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The Eagle Lands Again

“We have opened a new door to Bonaire”, said Elsmarie Beukenboom, TCB Director as she boarded the inaugural American Eagle flight to Aruba at 8 AM on October 15th. “There will be two daily round trip flights between the two destinations which will not only connect us to our sister island but allow visitors from all over the world to fly to Bonaire connecting through Aruba. Also, the possibilities for tourists on both islands to make day trips has once again become an option to add to their- vacation plans”, she stated.

There are many special fares and promotions that are being offered by American Eagle and on island properties as well as specials specials in conjunction with American Airlines. “The flight from Boston to Bonaire allows for a stop over in Aruba at no extra charge”, she said. “It puts us back in the position to offer ‘island hopping’ for people who want to sample more than one Caribbean destination. This flight has opened us up to every major US market as well as many from Europe”.

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Bonaire On Its Way To Meet Bonaire, Georgia

The Tourism Corporation Bonaire together with its NY representatives are actively working on a new marketing campaign "We Are Here For You". The "We Are Here For You" campaign has evolved from what the tragic events of September 11th , 2001. Owing to the programs wide acceptance, it will be the basis of a new imitative, the "Young Ambassador Program".

The "Young Ambassador Program" will start off with a visit to the youth of Bonaire, Georgia. To make this visit a success the Tourism Corporation Bonaire has invited several Bonairean kids to participate in a promotional video where they are singing the Bonairean hymn and America the Beautiful. The director of Tourism together together with the lieutenant governor will go to Bonaire, Georgia on November 15th, 2001 to present State Senator, Sonny Purdue, with a banner signed by the kids and several letters and paintings done by our kids. The tourism corporation Bonaire has already received some positive reactions from Bonaireans living in the Atlanta area to assist the event on November 15th, 2001.

LOCAL Report

Traveling by sea with Chogogo

On November 2, 2001 the new ferry, Chogogo made its first trip to Curacao. Several people including the press was invited to experience a trip in Chogogo to Curacao. The ferry, Chogogo, is managed by Flamingo Fast Ferries. The ferry will make 2 trips to Curacao seven days a week. The trip from Bonaire to Curacao takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, from Curacao to Bonaire 1 hour and 45 minutes.For November they will be offering a Special rate of Nafl. 90, about $50.

The ferry is designed to provide a stable passage between the islands. During its first week of operation, it has been filled to capacity on a number of crossings.

According to a company spokesperson, "We will have our web site up and be accepting on-line reservations by the end of the month".

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A Week In The Windsurfers' Paradise

I just came back from a fun filled week at Bonaire's 34th Regatta. All the ingredients were there for a perfect week of sailing, parties and more. From registration to the awards, it was an exciting week with something for everyone. While I am still reflecting on that fabulous week in paradise, I am also planning to attend the 35th Regatta next year. It was that good. Having worked at one of the biggest Caribbean Regattas, Antigua Race Week, I have a frame of reference to what a sailing week is all about. It takes hard work from dedicated staff and volunteers, local and off island sponsorship as well as an organized format to create a week of fun and sailing. Bonaire's Regatta succeeded in pulling this all off and then some.

It started for me at Registration at Kas de Regatta (Regatta House). This colorful building housed the press room, venue for some of the skippers meetings, the kitchen for a tasty barbeque and more. After registration and meeting some of the volunteers I headed over to Sorobon on Lac Bay to pick up my rental gear from The Windsurf Place. I was going to try and race in the windsurf division. Despite my dislike for any competition and course racing, I felt I needed to try sailing side by side with the Bonaire Sailing Team. After all, it was they who brought me to this island.
The race committee had set up the area with a rigging shelter, BBQ area and judging tent. This was my base for the week. And what a base. The pristine turquoise waters of Lac Bay glistened ,its shining glory begging me to come play. I sailed each day in the moderate trade winds that grace Bonaire.

