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Entre Nous
Bonaire's Monthly Newsletter

Current issue

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

(Click here to subscribe or unsubscribe)

Issue # 117
June, 2010

Inside this issue:

TCB BONAIRE

Local Report

TCB WORLDWIDE

TCB - Europe Report

TCB - New York Report

TCB - South America Report

NEWS FROM THE TOURISM SECTOR

 

TCB Bonaire | Local Report

 

Ms. Ronella Tjin Asjoe-CroesFrom the Director's Desk

The world economy still is a major concern in all tourism sectors, especially in the Caribbean. Some destinations report moderate increases, others remain flat, while still some islands are showing steep declines. It is difficult to draw any conclusions since we are just beginning to see the start of the summer travel season. True that advance bookings are a strong indication of business, many folks are making last minute plans and plane reservations taking advantage of airline sales as they pop up.

June is the kick-off for our 4 th annual Bonaire Dive Into Summer. TCB has come up with four months of activities and programs designed to attract new and repeat visitors to our island.

BONAIRE DIVE INTO SUMMER ACTIVITIES

Buddy Dive Photo Contest, June 1-August 1

Marshe Di Rincon, July 3

Bonaire Art Day, July 4
Bonaire Art Day will be filled with cultural events. Guests can dance to the music of Bonaire and eat special local dishes. This year will be the 18th year of the Bonaire Art Day. Bonaire Art Day takes place at the Wilhelmina Park from 11 Am – 11 Pm.

Dive Friends Underwater Clean Up, July 10
Dive Friends, together with Net Tech N.V., organizes and sponsors the quarterly Bonaire Underwater Clean Up Dive between 01.00 PM and 04.00 PM. They invite and welcome any participants who want to combine vacation with doing the right thing for the reefs. Meet at Dive Friends at the Yellow Submarine.

6th Annual Starboard Pro Kids Freestyle World Championship, July 28 - August 1
A week of activities with a special focus on the young children participating. An internationally recognized windsurfing competition which is the meeting point of different countries around the world.
For more information:   www.prokidsfreestyle.com

Taste of Bonaire 2010, July
This festival marks the beginning of Celebrate Our Planet Week. At this Taste of Bonaire, you'll have the opportunity to experience food, culture, local handicrafts and all things offered on Bonaire. On top of that, you'll have the opportunity to taste signature dishes of well-known restaurants offered at special prices.

Celebrate Our Planet Week, July
Celebrate our planet week begins right after the Taste of Bonaire and is part of Bonaire's fourth Bonaire Dive Into Summer program. Bonaire will be hosting a special guest, renowned in the world of nature protection and sustainable development, who will participate in varying activities. Furthermore, the winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award will be announced. The Lifetime achievement award is an award for people who have actively helped promote the ideas and principles of sustainable tourism.
For more information:   www.tourismbonaire.com

Marshe Di Rincon August

Marshe Di Rincon September

Local Fishing Tournament, September
This popular event celebrates the maritime history of Bonaire, significant to many local families whose maritime history may go back several generations. (more info to come)

Bonaire Flag Day, September 6
A local holiday where the entire island of Bonaire celebrates the national flag. Most of the time it is held within a chosen neighborhood on Bonaire where locals and visitors dance, eat, drink in the streets with several  bands for entertainment.

Cleanup by Dive Friends and Net Tech N.V. ,   September 18
Dive Friends Bonaire, together with NetTech, N.V., organizes and sponsors the quarterly Bonaire Underwater Clean Up Dive.

World Clean Up Day, September 25
This annual clean up day allows you to join a team of volunteers and clean up our beautiful island Klein Bonaire.

I am happy to also mention the tremendous success of the Heineken Jazz Festival last month. It certainly delivered everything as advertosed! It is a promising event that should be attracting more and more visitors every year. The Jazz Festival remains one of the island most well attended events!

10/10/10 will mark a new era for Bonaire. The Netherlands Antilles will cease to exist and Bonaire will join Saba and St. Eustatius and become special municipalities of Holland. Outwardly, visitors will see little change. The most obvious will be the adoption of the US dollar as the legal currency. However, there will be several changes that will be felt among those residing on the three islands. For the most part, we believe that the changes will be positive and will help lift the standard of living. It is anticipated that it will be positive for our tourism industry and the people living on the island. The introduction of the US dollar will be beneficial for our US tourism market, which represents 45% of our market, but also for doing business in the region. The new constitutional status will certainly also be favorable for our European, mainly Dutch, market, which also represents 45% of our market. It has already proven to be a great vehicle of free publicity in the Dutch market, which in turn has had a positive impact on the awareness of Bonaire, attraction of visitors and attraction of investors. Bonaire's economy did and is benefitting from the investments being made in its economy, health-care, education, police force etc. and we hope that this will further contribute to a healthy transition into the new status. Should you require more information, we will be happy to assist you or to point you in the right direction.

