 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.
I am happy to be able to supply you with a summary of performance in regard to tourism arrivals for last year. Compared to 2005, in 2006 1.6% more people visited Bonaire, an increase from 62,550 to 63,552. After suffering a slight decrease in tourism arrivals of 1% in 2005, the islands total tourism arrivals have improved in 2006. In 2006 the US market enjoyed a 5.6% year-over-year growth compared to 2005 and North America (US and Canada combined) achieved a growth of 6.7%. Major influencer of an increase in 2006 US and Canadian tourism arrivals was additional airlift, whereby the total number of weekly inbound seats to the island from North America reached a level that exceeds the number of seats in the marketplace prior to the cessation of the three Air Jamaica flights in 2005 (785 vs. 765), where total tourism arrivals for Bonaire experienced a slight decrease. In this perspective, the success story of the first ever non-stop flight to Bonaire serviced by Continental Airlines, which flies Houston - Bonaire non-stop has proven to be a great asset to the island. American Eagle's increase in number of flights per week has also helped the North American market to bounce back in 2006. In 2006 the European market decreased by 6.2% as compared to arrivals in 2005. Our main market, the Netherlands, experienced a decrease of 8.9%. The remainder of the European markets show a higher decrease. Historically, Bonaire has always received between 28.000 -30.000 tourists per/year. Total arrivals in 2006 were 28,202, a fluctuation caused again by a decrease in available seat capacity. Efforts to compensate this loss through stimulation of traffic via neighboring islands as per the summer period of 2006 have reaped their fruits. The positive trend continued after the summer of 2006 amongst other with the introduction of Arkefly in November 2006. In 2006 the South American market enjoyed a 15.2% year-over-year growth as compared to 2005. Main contributor was the Brazilian market, where marketing efforts have been increased in 2005. Only the Ecuadorian market has shown a decrease in 2006. Venezuela, Colombia, Peru and other South American destinations have performed positively. Total tourism arrivals from the Caribbean region, with Aruba being the main market; have increased also from a total of 2,572 to 3,161 visitors in 2006. Projections for 2007 and forward look great, especially with the addition of new accommodations; Bonaire will be able to receive more visitors on a yearly basis. The total number of tourism arrivals to Bonaire should increase significantly once such projects are completed. Bonaire's historical number of tourism arrivals per year will no longer be around 60.000, but will be more. The above and more information are available in our new Statistical Year Report 2006. Contact Mrs. Joanny Sint Jago-Trinidad to apply for a copy of this report – statistics@tourismbonaire.com / (599) 717-8322. We also have kicked off the Tourism Awareness Project (TAP) recently. It is a culmination of lengthy planning and promises to be a valuable asset in informing and encouraging our population to embrace and understand the value of tourism to our island and its economy. Smile, Bonaire ta Dushi! That is the official slogan of the program that will be promoted over the Island in the coming 3 years. The program is aimed at increasing tourism awareness among the entire population of Bonaire. The smile in the slogan speaks for itself. Dushi is the magical word in the local language Papiamento that signifies anything, good, sweet and loveable. The Tourism Awareness Program (TAP) is an initiative of Tourism Corporation Bonaire in cooperation with the local government. With financial support of USONA - the Executive Organisation of the foundation for development of the Netherlands Antilles- the project has been developed by a consortium of Bonaire based Match Consultancy BV and internationally recognized Hotel school The Hague Performance Management BV from the Netherlands. The official launch of the Program took place on Monday 23 April 2007 in the historical setting of Fort Orange in Bonaire’s capital Kralendijk. Bonaire Governor, Mr. Herbert Domacassé and a long list of dignitaries participated in the opening ceremony. TCB director Ms Ronella Croes welcomed the guests and stressed the important role that the Bonairean community has in the tourism product. Deputy of Tourism, Mr. Onnie Emerenciana confirmed Ms Croes’ statements and pointed to the uniqueness of the TAP project. Last