Sunday night I attended the Skippers Meeting held on the SV Freewinds. This luxury cruise ship hosted the meeting in a spacious cabaret room. The highlights of the session included a computerized video program showing the rules, courses and more. State of the art was happening at Regatta. The room was packed with sailors eagerly awaiting the day when they could get out on to the water and race.
As the week progressed, so did the races. I can speak to the windsurf end of things. Tinho and Suzie Dornellas, guests from Merritt Island, Florida, ran a flawless event for the 85+ competitors. The formula course racing was full of challenges. There were some tough upwind course racing for men and juniors and a challenging course for women and kids. The IMCO division (Olympic one design) was exciting with several talented local sailors as well as a Canadian and two from Venezuela. The various camps included a group of young sailors from Curaçao and a group of hot shot Aruba kids who really ripped. Aside from a sailor from Holland, and the Canadian, Zach Plasvic, I was the only non-Caribbean competitor. Each race offered a challenge for even the expert racer. The best parts of the races were the camaraderie, spirit and energy that flowed each day.

Wednesday was set aside for Freestyle. I had the privilege of assisting with running the heats. My job took me and my walkie-talkie into the chest deep water of Lac Bay. Here I helped coordinate each heat while being in contact with Tinho. The biggest challenge aside from having a water logged body was trying to pronounce the Dutch and Latin surnames of the sailors. It was a great view for the amazing heats. I saw loops, diablos, spocks and vulcans being thrown left and right. My favorite heats were those of the youngest sailors as well as the heats for Princess of Lac Bay. The most awaited finals were for the King of Lac Bay. Brothers Tonky and Taty Frans duked it out in not one but a two-heat finale for the coveted title of King. It was so close the judges demanded a second round for these two sailors who had competed all day. At 4 the show was over and Taty won the title for 2001. Both worked hard and stunned the crowd with their aerial maneuvers. The Frans brothers have the passion and skills to go far in the world of windsurfing.

Nights were filled with music and culture. There were many food booths with international cuisines from Surinam, Indonesia and South America to name a few. Local and off-island talent graced the stage each night. My favorite by far was the Cuban group, Septet Cuba Express. It was so wonderful to see everyone, including Race Director Byron Tromp, dance the meringue on stage. In the crowds everyone swayed and sang along with this dynamic group. City Café and Karel's were two hot spots for music and fun. I must have walked three miles each night between shows, food and entertainment. It was a people parade filled with positive energy and community.

The last windsurf race was the Long Distance Race around Klein Bonaire. Din Domacasse from the Marine Park and Junie Englehardt from Habitat took me, my 9 year old daughter and friend Dara out to follow the sailors around the course in a speed boat. This was by far the best part of the week. Not only was I in awe of the breathtaking beauty of this protected island but I was amazed with the sailing ability and speed of these incredible sailors. Keke Dammers continues to thrill me with his speed and finesse on the water. He is for sure the Bonairean jet.

The awards ceremony was a time to be honored and recognized for the weeks worth of effort and skill. The stage was a place to meet and be seen and share in the glory of the week. From the yacht races to the long distance, everyone came together to celebrate another Regatta. In the crowds I heard folks planning their return for next year. I too have been spreading the word since my return and know my US camp will include some pretty good talent. See you in 2002!

A warm thanks to Byron Tromp and Elvis Martinus for inviting me and hosting my stay. Also to Plaza Resort for my fabulous accommodations. A special thanks to Jimeno Willem from Hertz for my car rental as well as the week he spent as MC on stage into the wee hours. Reporter: Ann Phelan
Ann Phelan is Public Relations Director for the Cape Cod Windsurfing Association and Event Coordinator for King of the Cape Freestyle Pro Am. She is planning the upcoming King of the Caribbean Freestyle Pro Am to be hosted in Bonaire, Aug. 2002

This article is a courtesy of The Bonaire Reporter

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TCB-NYC Report

We Are Here For You Program

To show Bonaire's support for the U.S. and all the people affected by the tragic events of September 11th, the Bonairean hospitality sector initiated an outreach campaign to the American consumer on September 14th, with a letter of condolence from Commissioner Booi. Using Bonaire EZ News as a vehicle by which to deliver our message, the letter was received by 7,500 consumers and agents in our email database that had either visited Bonaire or requested information on the destination.

On September 28, the "We Are Here For You" program was launched. The program is the result of input and assistance from the entire tourism sector including tour operators, hoteliers, the hotel associations, dive shops, and rental car agencies on island. Again Bonaire EZ News was used as a way to disseminate the information, which the third issue of the news page sent on the 28th. Additionally, letters went via regular mail to those in our 2001 database that had only street addresses. A press release was also prepared on the program and disseminated to top media outlets.

