current

a. Royal Visit from Holland

During the recent Royal Visit to Bonaire, Elsmarie Beukenboom, STINAPA Bonaire's President, had the opportunity to personally meet and speak with Prince Willem and Prinses Maxima. All of Bonaire's NGO's had the opportunity as well to present themselves to the Royal Couple during their visit to our island.

"Prinses Maxima showed a great deal of interest in what we are doing on Bonaire. We presented the couple with the year 2002 Marine Park tags. The Prinses showed a lot of interest in everything around her. During the couples meetings in the park with the NGO's she spoke with the presidents of the foundations and asked questions. From the questions we could note that she had taken her time to inform herself of the island and how it functions. She asked many questions about the dive industry and the function of the Marine Park.

Just before them taking to meet the next organization, I told the princess that it is unfortunate that on this trip they will not have the time to set a foot in the water but that they should return for a vacation and her husband could guide her in taking lessons for scuba diving. They both laughed and she said she would love it!"

All staff at Bellafonte Chateau de la Mer on Bonaire, would like to express their thanks to Prince Willem Alexander and Princes Maxima of the Netherlands, to have stayed with us during their visit to Bonaire. It was truly a honor and a pleasure to have welcomed them and their guests.

b. Divi Flamingo 50 years!

One of Bonaire's oldest properties is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Originally known as Zee Bad, the Dive Flamingo Beach Resort is now one of the islands hottest spots for divers and Bonaire lovers to stay and enjoy our island.

Recent renovations, the opening of the Chibi Chibi Restaurant and a whole new look has been filling the hotel. KLM Airlines has chosen the property to house its flight crews on the Amsterdam-Bonaire-Quito route. Many of the crew take advantage of what the island offers and even have become certified divers! (See related story this issue)

The official celebration will take place in September. In the meantime, TCB would like to pass on our congratulations on Dive Flamingo Beach Resorts Golden Anniversary.

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LOCAL Report

a. Future research plans STCB

Eight Research Projects have been conducted since Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire's foundation in 1991. Those years of research have resulted into a valuable knowledge base concerning our feeding and nesting population of sea turtles around Bonaire.

Despite the very successful projects we have had in the past, vital management questions remain unanswered. More information is necessary about the size of our nesting and feeding population, where our females go to after nesting or how our juvenile turtles move around Bonaire. These are just a few examples of some major gaps in our knowledge base. Questions such as these need to be answered in order to protect our sea turtle population on a longer term.

October this year STCB plans to start a new research project, that will include an intensive study on land focusing on the female turtles and will involve tagging and a genetic study. By combining these two, we will have more insight into population size and trends, migration and natal homing, nest site selection and fidelity, reproductive periodicity and success, and nest to false crawl ratios. The latter will enable an estimate of population size from morning crawl counts on beaches.

Hawksbill Turtle The study at sea will focus on Hawksbills. Hawksbills have been hunted for decades for their beautiful shell and consequently they are now on the list of critically endangered species. Few research projects have been conducted concerning the Hawksbill in the Caribbean, since few good opportunities exist.

Here on Bonaire, with a nesting and juvenile population of Hawksbills, a protected coral reef feeding habitat and the existence of laws protecting the sea turtles, we have a unique opportunity to initiate such a project.

This project will result in more information about residency, behavior, growth and diet, and habitat utilization within the Bonaire Marine Park. Conducting tagging and genetic studies and telemetry will obtain more information about these subjects.

This comprehensive research project will not be possible without suitable staff, so STCB is aiming to entice local people to participate. Local involvement is a key element to this project.

If the project gets up and running, Bonaire could become a sea turtle research and training center for the region. These are big plans and new directions for the future. We are hoping we will be able to achieve our goals and provide the sea turtles with a safe haven on Bonaire.

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b. KOT news release

Professional and amateur windsurfers from around the world will meet on the island of Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles (Dutch Caribbean) December 11 to 18 for the Professional Windsurfing Association (PWA) World Championship Freestyle Finals 2002. The event, also designated as the "King of the Caribbean Pro-Am," will offer a total purse of US $65,000, with $55,000 for the men's category and $10,000 for women.

The "King of the Caribbean" Championship Finals will be the World Cup Finale to the 2002 PWA World Tour. The event will also include competitions for all levels: Professionals, Amateurs, Novices and Juniors with eight categories for competition. The Professional winners will be crowned "King and Queen of the Caribbean" as well as PWA Freestyle Champions for 2002.