but not least, Governor Domacassé called upon all Bonaireans to celebrate the beauty of the island with the visitors. After the official speeches, the governor welcomed Mama Smile, the project’s figure head, who arrived in style in a chauffeur driven classic car. Mama Smile was welcomed with an especially composed song based upon the TAP project’s slogan “Smile, Bonaire ta dushi”. Throughout the week, Mama Smile and her ambassadors – a group of figure heads in the Bonairean community- will promote the TAP project. The week long launch campaign will be closed with a celebration of Mama Smile’s birthday on April 30 in Rincon. The main objective of this program is to create Awareness that we are all involved in tourism; our personal- social and economic well being depends on tourism. The core of the program consists of several workshops. To be specific 6 workshops will be provided to pre-defined target groups but most importantly to the entire community at no cost. Tourism is vital, the tourism product of Bonaire, Safe Haven & Nature as important product offerings, Tourism and Hospitality, Change and Flexibility and Quality of Service are the six workshops that will be offered through the recently launched island-wide Tourism Awareness Program entitled "Smile, Boneiru ta Dushi". I want to encourage the private sector, all our partners to participate in this program especially by enabling their personnel to participate in the trainings. More information on this matter will be provided. To create the proper impact during these 3 years we value any support we can get from local and international partners. I ask you to join the list of partners that are already contributing in making this a success. You can contact Annette van Rooijen at 786-5711 for more information. I thank all contributors, volunteers, ambassadors and everybody else whom have been supporting this program in a great way.To check out new Bonaire Ambassadors. please visit: www.bonaireambassador.com
After answering tons of questions on how the Web TV-items at www.BonaireVisits.tv were made, TCB Europe decided to give its trade partners an exclusive look inside the making of the site. On the secure trade part of www.VisitBonaire.tv a special online trade magazine was published. Unique ‘behind the scenes’ photos featuring Holland’s finest celebs on Bonaire. These pictures were never published! Of course it not only tells the making of-story, it also shows the greatest parts of our island. No wonder over 750 trade professionals surfed to the online magazine within the first week! As we all know since last marketing meetings, attractive and unique video content is key in modern marketing. Recently one of our most important Dutch tour operators, Maduro Travel, launched a video webpage on their site presenting Bonaire’s valuable VisitBonaire.tv-content. Surf to http://www.maduro.nl/Visitbonaire.asp and see for yourself how online joint marketing pays off.
While RTL Travel, Holland’s most widely watched travel show, was on Bonaire they did more than explore the reefs. They also visited the house of one of Holland rising stars in interior designs and architecture, Piet Boon (http://www.pietboon.nl). A couple of years ago Piet got to know our island and decided to build a house for him and his family. Other projects followed and Bonaire is featured in one of his great books. RTL Travel’s Chris Zegers visited to his Bonairean house and named it one of the top-houses in the world. No wonder Bonaire was the most attractive destination at last trade show ‘Second Home’ where the Dutch came to pick a destination to buy a second home. Bonaire even out ranked Dubai! National Geographic goes Bonaire
Thanks to the viral marketing campaigns TCB Europe’s database of e-zine subscribers hits new records. Last week TCB published a new e-zine and e-mailed it to all its subscribers. This edition featured an article on Dive Into Summer, the new on-island summer event. A banner to promote this event is also on the popular video website www.visitbonaire.tv. Both promotions guided readers directly to the festival website. After the presentation of Bonaire’s new dive DVD to the Dutch market and the special distribution to dive shops, dive teachers and its clientele, the secondary markets were next in line. In early April Marieke Raaff and her team posted over 600 DVD’s to our listed tour operators and dive shops throughout Europe. They responded rather enthusiastically and considered the DVD a great tool to get to know Bonaire (better) and promote our island to their customers.
