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.
With
the first half of the year
under our belt, I am happy
to be able to report many
positive developments for
Bonaire. The first was the
completion of the first Dive
Into Adventure Bonaire 2006
(DIAB). The venue served
to showcase the island and
its many personalities. We
learned a lot about what
works and what needs more
attention for the next DIAB.
As it was the first DIAB,
the focus was on promoting
the event among international
press, exposing them to the
DIAB experience, so that
they in turn can provide
the necessary extensive coverage.
The press were most enthusiastic
and we should be receiving
a lot of positive feedback
on the PR front. Our most
heartfelt thanks go out to
all those who worked tirelessly
and to the participants and
the sponsors as well.
We also are happy to announce
that preliminary arrival
figures for 2006, show an
increase compared to 2005
figures. We hope to be able
to share half year results
with you soon.
Another development that
has occurred is the confirmed
report that the Divi Corporation
will be building a 250 room
resort with 60 condominiums
on the property of the former
Sunset Beach Hotel. This
long awaited development
will serve as a catalyst
to Bonaire’s economy
and help to insure our ability
to provide visitors with
a wider choice of accomodations.
The Divi Corporation has
long been a part of Bonaire
and the Caribbean region.
Together with other projects,
Bonaire's room capacity will
be increasing throughout
the following years, and
will lead to positive developments.Our
people are anxious for a
positive spin off and through
Tourism Awareness Programs,
we will be paying extra attention
to the populace. It is our
goal to stimulate and educate
the unemployed to join tourism,
improve the service level
of those directly and indirectly
involved in tourism, educate
our children and general
population of the importance
of tourism for Bonaire. These
are among the objectives
to be reached through this
program. TCB will also pay
attention to promotion and
in ensuring that positive
developments on the area
of room capacity and seat
capacity, are backed up
by a stronger and more effective
destination promotion.
On the cruise tourism front
we do expect to double our
numbers during the upcoming
season. As for the subsequent
season 2007-2008, projected
bookings indicate that a
total of approximately 150,000
pax will visit Bonaire. Cruise
Tourism is a significant
part of the business for
various sectors on the island,
for example merchants, tour
operators and taxis. The
intention is to look into
possibilities of maximizing
the revenue from this industry
for Bonaire and to promote
stay-over tourism also for
the island.
I also would like to inform
our travel partners about
the upcoming Marketing Meeting
September 13th -15th. It
has been our policy to hold
an annual meeting for the
sector to gather and exchange
information and gauge the
progress in terms of our
marketing strategy. We will
be reporting on a lot of
changes and be presenting
a fresh approach for Bonaire.
More details will follow.
As for the tax question,
an official letter was sent
to inform the public that
no changed will be
introduced at this time.
The steering committee is
being very meticulous in
its recommendations and realizes
how important this issue
is! A letter was sent during
the week of 3-7 July 2006
on behalf of the government
through TCB to our partners
in the US, Europe and South
America.
Another positive development
has been the unified front
that the island will present
in regards to its participation
at the DEMA trade show this
year. We will be attending
the venue under one banner
rather than separate entities.
By pooling our resources
we hope to achieve better
exposure and a better return
for our efforts!! Looking
forward to this year's DEMA.
Their
journey to an island
called Bonaire
began in March
1995 and since
then they’ve
been visiting us
for more then 10
years. Their first
acquaintance with
open water diving
was in the cold
water of northern
Ohio and, on recommendation
of their dive master/instructor,
they visited the “Divers
Paradise” and
have no regrets
and have returned
year after year.
This year the TCB
is honoring Jay
and Donna as official
bronze ambassadors.
While
the diving is easy
and superb for
both novice and
expert, it's not
what has prompted
their continued
return to Bonaire.
When they speak
to friends and
neighbors about
Bonaire, the pristine
diving is almost
an after-thought.
What always strikes
them is the natural
beauty of the island.
There's something
for everyone on
Bonaire. One can
hike or cycle in
the cactus-strewn
countryside. Kayaking,
marine sports,
horseback riding
and wind-surfing
are just a few
of the available
activities. If
you are a bird
watcher, you will
be delighted with
the abundance of
parrots, frigate
birds, flamingos,
osprey, pelicans,
chibi-chibis, etc.
