 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.
'Caribbean Travel & Life' on island Ending the summer on a high note, the press visit of travel writer Chris Cox and photographer Tim Calver was a great success. On island to experience guided snorkeling first hand for CT&L’s cover story on snorkeling in Bonaire slated for this December, they spent time with Caren Eckrich of Sea & Discover and other resident experts. Chris also gathered additional information on Bonaire’s bird population for a second story he is writing called “Parrots of the Caribbean” to be published in 2007. Special thanks to everyone for your continued support and gracious hospitality during their visit. It's all about Bonaire in DemaLand... update #2 As summer was winding down and most people were enjoying the last bit of sun and fun, the organizers of DEMA were just getting started to shift into high gear. The end of summer meant mailing the preliminary conference brochure to prospective attendees. Both Bonaire and Bonhata’s logos were not only listed on the show’ sponsor page, but were also front and center as the co-sponsors of the pre-show work shop “Selling the Dive Travel Experience” that is scheduled for Tuesday, November 7th , from 8:00am -6:00pm. The next mailing piece with both logos on it will be sent to those who pre-register to receive their credentials in advance via the mail; also in the next two weeks, a “sponsor thank-you” page will be created and posted on the show’s website.
(click on one of the images to view enlarged version - will open in new window) Candice Kimmel and Holly Tripp just returned from Bonaire where they attended the Brand Development meeting September 15-17. During the meeting, Candice Kimmel presented the North American Marketing Plan for 2007. The plan will focus on the all-important Dive and Snorkeling markets to Bonaire, and include the continuation of key tactics such as the sponsorship of the DEMA Scuba Tour, the co-sponsorship of the pre-DEMA workshop “Selling the Dive Travel Experience”, the public sector/private sector co-op advertising buy and the ever-popular EZ News. A new element, ‘Solutions in a Box” (i.e. toolbox), will provide all of the tools the dive retailer will need to sell a dive trip or a snorkeling trip to Bonaire. Press visits to the island will continue to be a priority next year, with an increase in national publications as part of the plan. The bi-annual mailings to the entire consumer database and quarterly mailings to the dive shops will ensure key audiences of past visitors, enquirers and dive shops will be kept up to date on the happenings on island. Answering the toll free 800 number, responding to emails, ensuring the fulfillment of brochure requests and the ongoing support of our airline and tour operator partners form the basics of the activities. It should be an exciting and profitable year for the NA market as we look forward to new airlift from the New York area and a new resort in the making. After 12 years in mid-town Manhattan, TCB-NYC moved down to the Wall Street area on September 30. Our phone numbers, emails and the BONAIRE toll free number will remain unchanged. We are right next door to the Caribbean Tourism Office, so if you are in the area, stop by and see our new digs.
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 September one press release was written and distributed. The release focused on the Wounded Warriors that will be visiting Bonaire to complete their dive certification in October. On September 21, the island welcomed travel writer Ron Kapon for the day. Arrangements were made for an island tour, a special lunch stop and a meeting with Laura DeSalvo who is greatly involved in Bonaire's culinary sector. Ron was visiting Bonaire on the Windjammer Legacy and was gathering information for articles on his website and for the Bergen County Magazine, an upscale publication in New Jersey. He was especially interested in the culinary delights of Bonaire and it was our pleasure to accommodate him. We continued dialogue and finalized arrangements for the press visit of David Fishman and Ethan Gordon from Fathoms Magazine October 10-16. They will be on island during the coral spawning to gather information for a number of articles on Bonaire that will appear in the coming months in the magazine.Los Angeles Family (circulation 150,000) Caribbean Travel & Life (circulation 140,200) Jax Fax (circulation 26,000) TravelWeek (circulation 13,850) La Regata (circulation unknown) Travel Agent & Travel Weekly (online circulation) National (Canadian) Post (circulation 237,795)
DAE expanding flights in South America! It was with great pleasure that we received the news that DAE will soon service between Caracas and Bogotá. The company’s representative in Venezuela, Mr. Francisco Mohamed announced the service and it will definitely benefit the markets of Venezuela and Colombia making connecting easier to Bonaire. Also other Southern markets in Argentina and Chile already coming to Bonaire in small groups will benefit. Arribatur Brazil tour operator in the Brand Development Meeting
BONFM 102.7 international interview by Bubui Bubui always interviews the TCB overseas offices reps about the advances of the promotion of Bonaire around the world. The interview was in four different languages: Papiamento by Ronella (TCB Director), Candice in English (TCB USA), Roger in Dutch (TCB Europe) and Yasmin in Spanish (TCB South America). It was a very professional interview which permitted the Bonaire community to know more about how the island is being promoted in the different markets and also about the airlift which is improving day by day.Getting ready for the next Brazilian Dive Show On October 05th to the 10th, Bonaire will be promoted in Brazil, meeting again with the diving sector and tour operators at the Bonaire booth during the Sao Paulo Boat Show. It is a tremendous opportunity to meet again with them and coordinating new groups to visit the island coming in 2007. The improvements in airlift will certainly make it easier. Avianca now has daily flights from Sao Paulo, Rio to Aruba and four times a week to Curacao, all connecting to Bonaire the same day with DAE.