You’re Going to Love It! New Activities Added to Love Our Planet Week Bonaire Dive Into Summer 2007 is getting bigger and better with new activities being added to the already outstanding lineup. Visitors to the island during Love Our Planet Week in September will enjoy interactive seminars with CORAL’s Program Director, Rick MacPherson. Here’s a sneak peak at what they will enjoy:
“Potential” New Divers Receive A Friendly Bonaire Reminder From the Northeast to the Southwest, those who tried scuba diving this year in the Bonaire sponsored DEMA Scuba Pool will receive a postcard in the mail this month. Over 1,000 potential future divers will receive a postcard that features a photo of one of Bonaire’s resident fish promently placed on the front with a special message reminding them that Bonaire is the perfect destination for beginner divers and inviting them to experience it for themselves. Bonaire’s toll free number and websites are listed. Past Dive Fest Participants Invited to Bonaire Dive Into Summer 2007
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 April four press releases were written and distributed to the media including Spring and Summer Hotel Packages, Bonaire Dive Into Summer 2007 Schedule of Activities, Bonaire Dive Into Summer 2007 Hotel Packages and “07/07/07” Wedding Packages. We followed up with Canadian journalist Mr. Bruce Bishop, who visited the island March 18-April 1, 2007 on assignment for the European Reporter, a monthly newsmagazine out of Toronto, Canada with a total readership of 50,000 affluent Euro-Canadians in the Greater Toronto Area. Mr. Bishop’s article will also appear in H&E Magazine out of England and The Australian Naturist. We followed up with New York Daily News reporter Mr. Jay Cheshes who did his preliminaries at Pan Aqua dive center in New York City. We also finalized travel arrangements for Mr. Cheshes who visited the island March 25-April 1, 2007 and completed his open water certification at Captain Don’s Habitat while being hosted there for a few days. Mr. Cheshes also was hosted at Den Laman on his trip and did a site inspection of Harbour Village Beach Club. We continued making arrangements for freelance writer Greg Tasker who is on assignment with Island Life magazine (circulation 500,000) to attend the Bonaire Heineken Jazz & Salsa Festival. Island Life is sold on newsstands throughout the U.S., Canada and the U.K. and is available in select airport lounges and hotels in select destinations. We continued making arrangements for freelance writer Tom Dwyer who is on assignment with All About Jazz (online circulation), an international jazz website, The Riverview Observer (circulation 120,505) which is distributed throughout 15 towns on the north New Jersey waterfront and Travel Weekly (circulation 44,000) to cover the Bonaire Heineken Jazz & Salsa Festival.New York Daily News & Others (combined circulation 2,516,084)
Scuba Diving (circulation 185,000) Caribbean Travel & Life (circulation 140,200) Community (MA) Newspapers (combined circulation 34,462) Vacation Agent (circulation 30,379) Bonaire was featured in the March 2007 issue of Vacation Agent magazine in an article written by Sharon Spence Leib who attended Dive Into Adventure Bonaire 2006 on a press trip last year. In this article Sharon discusses selling points of Bonaire including weather, activities, shopping, spas, dining and beaches. Bonaire’s 800 number is listed and a color photo accompanies the article. This article is not available online.
Bonaire highlighted at Mergulho front page!
With the title Bonaire Mania, the article mentions not only the famous unlimited shore diving but also the wild side of the Island and its many surprises. Many more Brazilians are coming to Bonaire and it is made possible due to the strong currency exchange in Brazil at the moment. The report refers to the traditional dive sites as indicated by the yellow stones along the island’s road sides calls attention to adrenaline diving. The writer and his wife Tatiana experienced in the south east side of the island with Larry's Wild side diving aboard the navy zodiac. Many beautiful pictures in all the pages make the article very attractive for the readers. Additionally a page was dedicated to different properties on island: Belmar, Blue Divers, Captain Don's Habitat, Buddy Dive, Caribbean Club, Coco Palm, Divi Flamingo, Golden Reef, Lagoen Hill, Port Bonaire, SunRentals, and Plaza Resort. Also, the different activities: windsurfing, kayaking, snorkeling, cave exploration, mountain biking were mentioned.