Please mark your calendar, our annual Marketing Meeting will be held from September 27 th to September 29 th 2010. Your presence and input make a difference, so please mark your calendar!

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Bonaire Ambassadors

To check out new Bonaire Ambassadors, please visit: www.bonaireambassador.com

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TCB Worldwide | TCB - Europe Report

 

New Dutch Bonaire E-letter send out>

We regularly send out e-letters to inform people about Bonaire. In the latest Dutch e-letter we informed our readers about the limited edition dive watch they can win. All they have to do is vote for their favorite dive story in our new digital dive brochure. We also pointed out the fact that they can join Bonaire on Facebook, take part in the new ‘Clean Up Dive' and profit from the travel specials if they book their December holiday to Bonaire now!

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< New English Newsletter

Off course we also send out an English newsletter. In this newsletter for the European market we emphasis on the divers. The items? Dive site Andrea 1 in the spotlight, Dive Into Summer and the ‘Clean Up Dive'. But here we also paid attention to Bonaire on Facebook and to Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire.

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Leading role for Bonaire turtles in ‘Duiken’ Magazine >

‘What we have witnessed in just a few days can justifiably be called a once-in-a-lifetime experience'. This quote comes from an article published in the April 2010 issue of the Dutch diving magazine ‘Duiken'. It concerns an eight-page article bursting with enthusiasm. Not surprisingly, because the journalists went in search of the best divers on Bonaire: the sea turtles. But in this issue ‘Duiken' focused even more attention on Bonaire. They had an entire page devoted to our island. ‘Duiken' has a circulation of 22,000 copies and a reach of 45,000 readers! We would like to thank everyone very much for their contribution. Especially all the people from Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire. Your effort made this press trip another great success.

 

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< Bonaire in Mitteldeutsche Zeitung

This February the ‘Mitteldeutsche Zeitung' printed an article about Bonaire. This German newspaper has a circulation of 330,000 copies. The journalist who wrote the peace came along on the ABC press trip in September 2009. In the article Bonaire is praised for its nature tourism and great dive possibilities

 

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Bonaire Professionals on LinkedIn >

The social network site LinkedIn has its own Bonaire group now. This group is especially made for Bonaire professionals: businesslike friends of our island! Here you can stay up to date from the latest Bonaire campaigns, press releases and Bonaire facts. Do you want to get in touch with people working for travel agencies, tour operators, dive schools, dive shops and dive clubs? With people working at windsurf schools or other professionals that love Bonaire? You can subscribe at:: http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=2915585&trk=anetsrch_name&goback=%2Egdr_1272987847799_1.

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< Bonaire Duikbelevenissen online!

Our new digital dive brochure is online. It's called ‘Bonaire Duikbelevenissen', In English that means ‘Bonaire Dive Experiences'. Divers send us dive stories they've experienced on Bonaire. These stories our now bundled in this digital brochure, accompanied by colorful photos made during those particular dives. Readers can vote for their four favorite stories. The writer of the story with the most votes wins a trip to Bonaire for two!

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Ad in ‘Duiken’ magazine

Dive instructor Jenny Marchena features in an ad in the Dutch ‘Duiken' magazine. The header tells the readers to put their dive goggles on if they go and visit the Bonaire website. Because the videos on www.tourismbonaire.com make a virtual visit to our website an almost real experience!

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Bonaire on Van der Valk Reismarkt

Our new digital dive brochure is online. It's called ‘Bonaire Duikbelevenissen', In English that means ‘Bonaire Dive Experiences'. Divers send us dive stories they've experienced on Bonaire. These stories our now bundled in this digital brochure, accompanied by colorful photos made during those particular dives. Readers can vote for their four favorite stories. The writer of the story with the most votes wins a trip to Bonaire for two!

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TCB Worldwide | New York Report

Bonaire Dive Into Summer 2010

TCB-NY has been busy with preparations over the last several months, and Bonaire Dive Into Summer 2010 is now in full swing through September 30, 2010. This program, already in its fourth year, focuses upon SCUBA diving through a series of specialty topics including family, photography, and marine conservation and features an array of activities for divers, adventurers, and sun seekers.

