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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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. 

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. 

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 !.

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 .