dutch TV-stars we present at a Stinapa educational forum during where Bonairean youth is taught about the wildlife in the Caribbean Sea. Next to that we see how Birgit Schuurman joins Melfina in the kitchen of Rose Inn preparing a giant fish. See for yourself at www.BonaireVisits.tv. Christmas wishes with cheat codes
E-mail marketing winter campaign This December TCB Europe started its winter campaign using e-mail marketing techniques in our database thanks to the new addresses generated via the viral campaign Schateiland (Treasure Island). We sent out our e-mail messages to up to 75.000 Bonaire fans in Holland and other European countries. It would be no surprise if this number hits the 100K in the next few months. No chilling during the holidays TCB Europe’s team couldn’t chill during the holidays. With the Vakantiebeurs 2007 (Europe’s largest travel show) upcoming they had no time to rest. Starting January 9th with the traditional ‘trade day’ preparations were made before and after Christmas. In next edition of Bonaire’s newsletter we will present pictures. And we will tell you who will be this year’s winner of the Bonaire Promotion Award and the Pink Egg.
CHA Marketplace Press Corps to Focus on Bonaire TCB-NYC has secured a coveted press conference slot for Bonaire at the upcoming CHA Caribbean Marketplace, being held in Aruba, January 14 – 16, 2007. Candice Kimmel, TCB-NYC will welcome the media and introduce Director of Tourism Ronella Croes. Ms Croes will update the media on the new airlift and island happenings and then turn the floor over to Alex Nieuwmeyer of Divi Resorts who will unveil the details of the new resort planned for Bonaire. As it is the first press conference of the New Year, it is a perfect time to showcase Bonaire before the International media. Scuba Tour 2007 to Debut in January The first stop of the Bonaire sponsored Scuba Tour 2007 is at the Adventures in Travel Expo in New York City, January 12-14. The activities will start with a Bonaire Breakfast for NYC area DEMA member dive shops and continue to unfold over the weekend. As the Gold Destination Sponsor, Bonaire will have a free booth decorated with the “huge” yellow license plate banners originally produced for the DEMA Show. Patricia Rowan of TCB-NYC will preside over the booth welcoming consumers and retailers, alike. The show then goes to Reading, Pennsylvania (outside of Philadelphia) to target the all-important Southern New Jersey/Pennsylvania market. As a very special guest, Pappi Cecilia will travel from Bonaire to attend the booth and captivate the crowds with his stories of the very special history and culture of the island.
Saturday night at 10:00 is a time when one would expect things to be relatively quiet at an airport…but not this Saturday night. There was a party going on at gate 82 in Continental’s Terminal C. Bonaire’s Commissioner of Tourism, Harlton “Onnie” Emerenciana, with the able assistance of Candice Kimmel and Marie Rosa from TCB-NYC, was hosting pre-departure festivities in honor of the first non-stop flight from Newark to Bonaire. A crowd of over 100 filled the lounge area, telling their favorite stories of previous trips. When the offer was made to anyone that had been to Bonaire more than 15 times to join Commissioner Emerenciana in cutting the cake, so many hands went up that the Commissioner cut the cake himself, with our frequent visitors looking on. All of our guests enjoyed the opportunity to have their photos taken by the cake and with “Onnie”…before it was devoured! Once on board, it took only a very short 4 ½ hours to reach Bonaire, where more festivities took place with passengers being offered refreshments while they waited for their luggage. An official ribbon cutting followed at the Flamingo Airport Bonaire.
Bonaire’s Very Special Happy Hour Of the many expected articles following Christopher Cox’s press visit to Bonaire last summer, his first piece was published in Caribbean Travel & Life’s February 2007 issue and was about Bella Vista, located at Buddy Dive Resort, which Chris called home for the week. Chris offers a background about the owners; property, clientele and the amazing lunch and dinner specials that can be found there. Readers can even enjoy a piece of Bonaire in the comfort of their own home thanks to the recipe for the “Dutch Flag” drink that’s listed within the article. (Chris certainly had his priorities in order that trip!) We are sure to hear more from Christopher Cox in the New Year.
(Click on the images to enlarge; opens in new window ) Bonaire was featured in the fall issue of Challenge Magazine, which is published by Disabled Sports USA and whose motto is “If I can do this, I can do anything”. The cover of the magazine is a photo of one of the warriors diving after he was certified in Bonaire, Adam Kisielewski, and the article tells of the wonderful experiences they had while on island last October. One of the warriors related to Disabled Sports USA how important his experience was for both he and his wife:
We look forward to welcoming the Wounded Warriors back to Bonaire this summer.