The Brazilian diving magazine from Belo Horizonte in its latest edition included a VCD (a video CD) of Bonaire. This poublication is growing in the diving segment and in its anniversary edition , Bonaire will be promoted as Paraiso do Mergulhadores (Diver´s Paradise) along with the hotel packages from Plaza Resort, Divi Flamingo, Coco Palm and Golden Reef. www.decostop.com.br (click on the image to view enlarged version - will open in new window) Next long weekend (Puente) in Venezuela Columbus Day (Oct 12-15), will be the last puente of the yearfor Venezuelans. Some diving schools such as Epsilon Dive, are planning to bring new groups to the island. The positive result of a Press Fam visit! On August 06th to the 09, Bonaire hosted a Venezuelan press fam thanks to the invitation by DAE, TCB and the properties Habitat, Port Bonaire, Eden Beach, Sunrentals, Sand Dollar and Hamlet. Some press releases already have been published: El Nacional Newspaper Revista Concenzo Médico The Regatta promoted in Venezuela This event continues being promoted by TCB among the sailing associations. The Consulate from Venezuela in Bonaire (Mrs Zhaydee Lugo) is lobbying with the Government to have the navy ship participate during the Regatta, as it used to be in the past. It would permit to have the windsurfers from different regions of Venezuela participating in the Regatta. Flights between Bonaire and Venezuela Always tourists are requesting via email, information about how to get to Bonaire from Caracas, Venezuela. These are the flight options:
2 VLN CUR 10:30/11:20 9H 2962 - CUR BON 12:00/12:30 9H 2962
Sao Paulo Boat Show, Brasil – Oct 05-10
Bonaire Lagoen Hill is offering a package that includes 7 nights accommodation, 6 days of 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. AB Carrental, located at the Airport of Bonaire, 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 per week. Also available " 4WD Drive Pick Up Trucks and 4WD SUV s" 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 per week. Also available with automatic transmission. Taxes not included. Visit the AB Carrental Web site at: www.ABcarrental.com for further details and make your reservation through our on-line-reservation system or by sending an email to info@ABcarrental.com. Fox Discount Airport Car Rental, has a Special for Divers untill December 22 - 2006 >>
November, 2006 Nov 4 - Rincon marshé (market) December, 2006 Dec 1 - Bari Festival Period
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The recent TCB Marketing Meeting was really a milestone event. We had the participation of over 180 folks during the two day program. The first day we presented our new TCB Branding and reported the results of our research that led up to this meeting. We were able to pinpoint the areas where we will be putting our efforts to improve the product and to realize more visitors to the island. The second part of the day one was dedicated to the Marketing Strategies in our different markets and to the Internet and plans for our new presence on the web.
AMBASSADOR HONORED FOR BRINGING GROUPS FOR 29 YEARS TO BONAIRE 
AMBASSADORS HONORED
Tickets can be obtained in advance at several selling points, including Jong Bonaire, BonFysiotherapie (physiotherapy center) and De Freewieler (cycle shop in town). 
USONA (foundation for development of the Netherland Antilles) has contributed in total an amount of 2,2 milion Antillean guilders to 27 approved projects on Bonaire.
All projects that will receive money from USONA meet the criteria; direct fight of poverty.
With the ‘Breakfast in School’ project The Rotary Club Bonaire has received and amount of Ang. 112,000.-.
The money will be used by the Rotary Club Bonaire for kids who go to school with an empty stomach; at the schools they will start their day with a healthy breakfast. They eat together under care of the teachers which also gives a corporate sense.
While the amount has been given for the period of one year, the Rotary Club Bonaire will extend this project for the coming year with for example; giving out breakfast to the children in the vacation period. 
