NEWS FROM THE TOURISM SECTOR

From the Director's Desk I would like to first of all thank everyone who took time to contact me with their comments, questions and suggestions regarding the new tax system. It helps us to underscore (a) the need to make it clear to our visitors and residents that this is a streamlined way of collection of existing taxes as well as a method that ensures that everyone shares the burden equally and (b) the need to inform all our visitors and residents properly and timely of all specific details pertaining to the amended tax structure. Our target date for introduction of the “Island Tax” for our visitors and changes in the departure tax for residents is June 1, 2006. TCB, in its supporting role on the areas of communication and implementation, is working hard on all arrangements so as to allow a smooth transition. We do realize that change does not come easy. Once visitors realize that in many cases they really are not spending more and in fact are spending less, the new system will allow us to allocate funds to the tourism sector based on real numbers of visitors as opposed to figures that did not include those who have not paid taxes in the past. On the marketing front, I attended ITB in Germany this past month and had the opportunity to talk with our European tour operators and travel partners. We spent a good deal of time discussing the upcoming Dive into Adventure event where we have focused on our European markets as well as the traditional US sector this year. High on the agenda was also introduction of the “Island Tax.” Our European office also had a meeting with KLM at ITB, as part of our efforts to continuously strive to work closer together and identify opportunities for Bonaire. Bonaire was also present at Sea Trade Cruise Shipping Convention, whereby I was part of the official island delegation. An important accomplishment of continued efforts on this front is the addition of Bonaire on the list of destinations visited by Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. Incorporation of the ship, Summit, with 2000 plus passengers and with 10 calls to the island during the 2007/2008 season, was finalized at Sea Trade. In addition we had a meeting with the FCCA (Florida Caribbean Cruise Association) where we discussed a head tax for passengers, among others. A positive meeting and negotiations will continue. The accomplished growth in cruise tourism passengers, based upon the overall growth philosophy “growth while maintaining nature and culture”, is a positive development for the island and fits within the established growth in cruise tourism for the island. Lastly, I would like to mention our continued success with the Continental flight. It has been arriving with a full load and has had great on-time performance. The downside to the airlift question has been the loss of 3 out of 4 weekly Air Jamaica flights last year, which has translated, together with other factors, into a decrease in numbers during January and February 2006. You can be assured that we are working to pick up the slack and will keep all informed as to our progress. Back to the top Calling All Cruise Ships: Bonaire Offers Cruise Passengers a Port of Distinction Since 1968 when the Dutch Caribbean island of Bonaire welcomed its first cruise ship into port, Bonaire has offered cruise passengers a unique alternative in the Caribbean. As one of the Caribbean's more off-the-beaten-path islands, Bonaire offers visitors an unhurried, tranquil, and undeveloped oasis and a wealth of eco-adventure activities that include scuba diving, caving, climbing, hiking, snorkeling, kayaking, and mountain biking. The open sea and deep water approach to berths, allows cruise ships to dock right at the Northern and Southern Piers located in Bonaire's capital city of Kralendijk. Passengers disembark into the heart of Bonaire and are greeted by multilingual representatives from the Tourism Corporation Bonaire at an Information Booth. Specially trained guides offering island tours are also waiting for passengers, as are representatives from various companies offering shore excursions. For passengers that haven't planned ahead shopping guides, maps of Kralendijk and the island, as well as brochures on shore excursions and accommodations are also available at the Information Booth. Most cruise guests will also enjoy the Cruise Market Place, which has been reinstated for this season. Held right on Wilhelmina Square, the Market Place brings cruise guests face to face with the island's culture and heritage, as friendly local artisans offer goods such as native foods, hand-made wares, original art and clothing for sale. The Cruise Market Place also features cultural dance shows, music and other entertainment at various times throughout the day. Just steps from the pier, the quaint, Dutch town of Kralendijk awaits. Offering pastel colored buildings, shops selling unique arts and crafts, jewelry, perfumes, clothing and souvenirs, open-air cafés and restaurants and historic sites, visitors are encouraged to wander through the streets of the city exploring the open-air fruit and vegetable market and the town's many sites. The pier is located just a short distance from all hotel beaches and a public beach. For those visitors that would rather get wet, Bonaire's calm, turquoise waters await. Activities like diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, sailing, kiteboarding and kayaking are all available and most can be enjoyed by the whole family. For decades, Bonaire's pristine underwater world has been captivating visitors. Easily accessible right from the island's shoreline Bonaire's 86 marked dive and snorkel sites can be enjoyed by divers and snorkelers of all skill levels. Resort dive courses, guided snorkeling excursions and more are offered by the island's many dive centers. The peaceful, protected lagoon at Lac Bay is the perfect spot for windsurfing with extraordinarily clear, waist-deep water with constant 15-to-25 knots per hour crosswinds. Located right on the beach, the island's two windsurfing operations feature top-of-the-line equipment and classes for beginners to advanced board sailors. The calm waters surrounding much of Bonaire make kayaking a relaxing and fun way to see the island. Kayak tours led by local naturalists are available to explore Lac Bay's mangroves, a nursery for fish life. Cruising through the mangrove's secluded tunnels visitors will get a close-up view of the island's beautiful marine life and birds, upside-down