Through collaborated efforts, we've helped to arrange this year's program for Bonaire Dive Into Summer so that it offers visitors the flexibility to enjoy their planned vacation on-island, and, as an added bonus, the option to take part in special dives and clean-ups, eco-oriented activities and festivals, all of which practically guarantees a fun and educational experience in Bonaire. Bonaire Dive Into Summer will also feature specially priced activities for various happenings, specialty topics, and one-of-a-kind events. For more information, view the Bonaire Dive Into Summer Calendar of Events at www.tourismbonaire.com/index.php?id=285 . There is no registration fee to participate in Bonaire Dive Into Summer, although select activities may have a nominal cost involved, and all activities are open to anyone on island wishing to take part.

As we continue to promote this year's program to our North American audience, we are employing a variety of tactics and using key channels to distribute the news. Bonaire Dive Into Summer has taken center stage in EZ News, press releases, ads (see below), ePostcards and there's more to come. Additionally, Bonaire Dive Into Summer is being promoted via Bonaire's social media sites, Facebook and Twitter. Daily messages are posted reminding Bonaire's fans to sign up and enter our on-line contest to win a trip for two to Bonaire during "Celebrate Our Planet Week," the signature event of Bonaire Dive Into Summer. The week-long event recognizes the importance of preserving our environment and particularly for Bonaire, the marine park. To enter, participants log on to www.tourismbonaire.com , and fill out the form to win an unforgettable vacation for two people this August that includes an 8-day/7-night hotel stay at Captain Don's Habitat Bonaire including accommodations and 6 days of unlimited shore diving and complimentary airfare on Continental Airlines, the official airline sponsor of Bonaire Dive Into Summer and "Celebrate Our Planet Week." For more information on the contest's rules and regulations log onto www.tourismbonaire.com/celebratecontest .

  

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Celebrate Our Planet Week (Behind the Scenes)

TCB-NY is putting the final touches on the details for "Celebrate Our Planet Week," which will take place August 22-28. Select media has been invited and the group will be escorted by TCB-NY's own Stephanie Worth. During the week, there will be themed dives, book signings, and oceanographic presentations by a noted personality, providing informative events for visitors and residents alike to increase their knowledge of how Bonaire's ecosystem fits into the global environmental picture. Who? Well, we can't tell you just yet, but stay tuned to future issues of Entre Nous for more details.

Also, during this special week, the 2010 North American recipient of Bonaire's Lifetime Achievement Award will be honored, and the winner of the island's on-line contest will enjoy their free trip for two, with accommodations provided by Captain Don's Habitat Bonaire and airlift provided by Continental Airlines, the official sponsor of Bonaire Dive Into Summer.

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Wounded Warriors to Return to Bonaire

For the 5th consecutive year, TCB-NY will once again work with DEMA/Be A Diver and numerous sponsors so that Bonaire can welcome another group of Wounded Warriors this summer, August 7-14, 2010. In cooperation with 9Line LLC, 10 severely wounded troops and their significant others will travel to the island to complete the final step in the process of obtaining their dive certification, fully hosted by Captain Don's Habitat Bonaire. Each year the island opens their arms to welcome this group and shows them not only the natural beauty and pristine waters of Bonaire, but also the warmth and friendliness of the Bonairean people and their genuine hospitality.

As in past years, donations of funding or services are very welcome to assist with the costs of such an endeavor. If you would like to help, email marie@adams-pr.com .

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Bonaire EZ News

In April, one issue of EZ News was distributed, highlighting low-season hotel packages, new restaurants on Bonaire, and Insel Air's current airfare promotion. The issue may be viewed by clicking here: www.bonairedivingpro.com/EZNews/2010_apr_1_eznews.html .

The June edition, distributed on June 7th, focused upon Bonaire Dive Into Summer 2010, highlighting some of the special festivals, events, or other activities. This issue also highlighted some new activities available on Bonaire, including Bonaire sea-salt body scrubs by the Massage Hut and the Bonaire Goat Cheese Farm Bicycle Tour from Bonaire Wellness Connexions. View this issue by clicking here: www.bonairedivingpro.com/EZNews/2010_june_1_eznews.html

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Dive News Wire

Since our last report, Dive News Wire has published a variety of information about Bonaire, including the announcement of Bonaire's fourth annual Dive Into Summer program, which is taking place now through September 30 this year. Click here to view the information: divenewswire.com/NewsITems.aspx?newsID=10870 .

