 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.
Cruise tourism continues to grow on Bonaire. We welcomed the Crown Princess and the Legacy to our port for the first time. Kaya Grandi was full of visitors and we gave out lots of literature, etc. The merchants seemed quite pleased and from comments heard from some of the passengers, they enjoyed their visit. It is our intention , together with private sector" cooperation, to onvert some of the cruise passengers to stay over guests. NetTech Augments The Bonaire Insider with New Photo Gallery of Bonaire Images Kralendijk, Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles, November 27, 2006: NetTech, N.V. today announced that it has augmented the services available on the Bonaire web log, The Bonaire Insider (www.bonaireinsider.com), to include a new Photo Gallery of images from the island. The Photo Gallery has already begun with images of Queen Beatrix of The Netherlands’ recent visit to Bonaire, the American ex-patriot’s Thanksgiving Day Feast, the arrival of Sinterklaas (St. Nicholas), and the Surinamese festival of Brasa Dey. As events occur on Bonaire, additional images will be added. To view the new Photo Gallery, visit http://www.bonaireinsider.com/index.php/gallery_bonaire. NetTech, N.V. is Bonaire’s largest and most renowned Internet hosting and e-mail services company, providing all levels of Internet marketing, design, specialized programming, and graphic services. Rotary Club of Bonaire presented Youth Outreach Organization with a check Rotary Club of Bonaire presented Youth Outreach Organization with a check for Naf 5,000 for the upcoming Christmas gifts for the less fortunate children on the island. It is the 3rd year Rotary Club is supporting this organization in hope that the Christmas is a little brighter for all...........
RE/MAX Paradise Bonaire Homes and Caribbean WebCams Join Together for Bonaire’s New StreetCam
RE/MAX is pleased to be a part of the growing family of webcams on Bonaire. Owner Bob Bartikoski states, “Since we are located just off Kaya Grandi on Bonaire, we wanted all our clients to be able to view the main street at any time, to remind them of the island. All they have to do is visit the site, and they can view live images of Kralendijk.” Images from the new DowntownCam are available for viewing at www.bonairewebcams.com. The 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, DonkeyCam, and WindsurfCam. Many Bonaire visitors plan at least one trip to the cams to wave to family and friends back home and now the DowntownCam makes this very easy. www.bonairewebcams.com receives an average of 200,000 visitors per month, with an average of 2,000,000 page views per month. To check out new Bonaire Ambassadors. please visit: www.bonaireambassador.com
November 16, 2006 Arke organized a tutorial for its staff. Since Arkefly started to fly to Bonaire their staff needs to know about the destination. TCB’s Marieke Raaff went to Enschede to meet with the travel agents. She gave them a preview of the next edition of BonaireVisits.tv. Hetty Grote (Divi) and Lisa Muelhemann (Buddy Dive and Caribbean Club) joined Marieke to meet over 30 people at the Arke HQ. Now they all know about our great diving possibilities, about windsurfing, about our history and culture and of course they just felt the vibes that Bonaire is quite another island compared to Curacao and Aruba.
Since Arkefly joined KLM in connecting Bonaire and Amsterdam we can expect more Dutch tourists. But they do not come ‘just like that’so we need to give it some serious marketing effort. This fall and winter TCB Europe will increase its PR-activities beginning this winter which is by far our most important marketing season. Mostly it takes some time to see our efforts printed, but this time the Algemeen Dagblad delivered rapidly. Quite a large article appeared in this leading Dutch newspaper! (Click on the image to view the enlarged ad)
Three new movies starring Peer Mascini went ‘live’ last week to officially start BonaireVisits 2. After teasing the visitors of www.BonaireVisits.tv with a preview, our audience was informed the brand new movies of Peer on Bonaire are to be seen at the website. After promoting diving, snorkeling, windsurfing and our other main activities, this time we also shot a more unknown part of Bonaire. Peer Mascine went land sailing! Of course we also see him on other parts of the island. The PR-department also launched the PR-campaign around these new movies. Our trade partners (tour operators and travel agents) were informed prior to the consumer launch giving them always a head start in marketing! For the Peer-movies we like to thank again Den Laman for hosting and arranging car rental. At the TCB Europe office things are building to a climax in marketing efforts after the holidays show season really kicks off. The Vakantiebeurs in Utrecht starts January 9 with the traditional Bonaire trade day. This day we thank all our trade partners for their wonderful work. Airlines as well as tour operators and press are invited to join us.. Afterwards DuikVaker finds its place in our calendar. February is the time to focus on the Dutch dive market. And in March we will be heading towards Berlin for the ITB. This is the largest international trade show in Europe where we meet all our trade partners from the various secondary market. During this show TCB’s Rob Al will host the booth. We are very happy to see Bonaire will probably will present itself as one island again during next show season, for which we would like to thank all people on island for their efforts.