Animal lovers will
enjoy the variety
of wildlife that
includes goats,
donkeys, lizards,
and iguanas. And
the seemingly constant
winds provide a
welcoming relief
from the warm,
sunny days.
The
island is extremely
safe with a sound
infrastructure.
However another
important factor
that keeps them
coming back is
the sincere and
genuine warmth
of the local people.
Bonaire is a model
of sincere and
genuine friendship.
Their experience
with hotels, car
rentals, dive operators,
restaurants and
shops has all been
very positive.
Everyone goes out
of their way to
assist both friend
and stranger.
When
we went to honor
them, these were
the exact words
used by Jay and
Donna: “Returning
to Bonaire is indeed
like being welcomed
home. We enthusiastically
recommend the island
to all we meet.
We are always sad
to leave, but are
already planning
our next visit
to Bonaire.”
KLM’s
Vincent Lafeber and TCB’s
Marieke Raaff agreed to improve joint marketing
efforts. KLM’s web site will promote
Bonaire and enable web-visitors to book
their ticket. Since Vincent has been a
great help over the last couple of years,
Marieke awarded him his own unique Bonaire-watch.
Being a windsurfer, he said he wants to
explore snorkeling while on Bonaire--that
is if we can convince him to go below the
surface instead of on it!
Last
month the shooting of BonaireVisits 2
took place on Bonaire. This powerful
marketing tool takes quite a lot of preparation
since a timeframe of over 5 months is
between the start and online marketing.
Once again Dutch actor Dirk Zeelenberg
took some of his showbiz-friends to Bonaire,
among which female singer Birgit Schuurman
(see picture). She visited Rose Inn to
see how to prepare a huge fish: quite
an experience in the local cuisine. TCB
Europe wishes to thank KLM, Kontiki,
Sand Dollar, Bonaire Oceanfront, Budget,
Total Car Rental, Den Laman, Stinapa,
Mangrove Information Center, and Bonaire
Landsailing and many others for their
kind cooperation.
Given
developments as discussed during the
marketing meeting, it seems that our
premier market, the Netherlands, is gaining
in importance. Since the load factor
on the direct flights to Bonaire is increasing
due to growing demand to/from South America,
the connection via Curacao (DAE) it is
becoming more and more important. Given
transfer time this connection will be
used by Dutch tourists far more than
tourists from other countries. After
the push last winter in the secondary
markets, TCB Europe will pay extra attention
to the Dutch market this summer and fall.
Last week De Volkskrant published a large
and positive article on Bonaire.
Every
two years TCB Europe organizes a
large football promotion for trade partners
based on either a World Cup or a
European Cup. This year the World Cup
takes place in Germany. Trade partners
both in Holland as well as on Bonaire
where invited to join the Bonaire game
and predict the winners. Every day there
is a new ranking. While writing this
Entre Nous-article, TCB’s
Joanny Trinidad is leading the pack.
But that can be different while reading
this article. See for yourself at
www.visitsbonaire.tv/wkspel which
trade partners join this promotion.
Last spring TCB Europe
proudly presented new dive videos.
A team from the magazine DUIKEN went
to Bonaire to shoot the videos. They
also displayed the Nature Tag and other
specific elements in their videos.
One of the team members, JP Bresser,
just came back from several trips around
the world. While at the office, TCB’s
Marieke Raaff surprised him with a
visit. And gave him a unique watch
to thank him for the great job he did
in improving the tied bonds between
the magazine DUIKEN and TCB Europe.
Another good example of personal marketing
as we agreed upon in our marketing-strategy.
After
months of preparation and hard work, Dive
Into Adventure Bonaire 2006 took place June
17 -24. Fifty-five (55) people from the U.S.
and Europe participated in the event which
featured dive, dive-related, and adventure-filled
activities led by local and international "stars." Among
the people that participated in the event
were media from the U.S., Europe, and South
America (see below). Highlights of the event
included A Taste of Bonaire, the event's
kick off party, which was attended by hundreds
of local Bonaireans and visitors and featured
local cuisine, dance and music. Ronella Croes,
Director of TCB, Harlton “Onnie” Emerenciana,
Commissioner of Tourism and Herbert Dommacasse,
Bonaire’s Lt. Governor, gave speeches;
Philippe Cousteau, Dos Winkel and Charles
Mazel provided guided dives, and “It's
a Knockout” was a fun night of team
games that took place in Bonaire's National
Stadium.