Additionally, the on-island activities to celebrate Earth Day were published on April 7th. View this report at www.divenewswire.com/NewsITems.aspx?newsID=10848 .

Also, the online contest for two lucky persons to win a trip to Bonaire during Celebrate Our Planet Week as highlighted on May 9, 2010. View this report at www.divenewswire.com/NewsITems.aspx?newsID=10923 .

On May 11, 2010, Dive News Wire ran information regarding the addition of the full Insel Air schedule and rates on Expedia.com; view this report at www.divenewswire.com/NewsITems.aspx?newsID=10921

Several of these stories were also published in their consumer version, Diver Wire. Dive News Wire is distributed electronically to more than 8,000 dive shop owners, manufacturers, as well as media outlets.

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Press Visits

Host/Director Jonathan Bird of Jonathan Bird's Blue World , will be visiting Bonaire September 26 to October 1, to film the island for an upcoming episode that will highlight Bonaire's diving and coral spawning. Jonathan will be traveling with a crew of three and their itinerary will heavily focus on diving all around Bonaire. Jonathan Bird's Blue World is an educational program about the underwater world produced for a family audience, airing on PBS across the US. The show is filmed all around the world and currently airing in 150 million households and climbing.

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Press Releases

As part of the on-going press release program, Adams Unlimited researches, writes, and prepares a steady stream of release for mailings to the media for applicable editorial coverage based on editorial calendars and the need to disseminate timely news. Since the last issue of Entre Nous, seven press releases have been issued.

These releases provided information about Earth Day activities on Bonaire, the special promotional airfare offered by Insel Air, the fourth edition of Bonaire Dive into Summer (2010), Bonaire's celebration of the World Day of Bio-Diversity, the on-line contest for free travel for two to Bonaire during Celebrate Our Planet Week, the addition of the full Insel Air schedule on Expedia.com, and the semi-annual update of Bonaire Briefs, providing information on news around the island.

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Editorial Highlights

Caribbean Travel + Life (Circulation 154,800)
Bonaire was predominately placed in 3 different stories in the May 2010 issue of Caribbean Travel + Life. All three placements are a direct result of our strong working relationship with editors Rebecca Strauss, Bob Friel and Debbie Snow.

1) Bonaire is one of the feature stories in the "Island Hopping" section of Caribbean Travel + Life. Entitled "Just Back: Bonaire Coming Into Its Own," Bonaire is profiled as a tranquil Dutch island that offers much more than world class diving. With marked trails to caves and lakes, rocky hillsides to spot, Bonaire has activities for all outdoor enthusiasts.

Harbour Village Beach Club and Blachi Koko are also featured under the "Suite Retreats" subtitle for offering their guests top notch hospitality and charm and a variety of amenities to take advantage of. It Rains Fishes, Appetite and Yachtclub Restaurant are included under the "Full Fare" subtitle as new restaurants added to the Bonairean scene in the past few years. JanArt Gallery and the Mangrove Information Center are mentioned as two entities in Bonaire that capture the island's beauty through art and reinforce the importance of preservation. Photos of kayaking through the mangroves, horseback riding in Lac Bay and Harbour Village Beach Club accompany the story. The article is a direct result of Editor Debbie Snow's recent visit to Bonaire in February 2010. TCB provided accommodations, ground transportation and an on-island itinerary to Debbie during her duration on island.

2) Bonaire was named of the top five Caribbean destinations that offer superb snorkeling conditions to their guests. Entitled "5 For Finning," Bonaire's Marine Park is highlighted for offering dazzling array of sites accessible to snorkelers, where tourists will be amazed by the island's coral reefs and sightings of trumpetfish, frogfish, scorpionfish, seahorses and more. A full page photo of Bonaire National Marine Park accompanies the article. This article was written by Bob Friel who has visited Bonaire numerous times via official press trips and independently.

3) Bonaire's Buddy Dive Free-Diving event is one of the only five Caribbean events highlighted on the "Our Caribbean Map." The dates Karol Meyer will be on island and a brief description of the South American record she broke last year in Bonaire is included in the write-up and is based on the information we sent to Rebecca Strauss.

 

Dallas Morning News (Circulation: 338,933)

Bonaire was one of the top stories in the Travel Section of the May 16 edition of The Dallas Morning News. This placement is a direct result of freelancer Sharon McDonnell's participation in our 2009 "Celebrate Our Planet," press trip last summer.