In addition to the competitions, there will be island-wide parties throughout the week, featuring the music of the band "Sugero" from the USA, the food exposition "A Taste of Bonaire," a Culture and Christmas Fair in the town of Rincon, and water-side parties almost every night. C ompetition for p rofessionals and amateurs begin s on 1 2 Dec. Final event for Professionals will be 17 December.

Windsurfing competitions will be held at Lac Bay in Bonaire part of the Netherlands Antilles. This small island of just 12,000 people is fast becoming one of the top windsurfing locations in the world with almost constant on-shore trade winds that usually average 17 to 22 knots. For years Bonaire has also been known as one of the top dive destinations in the world and has often set the world standard for ocean and reef protection

Bonaire is the home of Tonky Frans currently ranked sixth overall in Freestyle on PWA World tour, as well as his brother Tati Frans, who is ranked 31st and Keke Dammers, ranked 27th. All three are still in their teens and have just recently become professional competitors. Now the entire sports community can see where these new hot shots live and train.

Divisions for competition for the December event include:

Pro Division -- for those who can perform AERIAL freestyle. There will be a Men's Pro Division with a $55,000 purse and Women's Pro Division, with a $10,000 purse.

Amateur Divisions -- for those who can perform PLANING freestyle. There will be a Men's Amateur Division, a Masters Amateur Division for men over 35, a Women's Amateur Division and a Junior Amateur Division for boys and girls 16 or under.

Novice Division -- for those who can perform NON-PLANING freestyle there will be an Open Competition for men and women competing in the Novice Division and a Junior Novice Division for boys and girls 16 or under.

Special travel packages have been arranged by Air Jamaica, the official carrier for the event and also with KLM from Europe. Both have offered a special promotional rate for competitors as well as spectators. There is also a discount rate for shipping competitors' gear. However, the number of discounted seats is limited so travelers are urged to order their tickets early.

The special Air Jamaica fare may be accessed by calling Air Jamaica at 800-523-5585 and referencing "Maduro and Curiel's Bank King of the Caribbean". Reservations must be booked in B or M class using ticket designator GD20. Last ticket date 20 November, but competitors and spectators are urged to purchase tickets earlier due to heavy travel during December.

KLM (Royal Dutch Airline) is offering special group rates to competitors and spectators from Europe. Contact for these rates and reservations is Emile at Maduro Travel, telephone: +(31) 70 356-2850 or e-mail: vergeer@maduro.nl

If the Air Jamaica and KLM flights fill, American Airlines and American Eagle have daily flights to Bonaire via San Juan Puerto Rico but do not offer cargo service for competitor's equipment. If all direct Bonaire flights fill, Curacao and Aruba can be used with connections to Bonaire via Dutch Caribbean Express, Divi Divi Air and Chogogo Fast Ferry from Curacao or Avia Air and Aruba Royal Airlines from Aruba. Gear transport on these smaller air carriers is limited.

Hotel accommodations, car and gear rental can be arranged by contacting Ann Phelan, event coordinator at ann@bonairewindsurfing.com or 800-219-0118 or 508-385-8174 or visit our web site at: www.bonaireworldfreestyle.com.

Preliminary schedule for the weeklong event and island-wide party starting on 11 December is as follows:

· Day 1: Registration and press conference at Kontiki on windy Lac Bay. Opening ceremonies with "A Taste of Bonaire" party featuring the USA band "Sugero" in Kralendijk.
· Day 2: Competition for professionals in the day, Cultural Night at Hollandse Grill in the evening.
· Day 3: Competition for professionals, amateurs and juniors in the day; Caribbean Beach Dinner and Party at Plaza Resort at night.
· Day 4: Competition during the day, dance party at City Cafe at night
· Day 5: Competition in the day, Amateur and Junior Awards Ceremony at night followed by an all-island party at Karels Beach Bar.
· Day 6: Professional competition in the day with a Culture and Christmas Fair in Rincon in the evening featuring local bands.
· Day 7: PWA World Cup final competition for King and Queen of the Caribbean, the World Freestyle Champions. Followed by Coronation Ceremony and party at Sorobon Beach.
The Bonaire Sailing Foundation, a non-governmental organization on the island, is organizing the event and Maduro & Curiel's Bank is the primary sponsor. The event is a Professional Windsurfing World Cup event and other sponsors include Reda Sosial, the Bonaire Hotel and Tourism Association, Bonaire Hospitality Group, Bonaire Tourism Corporation and many more local companies and organizations.