From designing and printing colorful new postcards for the Show and sending Patricia Rowan to work the TCB booth, to securing the Selling Dive Travel Workshop for Bonaire sponsorship and creating the Scuba Tour presentation, preparations for DEMA Show 2006 in Orlando and post-show follow-up dominated the activities of the US office this month. Based on comments from Show attendees this was on of the best Shows in recent history. TCB-NYC also wants to recognize and salute all of the Bonaire exhibitors who invested their time and money and worked so hard to take Bonaire’s message to the US dive industry. Kudos! It was a job well done!
From Keynote speaker Peter Greenberg’s comments on Bonaire to the afternoon speaker, Steve Weaver of Dream Weavers Travel, Bonaire was prominently mentioned as the Dive Destination of Choice throughout the entire day. In his third year as keynote speaker, Peter Greenberg greeted the representatives from Bonaire as “old friends.” Over 150 of the nation’s top dive retailers attended the conference to learn the latest trends in the market place (including the importance of the female baby boomer market), to the specifics of putting together a successful dive trip.
At the request of DEMA’s Executive Director Tom Ingram, Jack Chalk presented the Retailer’s Tool Kit from www.bonairedivingpro.com to the attendees of the Selling Dive Travel Workshop. The presentation was written by TCB-NYC and originally presented to a small group of DEMA executives and members in March of 2005. At that time, the tool kit was recognized as “one of the best tools a destination has ever produced for dive retailers.” Based on the comments of those attending the workshop, these retailers agreed that the updated tool kit continued to be the retailers best tool when planning a dive trip to Bonaire.
On behalf of the International Accolade Foundation of Bonaire, an award of recognition was presented to DEMA’s Tom Ingram during the recent DEMA Show in Orlando. The presentation of the award certificate and beautiful pewter medal was made by Jack Chalk. See Photo and text below:
The Accolade Foundation of Bonaire, whose many members are and have been involved with DEMA since your beginning in Miami in 1976, hereby recognize and applaud your 30th anniversary. We salute you. Further our board has unanimously agreed that because of DEMA there have been untold organizations, dive shops, individuals and groups that have found the truth in environmentalism. As I have said, we in the diving industry have come a long ways since the macho divers and the hunters of the past. Saying “thank you” is usually not a difficult task, but when almost everyone on Bonaire deserves to be thanked for the role they played in making the Wounded Warrior’s experience so memorable, it is a HUGE task indeed! Since the eye of our cameras caught many wonderful moments during their stay on island in October, the Wounded Warrior Photo Gallery was created for those moments to be shared with you. Please visit http://www.bonairedivingpro.com/ww_gallery and see for yourself. On behalf of the Wounded Warriors and their spouses and fiancés, we would like to thank Governor Domacasse & Mrs. Domacasse, Commissioner Emerenciana (a.k.a. Onnie), Captain Don, Jack Chalk, Karen Chalk, Martien van der Valk, Junny Junga, Andre Nahr, Sara Matera, Serge De Groote, members of BonaireTalk News Group, Rishi Malhotra, Corrinna and Hagen Wegerer, Dirk-Jan Methorst, Corrine Gerharts, Patrick Urlepp, “KFC” Ruth, Bikers Bonaire Motorcycle Club, Michael Gaynor, Nadine and Murray Brewton, Rum Runners Restaurant, Ronella Croes, Rolando Marin, and Robert Everts and everyone else who supported the group,(even with just a warm Bonairean smile) for making a lasting impression on each of them… they’ll be back! Masha Danki!