Entitled "Go Landsailing Surrounded By Sea On Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles," Sharon highlights her first time trying landsailing. She describes her experience as "having the freedom to sail at the speed of wind, and it's a sport where you don't have to work about toppling into water or ducking when the sail turns." Owner Nelson Croft of Landsailing Bonaire is interviewed explaining the logistics of landsailing and why he decided to open his business in Bonaire.

Bonaire's National Marine Park, diving, snorkeling, diverse bird species, salt flats and flight options to Bonaire are also included in Sharon's story. Captain Don's Habitat, Buddy Dive and Bruce Bowker's Carib Inn are featured as resorts that offer dive/snorkel shops and host free slide shows of Bonaire's marine life to their guests. To read this story in its entirety click on www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/fea/travel/thisweek/stories/DN-blowcart_0516tra.ART.State.Edition1.a192fcc.html .

New York Daily News (Circulation: 704,157)

Bonaire was named one of the top ten Caribbean destinations in the May 16 issue of the New York Daily News. Entitled "10 Things to Love About the Caribbean," Bonaire is profiled as "a diver's paradise" and is the hot spot in the Caribbean for snorkelers and divers. To read this article in full click on www.nydailynews.com/travel/2010/05/16/2010-05-16_10_things_to_love_about_the_caribbean_rainforests_hot_beaches_cool_pina_coladas_.html .

About.com Caribbean Travel ( Readership: 32,000,000)

Bonaire is one of the lead topics in the March 31, newsletter of About.com Caribbean newsletter. Entitled "Miami-Bonaire Roundtrips for $233," the details for Insel Air's Miami to Bonaire airfare sale is highlighted. To read this story in its entirety click on: gocaribbean.about.com/b/2010/03/31/miami-bonaire-roundtrips-for-233.htm .

The Nest (Circulation 400,000)

Bonaire is featured in the April issue of The Nest magazine. Entitled "The Hottest New Getaways," Bonaire is highlighted as the perfect hidden-gem destination to plan your honeymoon. Hotel Roomer and La Pura Vista are profiled under the "Where" subtitle as quaint boutique hotels that won't break the banks. Cactus Blue and It Rains Fishes are featured as great restaurants to experience Caribbean food and scuba diving, windsurfing and visiting Rincon's village are mentioned as must do's when visiting the island. A photo of one of Bonaire's beaches accompanies the article.

About.com Caribbean Travel ( Readership: 32,000,000)

Bonaire is featured in the Earth Day edition of About.com Caribbean Travel. Entitled "Eco-Friendly Travel in the Caribbean," Bonaire's National Marine Park is highlighted as one of the most sustainable parks in the Caribbean that offers some of the most pristine coral reefs in the Caribbean. To read this article in its entirety click on: gocaribbean.about.com/od/monthlytravelguides/tp/CaribbeanEarthDay.htm .

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TCB Worldwide | South America Report

 

Meridiano TV in Bonaire!

Road Bikes is a program of Meridiano TV, a popular sports channel from Venezuela. It was recently invited to the island, to cover the Bonaire Wellness Connexions bike competition held on May 30th.

 
The invitation to the Venezuelan film crew thanks  Dutch Antilles Express for contributing the air tickets and Eden Beach who was host hotel, Tourism Corporation Bonaire and all the companies on island, whom made possible to have Road Bikes covering the event. 

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Eden Beach promoted in Venezuela!

 

With scheduled visits to diving schools and wholesalers,  Eden Beach continues to be promoted in Venezuela. As result, they arereceiving bookings from dive centers.
 
These are difficult times in Venezuela, where the diving and tourism industry make their best efforts to promote Bonaire, a well known top diving destination in the market. 

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Padi Dive Festival 2010!

Padi Dive Festival in Sao Paulo , will take place this year from June 11th to the 13th.  Bonaire will be present again, this time with a large hotel delegation: Buddy Dive, Plaza Resort, Captain Don's Habitat, Harbour Village , Belmar, Caribbean Club, SunRentals and Eden Beach .

A weekend in Sao Paulo has been planned sit that stake holders can meet with the main diving schools, tour operators and the specialized media: Mergulho, DecoStop, Brasil Mergulho and Clube do Mergulhador.  

 

Further information of the event, in our next entrenous !.

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Freedivers Karol Meyer and Patrick Musimu, Broke New World Record in Bonaire !!

The new world record No Limits Tandem at 121meters (397ft), was broken during the "Buddy Dive Freediving Event 2010" by the Brazilian Karol Meyer and the Belgian Patrick Musimu, in the famous resort Buddy Dive.