(Click on the images to enlarge; opens in new window )
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 December one press release was written and distributed to the media. The release highlighted the launch of Continental Airlines' second non-stop flight from the U.S. to Bonaire. It was also distributed on Dive Newswire. Additionally in December began gathering information for the next Bonaire Briefs press release to be distributed in early January 2007. Continued working with Christina Colon on a possible press visit in winter 2007. Ms. Colon will be visiting Bonaire to gather information for an expanded Bonaire chapter in the guidebook the Portable Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao. With the expansion of the Bonaire chapter in the guide, Ms. Colon will be visiting hotels, restaurants and attractions. Began dialogue with Christina Persico, travel editor of the New York Daily News (circulation 802,100) regarding a possible press visit this year. She is interested in sending a journalist to the island to report on accommodations, activities and the ease of getting to the island with the launch of Continental Airlines' flight from Newark, NJ.Wall Street Journal (circulation 1,820,600) Miami Herald & Plain Dealer (combined circulation 893,179) Houston Chronicle (circulation 720,711) Travel Agent (circulation 50,000)
Bonaire online Christmas card on its way This beautiful Christmas card in Spanish and Portuguese, was sent to our data base to the different markets in South America, wishing all the best for the holidays.
(Click on the images to see the enlarged card; opens in new window) 2007 South American ad Campaign in co-op Our annual media and co-op marketing program has been sent to our hotels. In the coming year, we’ll keep advancing our positioning Bonaire in our primary markets Brazil and Venezuela and with a follow up in Ecuador and Colombia as well as Argentina and Chile. Better air connections next year will make possible for visitors come to Bonaire easily. Once again Bonaire is present in its blue pages of publicity. Agenda del Mar is an environmental project that started in 1.991, devoted to the sea and the preservation of our planet and where Bonaire has been present since 1999. It’s an agenda used by divers, ecological groups and general consumers interested in the sea and our mother nature. A new Bonaire artwork in the Brazilian diving magazines!
(Click on the image to see the enlarged ad; opens in new window) Some of the shots of the Bonaire programs to be presented in ESPN soon next year, can be seen at www.sport-travel.tv. These series of programs were possible thanks to the fam trip carried out this year on island with the support of TCB, the private sector and specially its host hotel Habitat.Brazilian diving groups keep coming! A new group from tour operator Arribatur is arrived on Bonaire at the end of the year at Belmar Hotel. It is important to highlight that this year many groups from different tour operators have been coming on island but the largest groups are from Arribatur, who will most certainly receive our award “ Buddy of Bonaire “, next year. Bonaire promoted in Ocean Drive magazine This Venezuelan prestigious magazine, directed at the high end market, promoted Bonaire in its travel tips section by the journalist Cristina Luisis in its October November edition. A color page with many beautiful pictures of Bonaire under the title “Bonaire Relax, Deportes y Aventuras” was featured. An interesting press release lets readers know more about the island of Bonaire: its location, main activities highlighting diving, the gastronomy and many other reasons why visitors keep coming back to Bonaire. PADI Festival – June 01-03 – Sao Paulo, Brazil
Mark your calendars for the 3rd Annual Pro Kids Freestyle Event
For details and event information contact ann@bonairecaribbean.com Event Website: www.prokidsfreestyle.com
Second Direct non-stop from US December 17 saw the arrival of Continental’s flight #1553 offering non-stop, direct service from Newark, NJ to Bonaire.
Construction Nearly Complete on Bonaire’s Newest Mini-Resort: Sonrisa Rooms & Apartments
Amenities will include air-conditioning, ceiling fan, room safe, hot water, mini-fridge, facilities for coffee or tea, hair dryers, and cable television. Guests will enjoy daily maid service, complimentary breakfast sandwich and coffee, a private balcony or patio, and free wireless Internet service. Additionally, the apartments will offer a fully equipped kitchen with microwave, toaster, coffeemaker, and refrigerator.
For additional information, contact Sonrisa Rooms & Apartments at email: info@sonrisabonaire.com, or visit their web site at http://www.sonrisabonaire.com. Bonaire Windsurf Place is Honored with Second Royal Visit as Bonaire’s Windsurfers are Presented to Queen Beatrix of The Netherlands
Here, after being welcomed by owners Elvis, Roger, and Constantino, the Queen was greeted with fresh flowers by Julia Martinus and Jurgen Saragoza. She walked down the pathway lined with windsurf-sails, local children, and others eager for a glimpse of their Queen. On the balcony overlooking the beach, the Queen met the world champions and admired their trophies—both those who have just embarked on their windsurfing careers, as well as those who have already become world-famous.
0-7 years: Serginho Finies The girls who were presented to the Queen were: 0-7 years: Anais Pauletta Then the Bonaire Kids put on a show for her in windy Lac Bay, followed by an even more exciting exhibition by professional windsurfers, including Tati and Tonki Frans and Kiri Thode. International Accolade Foundation Poised to Expand Outreach in 2007 Kralendijk, Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles, January 8, 2007: The International Accolade Foundation, headquartered on Bonaire in the Dutch Caribbean, is pleased to announce its plans for growth and expansion for 2007.