The article ends giving all the information on how to get to Bonaire with Avianca from Rio or Sao Paulo and then DAE to Bonaire. It invites readers to contact the Bonaire Official tour operators in Brazil. This special of Mergulho magazine, was distributed during the Rio Boat Show on April 13th to the 22nd. Thanks to all the people in Bonaire who made possible this great report of Bonaire that is strongly promoting the island of Bonaire in Brazil. (Click on the images to enlarge; opens in new window)
With an attractive 1 page full color article, Bonaire is actively promoted in Mergulho magazine. The ad will be published in May and June for the winter vacation in July, and then September, October, November and December to match with the summer vacation in December and January. We are more than happy this year, welcome the TCB sponsors: Plaza Resort, Divi Flamingo, Captain Don's Habitat, Harbour Village, Port Bonaire, Golden Reef, Blue Divers and Windsock. Welcome all! (Click on the image to enlarge; opens in new window)
Even though the Bonaire Delegation was not present during the event; TCB coordinated an official presentation carried out by Alcides Falangue (Mergulho) and Paulo de Tharso (Tripping), both good Buddies of Bonaire. The event was well attended by seventy divers who participated in the traditional raffle, seven nights stay in Bonaire for two people, courtesy of Golden Reef Hotel. Thanks all for your support!! From April 19th to May 06th, the island hosted again many groups coming from Venezuela and Brazil. Close to one hundred divers, decided to spend their holiday’s enjoying the pristine turquoise waters of our healthy coral reefs. Caribbean Reef (Venezuela), Arribatur, Adventure Travel and Vectra Travel (Brazil). Host Hotels: Plaza Resort, Buddy Dive, Hamlet. BOOK US, FLY WITH US AND SMILE CHÉVERE”
DAE flying soon to Bogotá… The airline is planning to expand its air operation to Bogotá, Colombia in the first quarter of the year. Flights will come from Bogotá to Curacao, connecting same day to Bonaire and other Caribbean islands. It will be an important step to reach and reopen the Colombian market. Close contact with the Venezuelan Wholesalers!! The training program for tour operators started last month in Kanguro wholesaler offices. Yasmin from TCB, presented the seminar to their sales force familiarizing them with the island of Bonaire, activities (top side and underwater), the different accommodations, gastronomy and very important, highlighting the improvement of the airlift with DAE.
In its March/April bulletin, Agenda del Mar from Colombia, highlighted kayaking in Bonaire... the calm water and soft winds that make us a great destination for kayaking. With a simple lesson you can enjoy navigating through the mangroves, etc.. For the advanced, they can experience a great adventure in open water with expert instructors in kayaking. With a nice program designed by Bonhata and TCB, Ecuadive came to Bonaire on April 05th to the 09th to experience the different dive sites on island. Juan Carlos (owner of the diving school), was very impressed with the easy shore diving which gives freedom to divers. He enjoyed visiting the beaches where Windsurfing and Kitesurfing are practiced. Ecuadive is very enthusiastic to promote Bonaire in the Ecuadorian market, its famous diving, eco activities, the different accommodations, its delicious gastronomy and friendly people. Next event ... Padi Festival Brazil ... June 01st to the 3rd More information in next entrenous or contacting Yasmin at southamerica@tourismbonaire.com
Tourism Awareness Program Bonaire
The main objective of this program is to create Awareness that we are all involved in tourism; our personal- social and economic well being depends on tourism. The core of the program consists of several workshops. To be specific 6 workshops will be provided to pre-defined target groups but most importantly to the entire community at no cost. Tourism is vital, the tourism product of Bonaire, Safe Haven & Nature as important product offerings, Tourism and Hospitality, Change and Flexibility and Quality of Service are the six workshops that will be offered through the recently launched island-wide Tourism Awareness Program entitled "Smile, Boneiru ta Dushi". Listen to the radio jingle - click here to download the file (right mouse click; then choose 'Save target as...') July 2007: Caribbean Wind & Sun Vacations, ABK Boardsports and Jibe City bring a week of windsurfing fun for families Summer is