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BONAIRE
TEAM WINS THE FIFTH ANNUAL VERIZON KING OF THE
CAPE
The Fifth Annual Verizon King of
the Cape Windsurfing Event ended on June 8th on
windless and chilly Cape Cod. Despite the dismal
weather and non planning conditions, Bonaire's
own Taty Frans was crowned King of the Cape. His
talented freestyle superstar brother, Tonky, placed
second in this PWA qualifier. Team Bonaire continues
to dominate in their third year attending the
Cape Cod event.
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EUROPE NOW BONAIRE'S LARGEST MARKET
We already saw it coming in
2002: Europe and North America will compete
neck-to-neck in 2003 for the title of "largest
market." After years and years in which
North America was by far the most important
market, Europe rapidly showed an increase
over the last year and a half. And yes:
both April and May placed Europe on top
of the ranking! So this means Europe not
only provides us with the best (most spending)
tourists in quality, but now also in quantity.
This result is quite a challenge for TCB
in Europe as we all know it's harder to
stay on top then to get there! Keep up the
good work!
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SUCCESSFUL
WINDSURF PROMOTION
This summer TCB Europe started
a promotional campaign on windsurfing in
the Netherlands. Together with the leading
windsurfing agency and management of Holland's
number one windsurfer Ramses Landman, TCB
Europe manages to give Bonaire a windsurfing
image among the right target group. Once
again the strategy is based on niche marketing.
Together with Veronica Magazine (over 1,000,000
copies!) we started a clinic at the Veluwemeer.
One of the contestants won a wonderful prize:
a trip for two to Bonaire! KLM, Kontiki
and Bonaire Fun Travel joined in his promotion.
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BONAIRE
NUMBER 1 AMONG KLM-EMPLOYEES
Bonaire seems to be "hot"
among KLM-employees. Never before has a
destination been visited as often by KLM-ers.
And then we do not visit for work, but for
holiday reasons. It appears the crews at
Plaza and Divi are very good ambassadors
for our island, doing just what we aim at
in our marketing: if you like Bonaire, bring
over your friends. The windsurf promotion
with KLM-boards is also highly regarded
as one could read in "Wolkenridder",
KLM's internal bulletin.
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INDIGO'S
TRAVEL AGENTS LIKE BONAIRE
June 23rd, TCB Europe was
on hand at the education of Indigo Tours
in Amsterdam. Over 35 travel agents joined
this meeting where Indigo presented its
new program. Among other destinations TCB
Europe was able to give a 15 minute presentation
on Bonaire. This presentation was highly
appreciated since regional director Robert
Bolhuis choose not to tell the standard
story on climate and history, but five little
secrets: Tonky, shore divers, the Lora,
a turtle and the mangrove kayaking presented
Bonaire as a very distinctive island in
the Caribbean. And that's just what we want!.
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 Last
spring the crew of Viva, Holland's
leading magazine for women, visited Bonaire.
The results are to be seen in Viva
in the next couple of weeks. Eight editions
in a row will feature Bonaire, which equals
over 1,280,000 copies. This promotion will
also be used by TCB Europe to start a travel
agent promotion this summer.
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MART
SMEETS ENTHUSIASTIC ON WINDSURFING BONAIRE
This fall, Mart Smeets, Holland's
leading sport journalist, will publish an
article on Elvis and the Bonaire Kids in
Holland's leading sports magazine. This
feature will surely help the Bonaire Kids
in their quest for sponsorship as it will
also help the KOTC (King of the Caribbean)
in their hunt for financial support. Mart
Smeets told TCB Europe he hardly ever saw
as pure and true form of sportsmanship as
he witnessed at Sorobon Beach. A compliment
for Elvis and all the others doing such
a great job!
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SECONDARY
MARKETS PICK UP BONAIRE
As we all determined, The Netherlands are,
regarding Europe, by far our premier market.
Germany, UK and also Scandinavia and Belgium
are to follow. This fall and summer we see
these markets picking up. After good presentations
at shows like ITB Berlin, which made our
island 'bookable' in the markets, we now
see a slight increase in arrivals. Also
we had some good press coverage in niche
markets like diving. Of course the increase
in European numbers is caused by the Netherlands,
but the rest of Europe is moving forward
slowly, but surely.