MEDIA CONTACT INFORMATION

In the USA: Ann Phelan, coordinator at ann@bonairewindsurfing.com or by telephone: 508-385-8174

On Bonaire: Byron Trump, bonairepilots@bonairelive.com or Elvis Martinus 011- 599-717-2288 theplace@bonairelive.com

Or see our Official Web Site:

www.bonaireworldfreestyle.com

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c. Half Year Statistics. Prepared by The TCB

SUMMARY:
During the first six months of 2002, 50,973 people visited our island. They arrived by air, yacht or cruise ship. Compared to 2001 these figures show a decline of 6,412 persons re- presenting a drop in arrivals of 11%. Of the 50,973 arrivals, 22,803 arrived by air and stayed for one day or longer (tourists) Compared to 2001, 21% less tourists came to Bonaire. The USA, European and South American markets fell respectively by, 14%, 25% and 45%. January showed the largest decline for USA 37% and Europe 55%. The biggest fall for South America occurred during April with 83% while in January they fell by 79%.

MARKETS FOCUS:
During the first half of 2002 the world economy had a direct effect on global tourism.
The amount of people choosing long-haul destinations decreased dramatically worldwide having a negative effect on our destination. Recent figures show that the amount of vacations booked is still 10%-20% less compared to last year. The world economy has undergone major problems. Consumer confidence polls show negativity, thereby reducing large expenditures e.g. a vacation to Bonaire.

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d. Banners

The Tourism Corporation Bonaire would like to invite its partners to share in our newest program. We will be erecting banners that will announce various events, such as Regatta, Dive Festival, Duikvak, etc. They will be prominently displayed on our building so that they are visible to the majority of folks passing our office at the foot of Kaya Grande.

If you would like to help sponsor these banners, please contact Desiree Roberts
Marketing Manager Europe at the TCB Office.

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e. KLM Flight Attendant Gets Certified!

Wieneke Postus has joined the ranks of PADI's certified divers. Wieneke, a flight attendant for KLM, graduated as an Open Water Diver. She is a regular visitor traveling the Amsterdam/Quito route and decided to take advantage of her layover time on Bonaire.

It was shortly after her first visit that she decided to become certified. Since the layover period allowed her enough time, she studied her theory and accomplished her goal of learning time dive on subsequent trips.

Thanks to Divi Flamingo and the staff at Dive Bonaire, the KLM flight crews can enjoy the islands treasures and become ambassadors to passengers, family and friends. Pa Bien!

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TCB-NYC Report

a. Adventure Brochure Self-Mailer and E-Brochure Mailings.
On August 7, 2002 TCB sent out the first of four self-mailer brochures to its database. The Adventure Brochure, which focuses on Bonaire's many adventure activities and provides general information on the Island was sent to 14,475 people.

In addition on August 16th the online version of the Adventure Brochure, the Adventure E-Brochure, was sent out to our email database of 16,000 people in a special edition of Bonaire EZ News. To check out the e-brochure, just click on BonaireAdventureBrochure. In the coming months the remaining three brochures - Family, Romance and Diving - will be mailed and e-mailed out

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b. July CTO Meeting Update

On July 25, 2002 Marie Rosa attended the New York Representatives of Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) Member Countries Meeting on behalf of Bonaire. The meeting was attended by representatives from Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Bonaire, Dominica, Martinique, St. Lucia and Trinidad and Tobago, as well as members of CTO including Hugh Riley. The meeting was held to brief member countries on CTO activities including current marketing programs like the Life Needs the Caribbean advertising campaigns, CTO trade shows, the Caribbean Cultural Festival, and CTC-25

On July 29, 2002 Marie Rosa attended the CTO Public Relations Meeting on behalf of Bonaire. At this meeting member country's public relations agencies were updated on CTO activities including Caribbean Week 2002, Hurricane Preparedness Crisis Communications Plans, regional advertising plans, and promotional opportunities. At the meeting a request was put out for information on new/improved airlift to the Caribbean and immediately following the meeting the most up-to-date information on airlift to Bonaire was submitted.