Outreach plans for 2007 include the construction of a comprehensive web site, the creation of a society of friends called the Accolade Divers, as well as the activation of Accolade Units around the world which can assist with identifying local members of the diving community deserving of recognition. 2007 also will bring a vehicle for individuals to nominate prospective awardees. It is the foundation’s goal that, by the end of 2007, one award can be announced each week. If you have an interest in becoming an Accolade Unit in your local area, or simply believe you know someone deserving of the award, please contact the International Accolade Foundation by emailing Captain don/ at callingintheclan@yahoo.com. The organization was founded in 2005 by Captain don/, located on Bonaire. Initially providing award recognition to Bonaire’s leaders in the dive and conservation areas, in 2006 the foundation expanded to include international locations and awardees. Most recently, DEMA was thanked for their continued work in supporting the diving industry and the conservation efforts that go hand-in-hand with it. The International Accolade Foundation is located at Kaminda Lagoen #103 Bonaire, Dutch Caribbean, email: callingintheclan@yahoo.com.
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TCB is welcoming the New Year with great anticipation of seeing many of the initiatives we have undertaken completed. It is also our hope that our partners and friends will be successful and enjoy a prosperous 2007. 
Bonaire is known for its personal marketing. As frequent readers of the newsletter know, we launched a brand new viral campaign last month which can viewed at 
In December two issues of Bonaire EZ News were distributed to our database of consumers and travel agents. The December 4th issue focused on the Scuba Diving Magazine Readers' Choice Awards 2007 that Bonaire received and island news. The December 19th issue was the year's holiday issue.
In December one press release was distributed on Dive Newswire. The press release focused on the launch of the second Continental Airlines' non-stop flight to Bonaire and was posted to the site and distributed on December 17, 2006. Dive Newswire is distributed electronically to more than 6,000 dive shop owners, manufacturers as well as media outlets.
Mark your calendars for the 3rd Annual Pro Kids Freestyle Event slated for Aug. 1-5, 2007. The 2007 event is expected to eclipse the 2006 competition where over 100 kids from around the globe competed for the coveted title of Pro Kid. 2006 winner Kiri Thode recently attended the world premier of the Pro Kid DVD last week in Kralendijk, Bonaire along with visiting pros such as Sara Quita Offringa and DVD producer, Dasher. It was a stellar production with visuals and music depicting a special weekend of fun, sailing and comraderie. The Pro Kids Committee wishes to invite everyone back for the 2007 event. 
Kralendijk, Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles, November 30, 2006: Construction is nearly complete on Bonaire’s newest mini-resort, Sonrisa Rooms & Apartments. Centrally located close to the sea, windsurfing, diving, restaurants, and shopping, this new resort is now accepting reservations for visits beginning March, 2007.
The building is architectural designed with the traditional Colonial Dutch style in mind, but yet with still a flavor of the Caribbean. Completion of the building is planned for December, 2006, after which the rooms will be decorated with modern European furnishings. The complex will offer eight non-smoking hotel rooms and two non-smoking one-bedroom apartments with either garden or pool views or one two-bedroom apartment. Groups can be accommodated up to 26 persons.
Reservations are now being accepted for accommodations only, or dive and windsurf packages are available, which offer savings from the daily rates. A twice-daily shuttle will be available to Bonaire Windsurf Place , home of the Bonaire Windsurf Cam (http://www.bonairewindsurfplace.com/webcam.html) for those not wishing to rent a vehicle. Sonrisa Rooms & Apartments can also assist with vehicle or activity reservations.
Kralendijk, Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles, November 16, 2006: Bonaire Windsurf Place has been honored a second time with a visit from the Dutch Royal Family. In August, 2002, Crown Prince Willem Alexander and his wife, Princess Maxima, made a stop on their Bonaire Tour to visit with sailors, tourists, and Bonaire residents on the beach at Bonaire Windsurf Place. 
And now, most recently on November 9, 2006, Queen Beatrix of The Netherlands also honored Bonaire Windsurf Place with a visit during her tour of the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba. After two busy days of visits on Bonaire, the Queen concluded her tour with a stop at Bonaire Windsurf Place at Sorobon, Lac Bay.
The boys/men who were presented to the Queen were: 
The foundation recognizes individuals the world over for their efforts to protect, manage, and educate the population about ocean and reef conservation. Collectively, the recipients of the Accolade Award have had a wide impact on people of all ages. The foundation aims to spread the word about these people’s efforts so they are recognized for their accomplishments, while at the same time, inspiring others to follow in their footsteps. In recent years, the International Accolade Foundation has honored such luminaries as Bill Acker (Yap), Maggie Booi-Kaiser (Bonaire), Bruce Bowker (Bonaire), George Buckley (United States), Jack Chalk (Bonaire), Din Domacasse (Bonaire), DEMA (United States), George & Laura DeSalvo (Bonaire), Jack and Sue Drafahl (United States), John C. Fine (United States), Geri Murphy (United States), and Dee Scarr (Bonaire).