All details of the DIAB Press
Trip were finalized in early June. Five
media from North America - Sharon Spence,
on assignment for The Moultrie News (South
Carolina), Key Biscayne Magazine (Florida)
and Cruise & Vacation
Agent magazine; Elizabeth Blanc from
La Regatta, the only bilingual nautical
newspaper distributed in San Juan,
Puerto Rico, the USVI and other islands;
Cass Lawson from Advanced Diver magazine;
Robert Osborne from Diver Magazine;
Matt Furst from Caribbean Adventures participated
in the trip. The group was led by Sarah
Biggerstaff from Adams Unlimited. While
on island, the group participated in
activities including scuba diving,
snorkeling, land sailing, kayaking, cave
exploration and windsurfing and attended
many of the DIAB activities. In the coming
months we can expect to see a number of
articles resulting from this press trip.
Recently announced expanded summer and fall
schedule takes Bonaire’s message into
some unique venues and targets a greater
cross section of suburban rather than predominately
urban stops.
Scuba Tour Stops
July1-4, Del Mar Fair, San Diego, CA
July 7-9, Wounded Warriors, Rockaway, NY
July 22-23, Bridge to Bridge Race, Sacramento,
CA
July 29-31, Boy Scouts Order of the Arrow,
Lansing, MI
Aug. 1-2, Boy Scouts Order of the Arrow,
Lansing, MI
Aug. 10-12, Camp Jeep, Plymouth, WI
Sept. 9-10, NBC Health Show, San Jose, CA
Sept. 15-17, Lobster Festival, San Pedro,
CA
*Also pending is the announcement of several
fall dates leading up to DEMA on November
8-11 in Orlando, FL.
On July 6-9, Scuba Tour will
be in Rockaway, NY, joining New York City
Firefighters from 911, and including Firefighter
Tom Westman, winner of the 2005 CBS Survivor
television series, as part of an event
aimed at empowering severely wounded soldiers
by teaching them skills in 3 sports; Scuba
Diving, Sailing, and Water Skiing. It will
be a great opportunity for Bonaire to give
back to this community through its sponsorship
of the Scuba Tour.
Bonaire was showcased at this
key media event in New York City on June
14. As part of Caribbean Week, media only,
were invited to meet with representatives
of CTO island members to hear first hand
of developments and new tourism offerings.
Lisa Blau, Marie Rosa, and Ronella Croes
welcomed journalists to the Bonaire booth.
The table was decorated in bright Caribbean
colored netting and silks, and cactus plants
made it feel distinctly Bonairean. Over 125
journalists passed through the event and
Bonaire had specially prepared souvenir gifts
for all of them along with press kits, and
story ideas for future Bonaire coverage.
What
better gift to give the journalists at
Caribbean Week’s Media Marketplace
than salt from Bonaire? Rocks of salt from
Cargill Salt Bonaire NV, beautifully wrapped
in colorful netting and tied with a cord
and wood-carved bright-colored fish, were
given to all journalists. A note on each
of the special packages instructed the
recipient to either hang in the shower
to let the water run through it to soften
the water, or drop in the bathtub for a
relaxing salt bath.
In June one press release was distributed
on Dive Newswire. The press release on
tour operator packages available in summer
and fall 2006 was posted on the site on
June 12 and distributed in Dive Newswire
on June 14. Dive Newswire is distributed
electronically to more than 6,000 dive
shop owners, manufacturers as well as media
outlets.
In June two issues of Bonaire EZ News
were distributed to our database of 40,000
consumers and travel agents. The June
5 issue focused tour operator packages
being offered in the summer and fall
2006; while the June 19 issue focused
on island news and events taking place
in August, September and October.
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 June two press
releases were written and distributed. The
first release focused on tour operator packages
(land-only) being offered in the summer and
fall. This release was distributed to the media
and on Dive Newswire. The second release, which
was written for local distribution, focused
on the results of the consumer survey conducted
in the first quarter of 2006.