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 November one press release was written and distributed. The release highlighted Bonaire's activities at DEMA Show 2006 and was distributed on Dive Newswire. Began working with Christina Colon on a possible press visit in winter 2006. Ms. Colon will be visiting Bonaire to gather information for an expanded Bonaire chapter in the guidebook the Portable Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao. With the expansion of the Bonaire chapter in the guide Ms. Colon will be visiting hotels, restaurants and attractions. Began dialogue with travel writer Kay Showker on a possible press visit in mid-January 2007 following CHA Marketplace in Aruba. Ms. Showker is a well-known writer who has written articles for national and travel trade publications. Ms. Showker is also the author of numerous guidebooks including ones focusing on cruising and The 100 Best Resorts of the Caribbean.Chicago Tribune & Miami Herald (combined circulation 1,340,130) Edmonton Journal & Province Newspaper (combined circulation 401,718) Enroute (circulation 250,000) Cruise Travel Magazine (circulation 200,000) Sport Diver (circulation 200,000) Caribbean Travel & Life (circulation 130,000) Jax Fax (circulation 26,000)
A new seminar Discover Bonaire & Discovery Scuba arriving this year to its VIII edition, took place in Caracas on Nov 21st directed to the tour operator’s sales force and corporate companies selling the Caribbean. It was a half day activity, the participants were trained by Yasmin Pérez with key information of the island, its activities, accommodations, gastronomy, events, entertainment and specially connecting flights which were presented by Transaven and DAE representatives.
Following the participants were taken to the swimming pool as part of the incentive program “A diver in each travel agency” whose objective is to familiarize them with the strength of the island… its diving. The activity Discovery Scuba was organized by Chichiriviche Divers in co op with TCB. The tour operators and corporate companies invited were: Turaser, Salta, AllWays, Kanguro, Escala, Condor Verde, Zumaque, Quovadis, Azalea, Alborada, Global Marketing and Airone. They were very enthusiastic and pleased with the event, receiving a certificate by TCB.
For two consecutives days, we had the opportunity to meet with the Venezuelan tourism sector which visited our booth giving them all the general information of Bonaire, the 2007 hotel packages and the airlift to the island by Transaven and Dutch Antilles Express. The Caribbean destinations participating were Aruba, Curacao, Bonaire, Dominican Republic, Barbados, Puerto Rico, and Margarita Island among others. Avavit is the most important trade show in Venezuela beside Caribe Tourism Exposition in May. The tour operators, travel agencies and general tourism sector gathered to trade and find out what’s new at the different destinations.
A trimestal diving magazine arriving this year to its third anniversary. It’s positioning within the diving sector, as we noticed recently during our visit to the diving schools in Sao Paulo. For its anniversary edition (Aug/Sep/Oct), Bonaire was promoted along with the hotel programs from Plaza, Divi, Coco Palm, Golden Reef, Sun Rentals, Buddy Dive, Lagoen Hill, Belmar. The tour operator Arribatur also advertised Bonaire along with its 9 big diving schools in a ½ color page ad. Deco stop magazine is from Belo Horizonte, the second largest diving city in Brazil after Sao Paulo. Flavio from Arribatur again in Bonaire! This strong Brazilian tour operator along the year has being bringing many groups to Bonaire. His last visit on island was recently in Nov 11th to the 18th with 51 divers. Flavio got his diving certification last February in Bonaire and since then has being diving a lot becoming an expert diver on island. Congratulations Flavio! New tour operator from Ecuador in Bonaire With the upcoming changes in flights starting next March, whereby KLM's flights to Ecuador will go from 5 frequencies to 6 frequencies, our colleague Axel Metselaar KLM General Manager in Quito, introduced us Mr. Jose Ruben Proaño, important tour operator interested to promote the island among the high segment in Ecuador. Mr. Proaño came to Bonaire on dates Nov 16th to the 19th, visiting the different properties, meeting with the key people of the private sector, experiencing our diving in the pristine Marine Park, touring the island and enjoyed its gastronomy. Even though the program was 3 nights, 4 days Mr. Proaño was very impressed with Bonaire, very soon Bonaire will be promoted within his Caribbean program. Thanks to everyone on island who made possible his visit, especially KLM and