soon upon us and Caribbean Wind & Sun Vacations, ABK Boardsports and Jibe City has teamed up to bring a week o fun for families on this Dutch Caribbean island famous for windsurfing. Commencing July 23 ABK will present a kid only learn to windsurf camp from 9:30 AM – 12 noon. In the afternoon Camp Host Ann Phelan will offer fun non sailing events each day for kids. The activities include snorkeling, sand castle contest, and scouting for pirates treasure. All daily activities are free for clinic attendees. Other activities such as kite lessons, guided snorkeling/marine biology classes, scuba courses, kayaking and more are available for a fee. Parents may partake in the adult ABK Clinic that coincides with the Kids Camp. Bonaire is one of the easiest places to learn to windsurf thanks to on shore trade winds, shallow clear water and warm temperatures. Come feel the breeze in Bonaire. Schedule:Monday, July 23 - Friday, July 27 2007 Note: This camp meets from 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 noon each morning. Event: 5 day windsurfing camp Camp fee: $200.00
For more details: www.abkboardsports.com Bonaire's Regatta Residence Premiers New Web Site
The Regatta Residence offers detached, two- , three-, or four-bedroom homes in a new, gated community just outside Kralendijk, which is conveniently located to both dive or windsurf operators. The development also offers apartments/condos for sale for those who do not need the larger space of their own home. Any of these units are ideal for the frequent dive or windsurf traveler who wishes to enjoy their own home when they visit the island, but can be assured of the safety of their possessions when not on Bonaire.
Those interested in additional information may email, or they may utilize the online form at http://www.regattaresidence.com/contact_information.html. Prices for units begin at USD $165,000. Regatta Residence may be contacted by phone at +(599) 9-560-2457, via FAX at +(599) 9-737-0921, via email at: info@regattaresidence.com, or visit their new web site at: http://www.regattaresidence.com.Bonaire’s Newest Mini-Resort, Sonrisa Rooms & Apartments, is Complete and Open for Reservations, Offers Opening Special for Summer Months
The building is architectural designed with the traditional Colonial Dutch style, but yet with still a flavor of the Caribbean. The rooms are decorated with high-end, modern European furnishings, and the complex offers 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. Each hotel room comes with 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. The one-bedroom or two-bedroom apartments also offer the same amenities as the hotel rooms, but in addition, the kitchen is equipped with a microwave, toaster, coffeemaker, and refrigerator.
The property is ideally suited for either divers or windsurfers, being centrally located close to the sea, Lac Bay, or dive centers. Restaurants and shopping are also very close. Reservations are now being accepted for accommodations only, or, dive and windsurf packages are available which offer discounts from the daily rates. A twice-daily shuttle will be available to Bonaire Windsurf Place, home of the Bonaire Windsurf Cam (www.bonairewindsurfplace.com/webcam.html) for those not wishing to rent a vehicle. Sonrisa Rooms & Apartments can also assist with vehicle or activity reservations. A photo gallery is available on the web site at www.sonrisabonaire.com/gallery.html which depicts the exterior of the property, as well as either the hotel rooms or the apartments. Panoramic 360-degree images are also available at the same web site. For additional information, contact Sonrisa Rooms & Apartments at email: info@sonrisabonaire.com, or visit their web site at www.sonrisabonaire.com. Riding Academy Club Bonaire Launches new Web Site
The new site offers much more information about the services they can provide, and also gives a photo gallery where visitors to the site can view enlarged images of the horses and how the trail rides are organized. The site is located at www.horsebackridingbonaire.com, and offers detailed pages of information and images covering such topics as getting to know the horses, information about Kunuku Warahama, the trail ride experience on the photo gallery page, and one of the most popular activities, swimming with the horses in Lac Bay. The Riding Academy Club offers a different activity to divers and windsurfers who are visiting Bonaire, and can show these visitors a different side of the island, as they traverse the back country lanes of Bonaire’s kunuku from the top of a gentle horse. Groups are always kept small, not only for the maximum enjoyment of the riders, but also for the good of the animals themselves. The Riding Academy Club Bonaire is the only company located on Bonaire that can offer visitors the chance to ride while on the island. They may be contacted by phone at +599 560-7949 or +599 786-2094, via email at: info@horsebackridingbonaire.com, or visit their new web site at: http://www.horsebackridingbonaire.com.Second Quarterly Bonaire Clean Up Dive of 2007 Scours the Underwater Terrain in front of Port Bonaire