Finalized arrangements for the press visit
of a TV production crew from the show “Destination
Above and Below” (a travel and dive
show). The press visit will take place
June 29 to July 2. The six-person crew
will be visiting the island to gather above
and below water footage for an episode
of “Destination Above and Below” that
will focus just on Bonaire. “Destination
Above and Below” will be shot in
high definition and will air on The Outdoor
Channel HD.
Continued working with editor from Legends,
a Canadian magazine, on a press visit to
Bonaire in early July. While dates have
not been confirmed the press visit is tentatively
scheduled to coincide with Bonaire Arts
Day as the magazine focuses on art, music
and sports (or culture in general). In
the coming weeks we will be finalizing
arrangements for this press visit.
Finalized arrangements for the press visit
of Leigh Newman from Bride's magazine to
Bonaire July 17-20. She will be on island
to gather information on hotels for the
magazine's special section devoted to the
Best Hotels in the Caribbean. In the coming
weeks we will be finalizing arrangements
for this press visit.
Continued dialogue with travel
journalist Ryan Riccitelli on a his press
visit to the island in early August during
the Pro Kids windsurfing event to cover
the event, windsurfing as well as kite
boarding. Details will be finalized next
month.
Sunday
Denver Post & Rocky
Mountain News (circulation 750,593): Bonaire was featured in the “favorite
destinations” section of the
Sunday Denver Post & Rocky Mountain
News on May 14, 2006. Bonaire’s
diving and snorkeling was the subject
and the island was noted for having
an environmentally conscious dive industry
and thanks to the lack of annual rainfall,
the visibility in Bonaire’s water
is easily 100 feet. This article is
not available online.
Miami
Herald (circulation 386,316): Bonaire’s Golden Reef
Inn was featured in the May 7, 2006
issue of the Miami Herald. GRI’s
seven night shore diving package including
weights, belts, tanks, air and taxes,
accommodation in a one-bedroom apartment,
daily breakfast, lunch and dinner and
rental of a pickup truck including
taxes and CDW insurance was featured.
This article is available in the archives
at www.miamiherald.com. A fee is required
to view the article.
Scuba
Diving (circulation 185,000): Bonaire’s shore diving
was highlighted in the May 2006 issue
of Scuba Diving Magazine. The best
dive sites to visit according to Scuba
Diving are Red Slave, Invisibles, Hilma
Hooker, Eighteen Palms, Karpata, Bari
Reef, 1,000 Steps, Ol’ Blue,
Forest and Carl’s
Hill. Washington Slagbaai National
Park was also featured as an excellent
introduction to Bonaire’s varied
natural offerings. This article is
not available online.
Recommend
Magazine (circulation 61,000): Bonaire was featured in the
May 2006 issue of Recommend Magazine.
The article touches on the culture
of Bonaire, noting that the capital
city has a population of 3,000 people
of Dutch European and West Indians;
the dive festival; the wildlife including
flamingos; and sporting where Bonaire
is the kiteboarding and windsurfing
capital of the Caribbean. This article
is not available online.
A film production team from the prestigious
ESPN sport channel, travelled to Bonaire from
June 19th to the 25th, during the event Dive
into Adventure Bonaire event. They filmed a series
of programs showing diving, snorkeling, windsurfing
and all the other outdoor sport activities offered
on Bonaire along with the first class restaurants
and accommodations on island.
Sport Travel ESPN Latino America reaches the
South America markets, especially Brazil, Colombia,
Venezuela, Argentina, Ecuador, Peru and Chile.
The project has Bonaire participating in a special
film production which will be aired in three
editions on Saturdays and Sundays, between
6:00 PM and 8:00 PM for the
launching, and then they will be re-broadcast
one day during the week between 9:00 AM and 11:30
PM and the other one on weekends during prime
time.
We would like to give special thanks to Captain
Don’s Habitat host hotel, Dutch Antilles
Express, Avianca, TCB, and all the properties
and restaurants on Bonaire for their support,
making it possible for ESPN to promote the island
with such wide coverage and the leading role
in the Sport Travel series starting in July.