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c. Advertising for 2003

We have recently begun to work with the advertising representatives of Dive and Travel Trade publications to put together a co-op media plan for 2003. Proposals from the magazines have been requested to be sent to the New York office by August 30th. An initial plan will be completed by September 14, 2002 and forwarded to the Island via email and fax. Advertising representatives will be on island in September and October to further discuss the plan and the value-added merchandising opportunities they will be offering this year.

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d. USA Marketing Report

On August 21st, 2002 TCB gave a special presentation for the Caribbean Tourism Organization (Mid Florida Chapter) in Orlando, Florida. Over 40 of their top Agents were present for the event that was held in the Radisson Plaza Hotel.

TCB was represented by Mr. Delno L. A. Tromp Marketing Manager. During the presentation Delno highlighted the upcoming events that Bonaire will be hosting during the coming months; Regatta, Digital Shootout, Eco Swim and KOTC.

There were raffles for the agents and the big prize was two round trip tickets on American Airlines, a stay of 7 nights at Coco Palm Garden/Casa Oleander, and a dive package at Bon Bini Divers. These were all donated by the mentioned companies.

Rodale Scuba Diving Magazine also donated a couple of one year subscriptions to be raffled among the agents. Bon Bini Divers and
Caradonna Tours were also in attendance and offered special packages to Bonaire.

Every year CTO members choose an Island to have receive gifts for local kids. This year, they chose Bonaire as their Island and during their annual Christmas Dinner all CTO members brought gifts for the Maria Hoppner Foundation. Delno collected them this trip since the members had difficulty sending them for sooner.

TCB visited C & N Divers in Mount Dora, Florida. This Dive Shop is bringing a group to Bonaire this November and also one in June 2003. We gave them Bonaire Information and a Bonaire Presentation. They have been bringing groups for the past several years.

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e. "Beauty and the Beast"

As reported in an earlier issue of Entre Nous, OLN TV’s hit reality show ”Adventure Crusoe” aired the episode on Bonaire entitled “Beauty and the Beast”, the week of May 29 – June 5, 2002.

After each “secret location” is revealed on the air, the OLN TV web site (OLNTV.com) carries an article on the destination, featuring tips on places to go and things to do.

The article on Bonaire can be accessed through the following link: www.olntv.com/indexCrusoeTravel.cfm

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Editorial Placements

New York Daily News (circulation 820,230)
The June 23, 2002 travel section of the New York Daily News, the sixth largest newspaper in the US, included two placements on Bonaire in a section on Air Jamaica. The first placement focused on festivals and included information on Bonaire Day in September and the Sailing Regatta in October. The Bari Festival in December was also included. The second placement included a brief overview of the island

Houston Chronicle (circulation 738,456)
The July 21st travel section of the Houston Chronicle included a feature article on scuba diving in which Bonaire was included. The article focuses on learning to dive and includes information on Bonaire as one of the top places to dive.

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Rodale's Scuba Diving (circulation 180,000)
The August issue of Rodale's Scuba Diving included a placement on Captain Don being honored in New York City at the CTO Caribbean Ball in May 2002. The placement included a photo of Captain Don along with information on the honors he received.

New London Day (circulation 47,112)
The June 30th travel section of the New London Day a newspaper in CT included information on Air Jamaica's fare sale. Special fares to Bonaire were included. The information was included in a column from the New York Times News Service.

Nashua Telegraph (circulation 33,898)
The July 7th travel section of the Nashua Telegraph included the syndicated Q & A column by Carol Sottili of the Washington Post. One of the questions in the column asked about windsurfing destinations and in the response Ms. Sottili recommended Bonaire as one place to visit. Including information on Lac Bay Resort the writer proceeded to give information on windsurfing conditions at Lac Bay.

Pathfinders Travel (circulation 75,000)
Information on Copa Cultimara Sailing Race, taken from a press release distributed to top publications, was included in the Summer 2002 issue of Pathfinders Travel magazine.

Upcoming Press Visits

September 3 - 5, 2002 well-known travel writer David Swanson will be visiting Bonaire. Having been to Bonaire about three years ago, David will be spending his time reacquainting himself with the Island, the hotels, restaurants and activities. David is a regular contributor to Caribbean Travel & Life and American Way (the in-flight magazine for American Airlines). He also writes for a number of daily newspapers in the US.

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	Issue # 32 September 01, 2002
	Entre Nous Bonaire's Monthly Newsletter