jellyfish, pelicans and egrets included. Kayaks can also be used to peacefully view the coastline or to visit the small uninhabited island of Klein Bonaire, located just offshore. Accessibility, calm waters and abundant fish -- the same features that attract divers -- are what make deep sea fishing on Bonaire so special. The catch in Bonaire varies by season, from Marlin, Sailfish and Dorado to Wahoo, Amber Jack and Yellowfin, and boats rarely come back empty-handed. A number of charter boat operations are available as is bonefishing in the island's flats. Visitors who would rather stay on dry ground also have a wide selection of activities to choose from. One of the first national parks in the Caribbean, Washington-Slagbaai National Park is home to over 190 species of birds, thousands of towering Candle cacti, herds of goats, stray donkeys, lizards and small hidden beaches. The park terrain is varied and those who are ambitious enough to climb some of the steep hills are rewarded with majestically sweeping views. Jeeps and cars can be taken through the park on one of two driving trails and hiking trails and guided tours are available. Bonaire can also be explored on mountain bike. With over 300 kilometers of trails on Bonaire including goat paths and unpaved roads visitors can get up close to Bonaire's ecological diversity, flora and fauna. Local operations offer bike rentals and guided tours. One of Bonaire's newest activities, land sailing takes advantage of the island's constant trade winds. People can experience the excitement of this sport on the world's largest track for land sailing which is located on the windward side of the island. Bonaire's best known area for horseback riding is the Riding Academy at Kunuku Warahama. A wonderful retreat tucked away in the wilderness, the ranch offers guided rides to the beach and through the island's interior. A leader in marine conservation Bonaire has always made it a top priority to protect its natural resources and ensure that the island's natural surroundings, both above and below the water, remain sanctuaries for preservation and pristine for future generations to enjoy. "In cruise season 1999/2000, fifty-six ships with 39,245 passengers called on Bonaire," said Ronella Croes, Director of the Tourism Corporation Bonaire. "In season 2005/2006, sixty-eight ships made and will make stops in Bonaire bringing 56,476 passengers, and we expect these numbers to increase over the next few years as cruise ships continue to seek out new and exciting destinations to add to their itineraries." "For many cruise ship passengers, this will be their first visit to Bonaire. We take great pride in showcasing our island and all that it has to offer, and we continue striving to improve our tourism product. We hope that, based on their time spent on island, those visiting by cruise ship will consider Bonaire when planning their next Caribbean vacation," continued Ms. Croes. For the 2006/2007 cruise season, Bonaire estimates that 69 ships will call on the island expecting to bring approximately 85,000 passengers. Among them will be Silversea Cruises, Princess Cruises, Cunard Cruise line (Queen Mary II; this ship paid its first visit to Bonaire in December 2004 and has since visited Bonaire 3 times) and the Holland America Line. Back to the top New Bonaire Ambassadors AWARDED SILVER:  Mr. and Mrs. Molder This is the 15th consecutive year that Mr. and Mrs. Molder have been coming to Bonaire. Every year they look forward to their return. The first time that they came here, their stay was of 1 week, then this turned into 2 weeks, and since they both retired they have been visiting for 4 weeks during the last two years. They love first of all the friendly people of Bonaire, the sea with the wonderful sea life and also the tranquility of the island. Mrs. Sybil Molder can also practice her Dutch when she is in Bonaire, which is a plus. For Tourism Corporation Bonaire it is a pleasure to honor Family Molder as Silver Bonaire Ambassadors. We hope to see them back year after year. Congratulations! AWARDED SILVER:  Gene & Marcia Trieglaff When they first came to Bonaire in 1989, they found this coral island to be a bit different – unique in every way. Diving was their passion in those days, and Bonaire had it all, the most beautiful coral and sea life in the world. Despite the initial shock of having few sand beaches, they fell in love with the island, its friendly people and wonderful cuisines. Throughout the years they have visited, they bought a time-share at Divi Flamingo. The peace and tranquility that they experience at Divi is overwhelming! Even after 18 years, the love affair continues. Their annual two weeks here in Bonaire are hardly enough, but they are the highlight of their vacations and now the highlight in their retirement years! Gene and Marcia Trieglaff received the Silver medal for visiting the island for 18 consecutive years. For Tourism Corporation Bonaire it is a pleasure to have thefamily Trieglaff as Silver Bonaire Ambassadors. Congratulations! AWARDED BRONZE:  Sue Ellen & Chuck Dougherty When they came to Bonaire in 1996, it was upon advice from a travel agent. Needless to say, they fell in love with the beautiful island. It is the most casual, friendly and relaxed island ever. They immediately bought a time-share at Divi Flamingo and within a few years purchased another week. They hope that the future does not hold a busy, bustling, traffic-cockling island like Aruba. Sue Ellen and Chuck received the Bronze medal for visiting the island for 10 consecutive years. For Tourism Corporation Bonaire it is a pleasure to have Sue Ellen and Chuck Dougherty as Bronze Bonaire Ambassadors. It is certainly a pleasure to see them back year after year. Congratulations! AWARDED BRONZE:  Grace West Grace West has been visiting Bonaire for 10 years. She has been coming to the Caribbean since theearly 1960s. She found Bonaire through the Divi Resorts, as she owned first in Aruba. Now she owns two weeks here, also. Grace loves the natural environment of Bonaire and says that it is like no other island. She loves the people, the water, the snorkeling and the “visitors” who stay at the Divi Flamingo. She hopes things never change – no high rises, traffic lights, or buses. For Tourism Corporation Bonaire, it is a pleasure to honor Mrs. Grace West as a Bronze Bonaire Ambassador. Congratulations! To see more of Bonaire's Bronze, Silver, or Gold Ambassadors, visit http://www.bonaireambassador.com! Back to the top