Travel Weekly magazine broke the story in the October 4 issue, with more in-depth coverage expected in later issues. To date editorial publicity for the program has also been received on the websites for Rodale's Scuba Diving, Caribbean Travel & Life and Dive Training.

The "We Are Here For You" logo has been added to Bonaire's advertising and is on the official website. Buttons were made for use at the Denver dive show and special "crossed-flag" pins may be worn by members of the hospitality sector on island. A Sister City program is also being coordinated with Bonaire, Georgia, and will begin soon with a Young Ambassador Program.

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Bonaire E-Z News

Continuing to expand our reach to consumers in the U.S., TCB-New York sent out the fourth issue of our bi-monthly newspage Bonaire EZ News. Containing current tourism information from Bonaire that prospective travelers can use to help plan a trip to the Island, this issue focused on airline news and tour operator packages. This issue of Bonaire EZ News was emailed to over 10,000 people. The next installment of Bonaire EZ News will be sent out on Friday November 9th.

If you know anyone who would be interested in receiving Bonaire E-Z News please go to http://www.mailunlimited.com/bonaire/email_signup.html to sign-up.

Scuba ExtaSea Expo in Denver - October 12 - 14, 2001

Due to a schedule change Marie Rosa from TCB-NY represented BONHATA at the Scuba ExtaSea Expo in Denver. An estimated 9,000 people attended this year's show, with many people who visited the booth stating that they had been to Bonaire in the past or had future plans to visit the island, and felt confident about traveling to the Caribbean. Collateral distributed included the We Are Here For You buttons and the new BONHATA brochure. The reaction to the buttons was extremely positive with many people expressing their gratitude, knowing that Bonaire was thinking of them during these troubled times. Even the US Navy Seals, exhibiting at the show, wore the buttons and kept them at their booth to distribute as well.

A crew from NBC-TV (channel 4) in Denver attending the show, featured the Bonaire We Are Here For You campaign and travel incentives on the Saturday morning news show, which aired at 9:00 AM on October 13th.

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Editorial Placements

Houston Chronicle (circulation 737,626)

The September 2nd travel section of the Houston Chronicle featured an article penned by Arthur Frommer, which included information on four destinations, Bonaire being one of them, that offered the “Caribbean’s finest outdoor adventures.”

The first destination listed, the section included information on Bonaire, a “clandestine gem” that once known “only to scuba enthusiasts” which is now known as a place where “nature thrives, both above and below the water.” Noting the Island’s “reef’s proximity to the coast” that make it “ideal for divers and snorkelers,” the article goes on to include information on Buddy Dive Resort.

This syndicated placement also appeared in the September 2nd Cincinnati Enquirer (circ. 320,165) and the August 26th Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (circ. 455,925), Palm Beach Post (circ. 232,198), Las Vegas Review-Journal-Sun (circ. 223,151), Birmingham News (circ. 198,827), Hackensack Record (circulation 198,524), Harrisburg Patriot-News (circ. 160,251), Lancaster News (circ. 100,178), Lakeland Ledger (circ. 92,540), Charlottesville Progress (circ. 34,986), Decatur Daily (circ. 27,474) and Janesville Gazette (circ. 27,091). The article was also included in the September 16th Syracuse Herald-American (circ. 193,506).

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Travel Agent (circulation 51, 506)

The September 3, 2001 issue of Travel Agent magazine included a feature article on Bonaire titled “The Beds of Bonaire.” The 2-page article focused on the hotels in Bonaire and the packages being offered by them, and included two four-color photos - one of the Divi Flamingo Beach Resort, another of Harbour Village Beach Resort.

We worked closely with the writer to provide the most up-to-date hotel information on the following hotels which were included in the article: Aqua Viva Apartments, Carib Inn, Dive Inn, Divi Flamingo Beach Resort, Eden Beach Resort, Harbour Village Beach Resort, Kontiki Beach Club, Lions Dive Hotel Bonaire, Plaza Resort Bonaire and Sand Dollar Condominium Resort.

Travel Weekly (circulation 56,180)

Sent out with the September 17, 2001 issue of Travel Weekly the Fall/Winter Travel Planner 2001 focused on “selling family travel” in the Caribbean, with a section on each Caribbean island, including Bonaire. The Bonaire page profiled the island, detailing why it is ideal for families with information on Jong Bonaire and kids programs and special packages offered at Plaza Resort Bonaire, Divi Flamingo Beach Resort and Lagoen Hill Bungalows. Information included was taken directly from information provided to the editors writing the planner who we worked closely with over the past few months.