Unified in the Dutch Antilles for the Buddy Dive Freediving Bonaire 2010 event,

Karol and Patrick, were able to surpass the Tandem No Limit World record set in 2001 by the couple Pipin Ferreras and Audrey Mestre at 115m/380ft. 

The event involved various activities such as press conferences, documentary footage with US History Channel and freediving seminars. The record was followed live by SKY SPORT channel and DecoStop magazine from Brazil . 

 

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Mergulho magazine reporting from Bonaire ! 

Bonaire was pleased to welcome back on island,  Alcides Falanghe editor of this prestigious magazine in Brazil .  He came to Bonaire on April 22nd to the 29th, to make a new 10 page report, that will be highlighted in the June edition. 

 


During the visit, he enjoyed the Bonaire Marine Park dive sites.  Alcides also took the opportunity to meet with the different hotels to have an update of the latest in their properties. We want to thanks all in Bonaire that made possible this press visit, especially Caribbean Club the host hotel,  Budget car rental and Dutch Antilles Express.  Tourism Corporation Bonaire, contributed with air tickets from Brazil .

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Transport from Ecuador promoting Bonaire !

In its May issue and with the title " El Viento sopla energia a Bonaire“, this tourism magazine directed to the travel agents, highlighted the wind farm project, which will lead the island in 2010 to work with 50% of wind energy having already installed the 12 turbines winds of 0.9 megawatts each on the north coast of the island, near the corner where the wind conditions are most appropriate.
 
The local authorities estimate that the conversion will be completed in 2015, to become  Bonaire  the first Caribbean island, to use 100% natural energy sources.

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New Bonaire bilingual brochure

A 28 page booklet in Portuguese and Spanish, beautifully designed with attractive pictures, general information for visitors as well as all the activities offered on Bonaire, will be distributed soon in of South America. The main markets of Brazil, Colombia and Venezuela will be targeted.   

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News from the Tourism Sector

 

Calendar of Events 2010

Click here for the up-to-date calendar of events

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InfoBonaire.com, the Bonaire Information Site, Expands Site with New Data

Kralendijk, Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles, March 22, 2010

NetTech, N.V. is pleased to announce the expansion of the popular InfoBonaire ® web site, the Bonaire Information Site™, with new destination information for Bonaire visitors to assist with planning their vacations.

InfoBonaire.com was launched in 1997, and over the last 13 years has become well known as the definitive source for information about Bonaire as a destination, offering information about accommodations, restaurants, rental vehicles, diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, and more. As new services become available on the island, InfoBonaire.com keeps the site fresh and timely with daily updates.

Accordingly, several new topics have been added to InfoBonaire's wide scope of data. Many visitors plan their vacations to Bonaire for diving, snorkeling, or windsurfing activities, but there's a plethora of other activities to enjoy, too. Visitors may now learn more about horseback-riding by visiting www.infobonaire.com/horsebackriding.html , or kiteboarding, by visiting www.infobonaire.com/kiteboarding.html. Either of these activities offer exciting options for the traveler or family and friends.

Shopping is always a necessity while on vacation, whether it's to purchase one's own souvenirs or for those back home. Visiting www.infobonaire.com/souvenirs.html offers a glimpse at special options for gift-giving, highlighting souvenirs which are made only with products from Bonaire or are about the island itself. The Art and Handicrafts page, located at www.infobonaire.com/art_handicrafts.html , focuses upon where fine art and other local handicrafts can be found around the island, either for purchase or viewing, as artwork always provides a way to remember a favorite site or moment of a vacation. And for those who want to be sure they're in the height of fashion, even while on the beach, the Surf-wear Shopping page at www.infobonaire.com/surfwear.html offers a variety of options and tips.

As nearly all stay-over visitors utilize Bonaire's airport, the new Airport page informs about the various services available at the island's Flamingo Airport. Visit www.infobonaire.com/airport.html for additional information.

Those not arriving by air usually enter for a day in port while on a cruise to the southern Caribbean, and the new Cruise Passenger Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page will answer many questions for those island visitors who must maximize their enjoyment of what Bonaire has to offer. This page can be viewed by clicking www.infobonaire.com/cruise_FAQs.html .

Nearly all stay-over visitors rent a vehicle so they are mobile and can enjoy dining at different restaurants , visiting various dive or snorkel sites, or traveling through the island's northern national park. Although driving on Bonaire is very easy, the new Traffic page at www.infobonaire.com/traffic.html provides information about signage and right-of-way for those driving.