The group of 29 was made up of 23 divers, two snorkelers, and four persons who were available for shore support and “critter control.” Dive Friends Bonaire also added four staff in the water to assist the divers and snorkelers, as well as one for shore support. After a comprehensive briefing by Susan Davis of NetTech, the divers geared up in their buddy teams, entered the water, and headed out of the area in a southward direction. Shore duty and Critter Control was ably handled by Bonaire’s own REEF expert, Linda Ridley, who demonstrated to the others how to responsibly check the trash once it had been brought up: The trash had to be immediately checked to be sure no marine animals had been inadvertently included, and in which case when animals were found, they were immediately returned to the ocean.
Images from this cleanup are available online at the Bonaire Insider Photo Gallery at http://www.bonaireinsider.com/index.php/gallery_bonaire/category/C28. The next cleanup dive organized by Dive Friends Bonaire and NetTech will take place on Saturday, July 14, 2007. All those on Bonaire at that time are welcome to join in. Meet at Dive Friend’s Yellow Submarine facility at 1:00 PM.
Note: Jan-Apr Harvest Period (C,E+T) (H)= Holiday Back to the top
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We are in full swing with the Dive Into Summer and are looking forward to kick if off in June. The coupon booklets are being produced and programs for the first edition of Dive Into Summer are in place. The first Taste of Bonaire promises to be a real treat with a number of old favorites as well as a few new ones offering up their fare for us to sample. A good number of merchants are also joining us this year and will be present at the four Taste of Bonaire venues this summer on the 8th of June, 6th of July, 3rd of August and 7th of September. This summer will feature great number of activities under the umbrella of Dive Into Summer. Highlights include: a summer-long photo contest organized by Scuba Diving Magazine, A Digital Shootout, 2 Underwater Digital Photography camps and 2 Underwater Digital Videography camps organized by Fish Eye Photo and partners, Scuba Diving Magazine Week, exploration trips to Hilma Hooker, Underwater Clean up Dives, Women’s Week (windsurfing, kite boarding, hiking, yoga), Women’s Kite surf clinics, ABK Jibe City summer camp of fun, Pro Kids World Freestyle Windsurfing competition, Love our Planet Week (environmentalists from CORAL Reef Alliance on island to lead underwater activities), and traditional Bonaire summer events such as annual Bonaire Arts Day and Bonaire Day. 
Thanks to the wonderful work on Bonaire regarding nature and wildlife care, the well known magazine National Geographic visited to Bonaire to shoot and write an article. But not only will be it published in the regular magazine National Geographic, also Bonaire will star in National Geographic Traveler. Up front we like to thank Plaza, DAE and Budget for their kind support to make this press trip work. 
Reaching out to those who participated in Bonaire’s Dive Fests of the past, an e-vite was sent to our database of previous Bonaire Dive Festival participants. We wanted to let them know about how much fun this summer will be and about the incredible savings that are being offered on island June through September. We tempted them with a peak at the activities and a hint about the hotel savings, and encouraged the recipients to visit the official website of Bonaire Dive Into Summer 2007 for more information and to book their summer vacation in Bonaire. 
April’s issue of Bonaire EZ News was distributed to our database of consumers and travel agents on the 16 of the month. The issue featured new developments and openings on-island including attractions such as the Butterfly Farm, new restaurants, improved websites and renovated hotel rooms.