While most children and families are enjoying the summer vacation
from school, some adults are already preparing for the new school
year.
NetTech, N.V. today (September 12th) announced the unveiling of a new on-line service - One-Stop-Quotes - on InfoBonaire, The Bonaire Information Site™. InfoBonaire One-Stop-Quotes will allow potential Bonaire visitors to easily request rates and availability for select hotels and car rental companies with a simple on-line submission. The site will automatically forward the request to all local companies which the visitor has selected.
NetTech, N.V. today (August 22nd) announced a new independent news service called Bonaire Insider. Located on the Internet at 
We've sold Ocean View Villas! It's been a great 12 years!We'll still be here on Bonaire, but now we'll focus all our attention on our other companies. 
On Saturday, September 16th, 2006, a group of 32 divers met at Bonaire Yellow Submarine to prepare and coordinate for the final clean up dive of 2006. 
After a comprehensive briefing by Jake Richter of NetTech (a co-sponsor of the Quarterly Clean Ups), the group geared up and headed out to the dive site, an area of coastline between the Something Special dive site and the fisherman’s pier. All divers were briefed as to what type of trash to bring up, as well as information on how to avoid harming the reef or other marine animals. 
By 2:00 PM, the volunteers were all geared up and in the water where they found a rather strong current going north. Equipped with bags, scissors, and lifting gear provided by Yellow Submarine, the divers managed to collect over two hundred kilograms (440 pounds) of garbage, consisting of numerous bottles and cans, cups and plates, pieces of fiberglass, lost parts of an outboard engine and nine car tires. Even a brand new towel was found, which will be re-cycled for use. An upside down wheelbarrow remained, as the sea had already begun to claim it as its own: coral had begun to colonize on the metal.
Following high acclaim for the 2006 Bonaire Creations Calendar released a year ago, Linda & Jake Richter and their company, Bonaire Creations BV, have announced the release of the 2007 Bonaire Creations Calendar.
TCB's Marieke Raaff and Plaza's Bous Scholts joined forces at the Kuoni Workshop. Being new on the block in the Caribbean, Kuoni Holland is planning to invest in tourism to the Dutch Antilles. Kuoni is a Swiss based tour operator and one of the largest in Europe. Last May the buyers came over to Bonaire for inspection and this resulted in a prominent place for Bonaire in their brochures. Marieke and Bous informed the travel agents on Bonaire in a typical relaxed and personal way. 
The marketing meeting on Bonaire brought Rudy Kloppenborg to Bonaire. Rudy is the founder of ABC Travel. Winner of the Bonaire Promotion Award and since 'forever' has been one of the great tour operators selling Bonaire. Not just selling because Rudy really loves the island and it shows. He was surprised and proud to be honored with the Silver Medal. Presented It was presented to him by TCB's general manager Ronella Croes. Rudy, once again: congrats and keep up the good work.
As the Scuba Tour truck crisscrosses the USA, the license plate BONAIRE 1 is just one more way Bonaire’s message is taken to key cities throughout the USA. The side panels of the truck were newly painted this summer by the renowned underwater artist Wyland. The truck is on the road an average of 20 days a month, as Big Wave Dave hauls the 17,000-gallon pool from one Adventure and Dive Show to the next. 
The weekend of September 8-10, the Scuba Tour was in San Pedro, California (just outside of Los Angeles) at the annual Lobster Fest. The TV coverage on Fox went national, resulting in 120 TV markets across the USA hearing Big Wave Dave explain the best thing about learning to Scuba Dive is to travel to great places like Bonaire in the Dutch Caribbean and dive.
In September two issues of Bonaire EZ News were distributed to our database of 40,000 consumers and travel agents. The September 12th issue focused on the Wounded Warriors that will be visiting Bonaire in October and other island news, while the September 26th issue focused on island news and upcoming events.
Flavio Lara, director and owner of Arribatur, visited Bonaire to participate in the Brand Development meeting that took place on island on Sep 14th- 16th. Flavio´s imput during the meeting was very important to consolidate the positioning of Bonaire in the Brazilian tourist market. Flavio captivated the audience talking about the strongest market in South America with the largest diving population. He was very pleased with the invitation from Bonaire which allowed him to know more about the island, its friendly people and the wonderful restaurants. Arribatur is more committed today in the promotion of Bonaire and in November will return to the island bringing a new group of sixty divers. 