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| POST-DEMA
SHOW 2003 DIVE RETAILER FAM TRIP
As announced in the last issue of
Entre Nous, following DEMA Show 2003, in Miami
Beach, BONHATA and BHG will host 20 top Scuba
Retailers on a FAM to Bonaire October 12 - 16.
One of the first destinations to announce their
plans for a post-DEMA Show FAM, the trip was featured
on Dive Newswire on June 18th. Within one hour
of the initial posting on the newswire, 25% of
the trip was subscribed, and within one week the
trip was full with a waiting list.
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BURNEY EL HAGE NAMED
ONE OF THE TOURISM INDUSTRY'S RISING STARS BY
TRAVEL AGENT MAGAZINE
Each year Travel Agent magazine
puts out an annual special issue called Rising
Stars, in which they spotlight young, successful
tourism executives. Candidates from each industry
segment (Cruises, Airlines, etc.) and destinations
are nominated for inclusion. Candidates must
be 35 years old or younger, hold an important
post in their company and viewed as an influential
player in the industry.
Back in February 2003 Adams Unlimited nominated
Mr. Burney el Hage, the Head of the Department
of Economic and Labor Affairs and Senior Director
of Economics and Tourism for Bonaire. We are
very pleased to announce that Mr. el Hage has
been named one of Travel Agent Magazine's Rising
Stars for 2003. Mr. el Hage was selected based
on his contributions to the development of tourism
and the fact that these strides in tourism have
contributed to the betterment of Bonaire. Congratulations!
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BONAIRE
TALKER HITS A MILESTONE
Increasingly, the first place people
with questions about Bonaire go to on the Internet
is the BonaireTalk Web site, http://www.bonairetalk.com.
With well over a thousand visitors a day, BonaireTalk
has 4,500 users registered to post messages (a.k.a.
BonaireTalkers), with an average of 200 new messages
posted daily. These postings deal with all aspects
of Bonaire life, travel, diving, dining, and more.
In fact, BonaireTalk is so much of an on-line
community, that groups of BonaireTalkers meet
regularly for dinners, dives, and travel all over
the U.S. and even in Europe.
One BonaireTalker in particular has broken all
records in on-line participation. Rusty Clark
from Western Massachusetts is personally responsible
for over 10,000 message posts on BonaireTalk since
she first started participating two years ago.
BonaireTalk uses a ranking system to show the
level of BonaireTalk experience a given person
has, based on
number of messages posted, and by breaking the
10,000 barrier, Rusty became BonaireTalk's first
"BonaireTalk Deity." Pa bien to Rusty
for achieving this goal, and especially for her
contribution in helping build the BonaireTalk
community, which reflects the nice and friendly
attitude of the island, on-line.
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SEVENTH
ANNUAL BONAIRE DIVE FESTIVAL
Another successful event completed, the Seventh
Annual Bonaire Dive Festival took place June 14
- 21 with nearly 50 international and local people
registered for the week's activities. With many
additional people attending the evening events,
the Dive Festival was highlighted by presentations
by Ned and Anna DeLoach from REEF, Ed Clark, Jr.
from The Wildlife Center of Virginia, well known
marine artist Wyland and Steve McCulloch from
Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution. Always
one of the most popular Dive Festival events,
a few hundred people attended A Taste of Bonaire,
which took place on Monday June 15. At "Taste"
people were treated to samples of local and international
dishes prepared by the restaurants in attendance.
This year's closing ceremony on Friday June 20
not only featured the winners of the Festival
Photo Contest but also an announcement that proceeds
from the Festival will be donated to STINAPA,
the organization that oversees the Washington-Slagbaai
National Park and the Bonaire Marine Park.
Thanks to the Dive Festival Host Hotels, Captain
Don's Habitat, Divi Flamingo Beach Resort &
Casino and Sand Dollar Condominium Resort and
the local on-island coordinators. To check out
the highlights of the Dive Festival visit http://www.scubadiving.com/bonairefest/.