From June 8th to the 12th, Bonaire
hosted the first group of diveshops and dive
instructors from Cielos Abiertos, as result
of the recent promotional visit to Bogotá last
February by TCB and some BHG properties. The
tour operator Cielos Abiertos belongs to Aviatur
Group from Colombia. They had a special
program where they enjoyed shore and boat diving
in the most popular spots on island, also
the outdoor activities such as kayaking
and caving. They were fascinated with the
dining, the accommodations, and the warm
people on island. On their return, the diveshops
started to promote Bonaire and have
requested a charter flight to Bonaire from
Cielos Abiertos during the Regatta
week. We would like to thank the host hotels,
SunRentals and Lagoen Hill, and the other properties
on island, which made possible this successful
business trip.
The
Caribbean trade show took place from June
12th to 14th in Caracas. Travel agencies,
mainly from Caracas, Valencia, and Maracay,
visited our booth to gather general information
about packages and flights to Bonaire. Also,
the diveshops had scheduled appointments at
the booth. This year, Bonaire was invited to
give an official seminar to the travel agencies
as the other Caribbean destinations did. Also
the trade show was the perfect scenario to
select the winners of the South America Bonaire
Visitor Survey. La Tienda del Buceo (Valencia)
and Caracas Scuba Center (Caracas) were present
along with Josie and Steve Cieremans from SunRentals.
Venezuelan Groups Coming again to Bonaire
July 21st to the 24th
Epsilon Dive, Divers Home, and Caribbean Reef are starting to
organize new groups to the island on the next Venezuelan holiday July 21st
to the 24th, chartering their own flights.
Fernando
Di Gerónimo,
ex Director
of Federación
Venezolana
de Actividades
Subacuaticas,
was recently
named Buddy
of Bonaire
for his permanent
support in
the promotion
of the island
in the diving
sector. Buddy
of Bonaire
is part of
our loyalty
program directed
at the diving
sector.
A great
opportunity
to meet again
with all
the industry
and key diving
people in
Brazil. Bonaire
has already
confirmed
its booth
and an official
Bonaire presentation
during the
event, requesting
space next
to PADI.
It’s
important
to highlight
that within
the Sao Paulo
Boat Show,
the
Brazil Dive
Show will
be also held,
attracting
the diving
sector to
the event.
For more
information
or participation,
please contact
Yasmin at
southamerica@tourismbonaire.com.
Brazil
is a huge
diving market,
and once
again the
island will
be advertised
in Mergulho
(the most
popular magazine
found in
all the diveshops).
The co-op
ad campaign
consists
in six consecutive
editions
starting
in July,
promoting
Bonaire as
Paraíso
do Mergulhadores
(Diver’s
Paradise),
with competitive
7 night diving
packages
offered by
Plaza Resort
Bonaire,
Divi Flamingo,
Coco Palm
Garden, and
Golden Reef.
For
the first
time, and
to give them
additional
support,
the main
four tour
operators
have been
included
in the ad,
inviting
readers to
contact their
diveshops
or travel
agencies.
Showing
the positive
reaction
from Brazil
and Venezuela
(SA’s
strongest
markets for
Bonaire)
by completing
and sending
the questioner
to TCB, winners
from these
two countries
were selected
in a raffle:
from Caracas,
Venezuela
Luis Gonzalez
and from
São
Paulo, Brazil
Marcelo Rubinstein.
They will
enjoy a free
week's stay
plus unlimited
shore diving
for 2 people,
courtesy
of Bonaire
Ocean Front
Apartments
and Lagoen
Hill. Both
winners are
divers and
the best
part is that
they are
Bonaire frequent
travelers.
Bonaire
Windsurf Place and Caribbean
Web Cams Team Up for
Bonaire's Newest Web
Cam
Bonaire
Windsurf Place and Caribbean
Web Cams LLC are pleased
to announce that a new
WindsurfCam is available
on Bonaire. The WindsurfCam,
Bonaire’s latest
cam, joins a popular
roster of other Bonaire-based
web cams, including the
first permanent open
water reef web cam in
the world, along with
four land-based web cams.
Images
from the new WindsurfCam
are available for viewing
at www.bonairewindsurfplace.com/webcam.html.
The WindsurfCam images
are set to update every
minute, and, as with
all cams provided by
Caribbean Web Cams, the
current image is free
to anyone who accesses
the site. Archive images
are also available at
www.bonairewebcams.com.