Bonaire Ocean Front for the complementary services. Bonaire in Cosmopolitan magazine! The prestigious magazine in its Spanish October edition published with beautiful pictures a three page article by the journalist Penélope Lanes titled “Bonaire El Caribe secreto”, mentioning the island continues being a special place for those who have experienced the magic of Bonaire. Cosmo gives the readers 15 reasons to enjoy the island, practices windsurf, diving, kayaking, ecotourism or just relax. Among the accommodations, Harbour Village, Belmar and Happy Holiday Homes are mentioned; meanwhile Karpata, 1000 Steps, Andrea 1, The Invisibles, Belmar Reef, Town Pier and Klein Bonaire are considered special diving spots. An interesting article edited in Miami and distributed in many country of South America. Following some press releases as a result of a Venezuelan press fam on island on dates Aug 06th to the 09th. Ruta’s Magazine El Carabobeño The Daily Journal Business Venezuela
Continental Airlines Has Your Ticket to Paradise Saavy travelers have known for years that one of the best ways to maximize your vacation is to be able to travel in comfort on an airline with a reputation and performance record that is one of the best in the industry. Continental Airlines has been named the most admired U.S. airline by FORTUNE magazine and rated as the top airline in their list of Most Admired Global Companies for the third time. With routes to Bonaire originating from Houston Intercontinental Airport and new service from Newark International Airport, Continental is truly the “diver’s airline”. Caradonna Dive Adventures has had a long standing relationship with Continental Airlines and provide exclusive packaging under the Continental Airlines Vacations brand. Continental Airlines Vacations dive travel specialists provide all of the benefits that flying with Continental Airlines provides. One Pass membership rewards customers with everything from seat upgrades to reward travel, mileage earning opportunities, travel bonuses and preferred customer benefits. Exclusive promotions as well as group incentives also are available (but may be limited to certain seasons or destinations). For more information on Continental Airlines Vacations packages, call 800-829-7777 or visit www.covacations.com/diving.aspx. Packages Continental Airlines Dive Vacations Buddy Dive Resort 8 days, 7 nights from $1522 pp quad Divi Flamingo Beach Resort- 8 days, 7 nights from $1566 PP DBL/OCC Rate Restrictions: Air prices may be restricted to specific flights, dates and days of travel. Packages include air transportation, hotel accommodations, diving (w/tanks & weights) and roundtrip airport/hotel transfers unless noted otherwise. Above prices may include published air-fare available at the time of printing. Purchase by date or instant purchase may be required. All packages unless otherwise noted are based on travel from Houston Intercontinental Airport. AVAILIBILITY IS LIMITED, rates do not include U.S. Arrival/Departure taxes, International Airport Departure tax, Immigration, Customs User Fee, Federal Inspection Fees and/or APHIS fees from $37.50 to $153.00. Individual Country Departure tax requires direct payment by passenger. Tours operated by Caradonna Dive Adventures (CTS-2063948-40 & FST # 36173). 3rd annual Singles Weeks in Bonaire Active windsurfers, kiters and divers might want to head to Bonaire for the 3rd annual Singles Weeks which runs from Feb 3 to Feb 24, 2007. Organized by windsurfer and on island travel agent, Ann Phelan of Caribbean Wind & Sun Vacations (www.bonairecaribbean.com), this is a chance for solos to mix, mingle and enjoy the many activities Bonaire has to offer. To arrange services such as airfare, single accommodations, gear and vehicle rentals, email ann@bonairecaribbean.com.
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This year's DEMA Orlando venue saw a new initiative presented by participants of the Bonaire Pavillion. We awarded the Golden Flamingo Award to acknowledge our travel partners in the North American Market who have worked to make our destination a success. 
Kralendijk, Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles, December 1, 2006: 
An Accolade Recognition
In November one issue of Bonaire EZ News was distributed to our database of consumers and travel agents. The November 20 issue focused on island and airline news and upcoming events.
In November one press release was distributed on Dive Newswire. The press release focused on Bonaire's activities at DEMA Show 2006 and was posted to the site and distributed on November 1, 2006. Dive Newswire is distributed electronically to more than 6,000 dive shop owners, manufacturers as well as media outlets. 