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Travel Weekly (circulation 56,180)

Featured in the October 4, 2001 issue of Travel Weekly (circulation 56,180) was an article on Bonaire’s We Are Here For You Program. The first editorial placement received on the new program, the article highlights program elements, in specific travel incentives, and features the headline “Bonaire to US: We are here for you.”

Additional placements on the new program are expected in Travel Agent, Travel Weekly and Recommend magazines in the coming weeks.

The websites for Rodale's Scuba Diving (www.scubadiving.com), Dive Training (www.dtmag.com) and Caribbean Travel & Life (www.caribbeantravelmag.com) also featured placements on the We Are Here For You program. Each site posted the press release that was written and distributed to the media on September 28th.

Caribbean Travel & Life (circulation 185,00 0)

The October issue of Caribbean Travel & Life featured a placement on Bonaire and Great Adventures at Harbour Village. The placement focused on Bonaire as a dive destination with "tranquil, clear waters, perfect weather year round and abundant sea life."
The placement goes on to include information on the dive operation at Harbour Village.

Islands (circulation 220,000)

The November issue of Islands featured a placement in the magazine's "Wild Caribbean" guide on Bonaire. Focusing on "where nature is" the section on Bonaire, which included a four-color underwater photo, included information on the island's prolific sea life. Stating that "protected species flourish in Bonaire's marine park" and the placement goes on to praise the Bonaire Marine Park. Information on the BMP as well as TCB are included.

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Dive Training (circulation 90,000)

The November issue of Dive Training featured 3 placements on Bonaire. The first focused on the new flights to Bonaire - the addition of a fourth American Eagle flight from San Juan and a third Air Jamaica flight. The second placement focused on the new Bonaire video that is now available through www.InfoBonaire.com. The third placement focused on Jong Bonaire and the center's internet banquet. For each of these placements information was obtained directly from the Bonaire Briefs press release that was distributed to top media outlets in August 2001.

Elegant Bride (circulation 155,657)

The Winter 2001 issue of Elegant Bride featured an article titled “The Caribbean’s Sultry Secrets,” including information on Bonaire as well as other “less visited” Caribbean islands. Stating “this diver’s nirvana also reveals happy surprises above the water line” the section on Bonaire goes on to mention that there are a wide selection of resorts “that cater to every taste and budget.” TCB’s toll free number is also included.

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*NEWS FROM THE TOURISM SECTOR*
Halloween Celebration On Bonaire, Halloween was also celebrated to its fullest. City Café and Karel’s Beach Bar had both organized Halloween parties where all were welcome; others were celebrating their Halloween by having a pumpkin search. Groups were formed and together conducted searches, looking for hidden pumpkins with the chance to win some great prizes. This year, TCB was also in the Halloween fever. A group of kids came by all the shops in Kralendijk including TCB to trick or treat. Definitely all were treated here at TCB; Evelain Marchena one of our information officers was waiting them anxiously with a bucket of candies. *Back to the top*

Bonaire Eco Swim - The 1st Annual Deep Blue 5 K Swim & Ocean Festival Three open water-swimming races will be held on the island of Bonaire, Dutch Caribbean on Friday November 30, 2001. This 1^st annual open water ocean swim will include a long distance 5K Race, a 1500 meter “Metric Mile” Race, and a 200 meter Kids Fun Race. The races are open to men and women of all ages and all abilities. Also, swimmers who wish to participate using fins or fins, mask & snorkel are welcome. There will be “elite” swimmers competing at top speeds, but for the most part, the race has been designed for all who wish to swim at their own pace simply for the joy of swimming in the pristine waters of Bonaire. The race course will be held in Bonaire’s renowned Marine Park. This park has protected the coral reefs around Bonaire since 1979. This open water swim event is sponsored by the Bonaire Hotel and Tourism Association (BONHATA) and the Victor and Aqua Moon Adventures. For the entry form and more information on this open water swim event please visit www.randynutt.com. *Back to the top*

Click here for a detailed CALENDAR OF EVENTS



	Issue # 23 12 NOVEMBER 2001
	Entre Nous Bonaire's Monthly Newsletter