However, to view the
archives, one must have
a membership in Bonaire
Web Cams, and different
levels of membership
are available at very
reasonable fees, including
a limited access free
membership.
The
Bonaire Web Cams have
proven themselves to
be very popular with
visiting tourists from
around the world, and
have, on their own, became
famous, from the award-winning
underwater cam, to the
beach cams and DonkeyCam.
Many Bonaire visitors
plan at least one trip
to the cams to wave to
family and friends back
home. www.bonairewebcams.com receives an average of
200,000 visitors per
month, with an average
of 2,000,000 page views
per month.
Bonaire
Windsurf Place is pleased
to be part of this growing
technology. Owner/operator
Roger Jurriens states, “Now
our customers can be a
part of Bonaire’s
windsurfing scene from
any location in the world.
All they have to do is
logon to the site, and
they can view live images
of Lac Bay. It’s
a great way for people
to stay active and excited
about our sport.”
Bonaire
Windsurf Place is one
of Bonaire’s
finest windsurf shops,
offering all levels of
training, excellent equipment,
kids’ and women’s
specialty clinics, and
a popular beach bar and
restaurant—all
at one of the best windsurf
locations in the Caribbean—Lac
Bay. Bonaire Windsurf
Place also is the home
of the Bonaire Windsurf
Kids. Additional information
is available at www.bonairewindsurfplace.com,
or email info@bonairewindsurfplace.com or call +599-717-2288,
or FAX +599-717-5279.
Caribbean
WebCams, LLC, owner and
operator of the Bonaire
WebCams and the award-winning
Bonaire ReefCam, specializes
in all aspects of commercial
WebCam set-up and installation
for resorts and travel
destinations. Company
headquarters are located
in Bolton, Massachusetts
in the U.S.A. Caribbean
WebCams information can
be found at http://www.CaribbeanWebCams.com,
and the company may be
contacted at info@CaribbeanWebCams.com
or by phone at +1-703-783-8370
or by FAX at +1-703-783-8371
in the U.S., or by phone
at +599-7-174112 on Bonaire.
Bonaire
Lagoen Hill: 7 nights,
6 days accomodations plus unlimited
shore diving and 7 days vehicle
rental. Package prices starting
at $353.00 per person, based
on 6 people in a 3-bedroom
cottage. Lagoen Hill is located
in the rolling hills near Lagoen
Bay, a quiet residential setting
with great island views of
Bonaire, only 2 miles from
the capital city of Kralendijk.
The resort features 30 private
cottages, set among lush tropical
gardens. The cottages are provided
with cable TV, radio, ceiling-fans,
personal safes, hot water facilities,
a fully equipped kitchen, a
spacious bathroom with shower
and large bedrooms with air-conditioning--homes
with all the comfort and modern
amenities needed for a perfect
and affordable island getaway.
Package prices are valid untill
December 19, 2006. For more
information visit the Lagoen
Hill web site www.LagoenHill.com or
email info@LagoenHill.com.
Divers
Paradise is offering
a seven-night special including
6 days of unlimited shore
diving, plus 7 days vehicle
rental. Package prices
starting at $383.00 per
person, based on 3 people
in a one-bedroom apartment.
Located a short drive from
Kralendijk in the quiet residential
area of Hato, Divers Paradise
offers seven comfortable
apartments complete with
fully-equipped kitchens,
cable TV, radio, personal
safes, bathroom with shower
and bedroom with air-conditioning.
Package prices are valid
until December 19, 2006.
For more information visit
their web site at www.DiversParadiseBonaire.com or
email info@DiversParadiseBonaire.
AB
Carrental, located at
Bonaire's Flamingo Airport,
is offering a special for
divers and non divers, through
December 21, 2006: For Divers,
a Mazda Pick Up Double Cabin
with power steering and A/C
for only USD 30.00 per day
or USD 200.00 per week. Also
available "4WD
Drive Pick Up Trucks and 4WD
SUVs" with automatic
transmission. For Non Divers:
A Kia Picanto, 4 door economy
car with A/C for only USD 27.00
per day or USD 175.00 per week.
Also available with automatic
transmission. Visit the AB
Carrental Web site at: www.ABcarrental.com for
further details and make your
reservation through their on-line-reservation
system or send an email
to info@ABcarrental.com.