In April two press releases were distributed on Dive Newswire. The first press release featured the lineup of activities confirmed to take place during Bonaire Dive Into Summer 2007 and was posted to the site and distributed on April 4. The second press release announced hotels packages for Bonaire Dive Into Summer 2007 and was posted to the site and distributed on April 24. Dive Newswire is distributed electronically to more than 6,000 dive shop owners, manufacturers as well as media outlets.
Bonaire, a special kayaking destination
Smile, Bonaire ta Dushi! That is the official slogan of the Tourism Awareness Program Bonaire that will be rolled out over the Island in the coming 3 years. The program is aimed at increasing tourism awareness among the entire population of Bonaire. The smile in the slogan speaks for itself. Dushi is the magical word in the local language Papiamento that signifies anything, good, sweet and loveable. The Tourism Awareness Program (TAP) is an initiative of Tourism Corporation Bonaire in cooperation with the local government. With financial support of USONA - the Executive Organisation of the foundation for development of the Netherlands Antilles- the project has been developed by a consortium of Bonaire based Match Consultancy BV and internationally recognized Hotelschool The Hague Performance Management BV from the Netherlands.
The official launch of the Program took place on Monday 23 April 2007 in the historical scenery of Fort Orange in Bonaire’s capital Kralendijk. Bonaire Governor, Mr. Herbert Domacassé and a long list of dignitaries participated in the opening ceremony. TCB director Ms Ronella Croes welcomed the guests and stressed the important role that the Bonairean community has in the tourism product. Deputy of Tourism, Mr. Onnie Emerenciana confirmed Ms Croes’ statements and pointed to the uniqueness of the TAP project. Last but not least, Governor Domacassé called upon all Bonaireans to celebrate the beauty of the island with the visitors. After the official speeches, the governor welcomed Mama Smile, the project’s figure head, who arrived in style in a chauffeur driven classic car. Mama Smile was welcomed with an especially composed song based upon the TAP project’s slogan “Smile, Bonaire ta dushi”. Throughout the week, Mama Smile and her ambassadors – a group of figure heads in the Bonairean community- will promote the TAP project. The week long launch campaign will be closed with a celebration of Mama Smile’s birthday on April 30 in Rincon.
Kralendijk, Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles, April 24, 2007: The Regatta Residence Bonaire has announced the launching of a new web site highlighting the development of affordable single-family vacation bungalows geared to the frequent dive traveler or windsurfer to the island.
The new web site, located at 
Kralendijk, Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles, April 23, 2007: Construction has been fully completed on Sonrisa Rooms & Apartments, Bonaire’s newest mini-resort and the property is now open and accepting reservations.
To celebrate its opening, Sonrisa Rooms & Apartments is offering a special discount during the summer months of July and August, 2007. Those making reservations for this period may deduct 20% from the room rates, excluding taxes or service charge. For discounted rates on dive or windsurf packages, contact the resort.
Kralendijk, Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles, April 19, 2007: The Riding Academy Club Bonaire operating out of Kunuku Warahama has announced the launching of a new web site for the company.
Kralendijk, Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles, April 20, 2007
Another important factor of shore duty is to sort the trash, count it, and then dispose of it all in a safe manner. In this cleanup, the following trash was retrieved: 6 plastic 2-liter beverage bottles, 64 glass beverage bottles, 11 caps or lids, 18 pieces of clothing or shoes, 1 packaging container, 7 crates, 32 pieces of fishing line, 30 cups, plates, forks, knives, or spoons, 8 food wrappers, 1 pull tab, 1 child’s toy, 3 light bulbs, 6 plastic shopping bags, 18 pieces of rope, 1 strapping band, 18 pieces of building materials, and 5 car parts. A large floor rug was found on the bottom (unrolled), and a portion was brought to the surface for Ms. Ridley to inspect. However, because animals had already begun to colonize the rug, the decision was made to leave it in place.