Since the invasive Pacific lionfish entered Bonaire's waters, many visiting divers want to know what they can do to help with containment. These divers can visit the new Lionfish page located at www.infobonaire.com/lionfish.html for more information and tips about this new species.

Viewers may easily access any of these new sections of InfoBonaire directly from menus on the home page and other key parts of the InfoBonaire web site.

"When we first launched InfoBonaire over a dozen years ago, our premise was simple -- provide all possible information about Bonaire in a simple, friendly manner, and continually update the site to keep it current. Our efforts obviously have been rewarded because InfoBonaire has been, and remains, the top Bonaire web site in Google and many other key search engines," said Jake Richter, founder and co-managing director of NetTech N.V. He added, "This latest expansion continues our effort at keeping our content current, fresh, and most importantly, relevant, focusing on the real information visitors need."

InfoBonaire is also the host of One-Stop Quotes™, which allows potential Bonaire visitors to easily check rates and availability for select accommodations and car rental companies with one simple online request, which is then transmitted automatically via an email to those local companies which the viewer selected. Since its inception in 2006, One -Stop-Quotes has provided thousands of quotations and availability checks. For additional information or to request a quote, visit www.infobonaire.com/one-stop-quotes.html .

NetTech N. V. is Bonaire 's largest and most well known Internet hosting and email company providing all levels of Internet marketing, design, specialized programming, and graphic services. The company provides the popular web sites InfoBonaire ( www.InfoBonaire.com ), The Bonaire Insider™ ( www.BonaireInsider.com ), Bonaire Surveys™ ( www.BonaireSurveys.com ), and Paradise Rebates™ ( www.ParadiseRebates.com ). For additional information, visit www.nettech.an .

InfoBonaire is a registered trademark of NetTech N.V., and The Bonaire Information Site, Bonaire Insider, Bonaire Surveys, One-Stop Quotes, and Paradise Rebates are all trademarks of NetTech N.V.

Contact:

NetTech, N.V.

Phone +(599) 717-6773

Fax +(599) 717-7854

Web: www.nettech.an.

Email: info@nettech.an

 

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Bonaire Oceanfront Villa 9 Offers 15% Discount for Stays August through November, 2010

Accommodating up to ten persons, the villa is ideally set up for divers and is located directly on the ocean.
Kralendijk, Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles, June 14, 2010

Bonaire Oceanfront Villa 9 is pleased to announce that those making a new reservation for travel August 1st through November 30th will receive a 15% discount off the already low rates the villa offers.

Since the villa can accommodate up to ten persons, the 15% discount makes for an economical stay while still enjoying oceanfront vacationing on Bonaire. 

Costs are as low as $49.58 per person per night (plus tourist tax and cleaning fees) for a group a six staying for a week, while a group or family of ten will enjoy a per person per night rate of only $36.55 (plus tourist tax and cleaning fees) for a weekly stay.  Oceanfront living has never been easier or more economical than during such a special.

The property completed major renovations in 2009 and those vacationing at Bonaire Oceanfront Villa 9 will have the use of up to five bedrooms and five bathrooms, a large and fully equipped kitchen, a third-floor roof-top terrace, new furniture in the living area, and a cable TV/DVD player and WIFI access. 

Located at Hamlet #9, Bonaire Oceanfront Villa 9 offers the ease of diving from your own property, as the famous “Cliff” dive site is only 100 feet from the property's beach.  Two diving facilities are within a short walk of the villa: Dive Friends Bonaire @ Hamlet to the north, and Captain Don's Habitat to the south.

Those contemplating a Bonaire vacation during this special from August 1st through November 30th can also enjoy Bonaire Dive Into Summer events through September 30th, Celebrate Our Planet Week in August, or the Bonaire International Sailing Regatta in October.

When making a reservation, please reference "August-November Savings" to receive your 15% discount from the normal rates.  All reservations must be booked and deposited no later than October 30, 2010; new reservations are subject to availability.