Fox
Discount Car Rental,
has a Special for Divers
until December 15, 2006:
Pick Up Truck Double Cabin
Standard for as low as USD
22.00 per day or USD 139.00
per week, tax not included.
Pick Up Truck Double Cabin
Deluxe with powersteering and
A/C for USD 29.00 per day or
USD 183.00 per week, tax not
included. Web site: www.FoxBonaire.com or
email : info@FoxBonaire.com.
Caribbean
Wind & Sun
Vacations has teamed up
with Kiteboarding Bonaire and
Great Escape to create some
fabulous low season learn-to-kite
packages. In conjunction with
Great Escape, you, too, can
learn to experience the thrill
of kiteboarding. Taught by
International Kite Board Organization
(IKO) trained professionals,
the steady trades, warm water
and friendly environment make
kiting in Bonaire nothing short
of wonderful.
Great Escape is a charming
B and B-style accommodations
with ac, tv, minutes to Kite
Beach and affordable comfort.
Packages include weekly truck
rental with Budget, 7 nights
accommodations, room tax, breakfast
and 3 hours of instruction:
Double Rate: $500.00 USD per
person
Single Rate: $854.00 USD per
person
3 - 3 hour lessons add $228.00
for one person and $364.00
for two persons.
For those wanting a double
thrill, why not try windsurfing.
Bonaire boasts one of the world's
best launches for learning,
Lac Bay. Blessed with onshore
trades, gin clear shallow water,
it's heaven. Add $200.00 per
person for 5 days rental at
Jibe City the home of ABK.
Lesson packages are available,
so contact Ann at ann@bonairecaribbean.com.
Rates subject to change and
availability. Prices in effect
July 1-December 1, 2006. Call
for additional upgrade accommodation
packages. Air specials available
from select US cities.
Caribbean
Wind & Sun Vacations and
Bonaire Vacations Rentals offer Dive
and Windsurf Packages. View
the pdf.
With
the first half of the year
under our belt, I am happy
to be able to report many
positive developments for
Bonaire. The first was the
completion of the first Dive
Into Adventure Bonaire 2006
(DIAB). The venue served
to showcase the island and
its many personalities. We
learned a lot about what
works and what needs more
attention for the next DIAB.
As it was the first DIAB,
the focus was on promoting
the event among international
press, exposing them to the
DIAB experience, so that
they in turn can provide
the necessary extensive coverage.
The press were most enthusiastic
and we should be receiving
a lot of positive feedback
on the PR front. Our most
heartfelt thanks go out to
all those who worked tirelessly
and to the participants and
the sponsors as well.
KLM’s
Vincent Lafeber and TCB’s
Marieke Raaff agreed to improve joint marketing
efforts. KLM’s web site will promote
Bonaire and enable web-visitors to book
their ticket. Since Vincent has been a
great help over the last couple of years,
Marieke awarded him his own unique Bonaire-watch.
Being a windsurfer, he said he wants to
explore snorkeling while on Bonaire--that
is if we can convince him to go below the
surface instead of on it!
Last
month the shooting of BonaireVisits 2
took place on Bonaire. This powerful
marketing tool takes quite a lot of preparation
since a timeframe of over 5 months is
between the start and online marketing.
Once again Dutch actor Dirk Zeelenberg
took some of his showbiz-friends to Bonaire,
among which female singer Birgit Schuurman
(see picture). She visited Rose Inn to
see how to prepare a huge fish: quite
an experience in the local cuisine. TCB
Europe wishes to thank KLM, Kontiki,
Sand Dollar, Bonaire Oceanfront, Budget,
Total Car Rental, Den Laman, Stinapa,
Mangrove Information Center, and Bonaire
Landsailing and many others for their
kind cooperation.
Given
developments as discussed during the
marketing meeting, it seems that our
premier market, the Netherlands, is gaining
in importance. Since the load factor
on the direct flights to Bonaire is increasing
due to growing demand to/from South America,
the connection via Curacao (DAE) it is
becoming more and more important. Given
transfer time this connection will be
used by Dutch tourists far more than
tourists from other countries. After
the push last winter in the secondary
markets, TCB Europe will pay extra attention
to the Dutch market this summer and fall.
Last week De Volkskrant published a large
and positive article on Bonaire.
Every
two years TCB Europe organizes a
large football promotion for trade partners
based on either a World Cup or a
European Cup. This year the World Cup
takes place in Germany. Trade partners
both in Holland as well as on Bonaire
where invited to join the Bonaire game
and predict the winners. Every day there
is a new ranking. While writing this
Entre Nous-article, TCB’s
Joanny Trinidad is leading the pack.
But that can be different while reading
this article. See for yourself at
Last spring TCB Europe
proudly presented new dive videos.
A team from the magazine DUIKEN went
to Bonaire to shoot the videos. They
also displayed the Nature Tag and other
specific elements in their videos.
One of the team members, JP Bresser,
just came back from several trips around
the world. While at the office, TCB’s
Marieke Raaff surprised him with a
visit. And gave him a unique watch
to thank him for the great job he did
in improving the tied bonds between
the magazine DUIKEN and TCB Europe.
Another good example of personal marketing
as we agreed upon in our marketing-strategy.
After
months of preparation and hard work, Dive
Into Adventure Bonaire 2006 took place June
17 -24. Fifty-five (55) people from the U.S.
and Europe participated in the event which
featured dive, dive-related, and adventure-filled
activities led by local and international "stars." Among
the people that participated in the event
were media from the U.S., Europe, and South
America (see below). Highlights of the event
included A Taste of Bonaire, the event's
kick off party, which was attended by hundreds
of local Bonaireans and visitors and featured
local cuisine, dance and music. Ronella Croes,
Director of TCB, Harlton “Onnie” Emerenciana,
Commissioner of Tourism and Herbert Dommacasse,
Bonaire’s Lt. Governor, gave speeches;
Philippe Cousteau, Dos Winkel and Charles
Mazel provided guided dives, and “It's
a Knockout” was a fun night of team
games that took place in Bonaire's National
Stadium.
Scuba Tour Stops
What
better gift to give the journalists at
Caribbean Week’s Media Marketplace
than salt from Bonaire? Rocks of salt from
Cargill Salt Bonaire NV, beautifully wrapped
in colorful netting and tied with a cord
and wood-carved bright-colored fish, were
given to all journalists. A note on each
of the special packages instructed the
recipient to either hang in the shower
to let the water run through it to soften
the water, or drop in the bathtub for a
relaxing salt bath.
In June one press release was distributed
on Dive Newswire. The press release on
tour operator packages available in summer
and fall 2006 was posted on the site on
June 12 and distributed in Dive Newswire
on June 14. Dive Newswire is distributed
electronically to more than 6,000 dive
shop owners, manufacturers as well as media
outlets. 
In June two issues of Bonaire EZ News
were distributed to our database of 40,000
consumers and travel agents. The June
5 issue focused tour operator packages
being offered in the summer and fall
2006; while the June 19 issue focused
on island news and events taking place
in August, September and October.
The
Caribbean trade show took place from June
12th to 14th in Caracas. Travel agencies,
mainly from Caracas, Valencia, and Maracay,
visited our booth to gather general information
about packages and flights to Bonaire. Also,
the diveshops had scheduled appointments at
the booth. This year, Bonaire was invited to
give an official seminar to the travel agencies
as the other Caribbean destinations did. Also
the trade show was the perfect scenario to
select the winners of the South America Bonaire
Visitor Survey. La Tienda del Buceo (Valencia)
and Caracas Scuba Center (Caracas) were present
along with Josie and Steve Cieremans from SunRentals.
Fernando
Di Gerónimo,
ex Director
of Federación
Venezolana
de Actividades
Subacuaticas,
was recently
named Buddy
of Bonaire
for his permanent
support in
the promotion
of the island
in the diving
sector. Buddy
of Bonaire
is part of
our loyalty
program directed
at the diving
sector. 
Bonaire
Windsurf Place and Caribbean
Web Cams LLC are pleased
to announce that a new
WindsurfCam is available
on Bonaire. The WindsurfCam,
Bonaire’s latest
cam, joins a popular
roster of other Bonaire-based
web cams, including the
first permanent open
water reef web cam in
the world, along with
four land-based web cams.