Bonaire Oceanfront Villa 9 is one of Bonaire's premier oceanfront properties offering villa-style vacationing.  It offers affordable accommodations for any Bonaire visitor, but especially caters to those coming to the island to dive.  For additional information or to check availability, visit their web site at www.bonaireoceanfrontvilla.com , or e-mail: info@bonaireoceanfrontvilla.com

Contact: RE/MAX Paradise Homes, Property Manager for Bonaire Oceanfront Villa 9

Email: info@bonaireoceanfrontvilla.com

Phone: 011-599-717-7362. Fax: 011-599-717-7366

Bonaire, Dutch Caribbean

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Dive Friends Bonaire Announces Special Coral Spawning Diving Activities and Weekly Packages

Kralendijk, Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles, June 10, 2010

September and October are the months when coral spawning is expected each year on Bonaire. Coral spawning, or the cultivation of the corals, is something unique and a “must-see” for every diver. This spectacular event takes place on Bonaire when several coral species (but also other organisms) release secretions into the water column at the same time under the influence of environmental circumstances such as water temperature and a very special position of the moon.

Any diver has to be very lucky to witness this event, but there is a schedule with forecasted dates for the 2010 coral spawning event (click here to view in PDF format: http://www.bonaireinsider.com/pdfs/20100531-CoralSpawning.pdf ).

Special dive packages are available for the 2010 coral spawning season with a variety of popular properties with prices and amenities to suit every budget:

• Bonaire Seaside Apartments offers packages for one and two bedroom apartments as well as three bedroom villas. Seven night packages between August 28 - October 1, 2010 begin at $565.00 per person, October 2 – December 17, 2010 begin at $628.00 per person. Both packages are based on quad occupancy in a two bedroom, two bathroom ocean view apartment including a double-cabin pickup truck, 6 days of unlimited tanks for shore diving, special guided coral spawning night dive, and all hotel and dive taxes.

• Coco Palm Garden offers a package which is $544,00 per person, double occupancy in a studio unit. This package includes 7 night's accommodation, a rental vehicle, 6 days unlimited shore diving, a special guided coral spawning night dive, and all taxes. Please note that air-conditioning, if desired, is $12.50 per room per night additional.

• Happy Holiday Homes offers a special package of $524.00 per person, based on double occupancy; $473.00 per person, based on quad occupancy. Package includes 7 night's accommodations, 7 days double-cabin pickup truck, 6 days unlimited shore diving, 1 special guided coral spawning night dive, all taxes and fees. Group reservations can be arranged as well.

• Tropicana Apartments offers several packages. All packages include 7 night's accommodations, double-cabin pickup truck, 6 days unlimited shore diving, special guided coral spawning night dive, and all taxes. Price is $484.00 per person based on quad occupancy in a two-bedroom unit, $599.00 per person double occupancy in a studio unit, or $634.00 per person double occupancy in a one-bedroom unit.

• Yachtclub Apartments is offering their coral spawning package of $659.50 per person, based on double occupancy, and the package includes 7 night's studio accommodations, rental car, 6 days unlimited shore diving, 1 special guided coral spawning night dive, and all taxes. A group of ten persons can also be accommodated in the Yachtclub's penthouse suite. The cost, minimum 10 persons, is $509.20 per person and includes 7 nights accommodations in the penthouse, 2 rental cars for the week, 6 days unlimited shore diving, 1 special guided coral spawning night dive, and all taxes.

For more information or to book one of these coral spawning packages, contact Dive Friends Bonaire at email info@dive-friends-bonaire.com .

Those staying at other properties on Bonaire are welcome to join Dive Friends Bonaire for the coral spawning dives. For any dates when coral spawning is predicted, Dive Friends Bonaire is organizing special night dives for their guests to see the phenomenon. This night dive is $49.00 per person (excluding equipment and air), plus 5% sales tax, with a minimum of four persons. Advance reservations are recommended to avoid disappointment. For more information or to make a reservation, please contact info@dive-friends-bonaire.com . Please note that LED night lights will be available to rent, for $12.00 per light, plus 5% sales tax.

Dive Friends Bonaire is one of Bonaire's premier diving facilities offering full diving and snorkeling services while still providing personal attention. Two retail stores are available in Kralendijk, in addition to four diving facilities. For additional information about all their services, visit their web site at www.dive-friends-bonaire.com , or e-mail: info@dive-friends-bonaire.com .

 

Contact: Dive Friends Bonaire

Phone +(599) 717-2929, Fax +(599) 717-2929

Web: www.dive-friends-bonaire.com , Email: info@dive-friends-bonaire.com

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General information

 

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Tourism Corporation Bonaire
Kaya Grandi #2
Bonaire
Dutch Caribbean
Tel: 599-7-8322/ 8649
Fax: 599-7-8408
E-mail: info@tourismbonaire.com
Web site address: www.tourismbonaire.com

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