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Canadian travel writer Bernard Hamel was in Bonaire
until July 6 to gather information for articles
which will be published in the Fall 2003. Magazines
that Mr. Hamel will be writing articles for include
En Profondeur, the only scuba diving magazine
in Quebec (circulation 10,000), Magazine Animal,
a family magazine for wildlife and animal lovers
(circulation 70,000), Oups!, a monthly men's magazine
(circulation 25,000), and Rendez-Vous, an upscale
women's magazine (circulation 35,000). While on
island he will be scuba diving, mountain biking
and touring Washington-Slagbaai National Park,
and Rincon.
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BONAIRE
FEATURED IN USA TODAY, THE TOP NEWSPAPER IN THE
U.S. MARKET
With family travel the most important trend in
the U.S. market this summer, being included in
USA Today as one of the top 10 places in the Caribbean
for a family vacation carries a significant impact.
The June 20, 2003 Friday travel section of USA
Today (circulation 2,602,556) featured a list
of "10 Great Places For Family Caribbean
Romps." Bonaire's Pink Beach was included
as one of the top spots. Information included
focused on the easy access to the island's snorkeling
and diving spots and included the 800 number and
website address for the tourist office. The advertising
equivalency of the placement is approximately
$25,000. Based on the added creditability of editorial,
the total estimated worth is $87,500.
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Conde Nast Traveler (circulation 771,481)
The July 2003 issue of Conde Nast Traveler, the
special Islands issue, included an article on
coral reefs. Bonaire was included in this article
as an example of how to protect coral reefs, with
information on the Marine Park and a quote from
Kalli de Meyer included. The sidebar to this article
called Where to Go also featured information on
Bonaire. Citing 13 "well-managed marine parks"
offering "great diving and snorkeling,"
Bonaire was the first destination listed. Mentioned
was that the island's marine park was a "pioneer
and the model for other islands." The advertising
equivalency of the placement is approximately
$8,000. Based on the added creditability of editorial,
the total estimated worth is $28,000.
Miami Herald (circulation 327,105)
The Wednesday June 4 Miami Herald featured an
article on Bonaire. Highlighted was the Seventh
Annual Bonaire Dive Festival along with much additional
information on Bonaire. Hotels, restaurants, activities,
etc. were included in the extensive article which
was also posted online. The article titled "Immerse
Yourself in Bonaire" can be found online
in two locations at:
http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/living/travel/6011259.htm
http://www.miami.com/mld.miamiherald/living/travel/6006680.htm.
This article also appeared in the Wilkes-Barres
Times Leader on June 3. The advertising equivalency
of the placement is approximately $6,000. Based
on the added credibility of editorial, the total
estimated worth is $21,000.
Associated Press
The syndicated feature article written by Rachel
Beck for the Associated Press on Bonaire's flamingos
which had appeared in more than 60 newspapers
throughout the US, has also appeared in the April
27 San Antonio Express-News (circulation 360,341).
The article included a four-color image of the
flamingos as well as information on where to see
them while on island. Additionally information
on hotels - Plaza Resort Bonaire, Buddy Dive Resort
and Hamlet Oasis - was included.
Atlanta Journal-Constitution (circulation
660,445)
The June 1 travel section of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution
included an article on an article in Caribbean
Travel & Life magazine that mentioned Bonaire.
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THE
FAM TRIPS OF KLM LIMA
As a result of Bonaire’s delegation being in
Lima during the SIT trade show this past June,
a number of Fam Trips were organized by KLM, TCB,
BHG and Bonhata to familiarize travel agents of
the Peruvian market with the island. More information
about the promotional activity will be available
in our next issue of Entre Nous.
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ICELANDIC
DEL ECUADOR THE "OFFICIAL" KLM TOUR
OPERATOR
Our friend Mr. Reinhard Wiese (with offices in
Quito & Guayaquil), sent us an interesting
2002 statistics report coming from the Civil Aviation
Office. It reflected the positive growth of this
new market to Bonaire, since KLM started its daily
air operation last September. We feel pleased
with these figures and commitments to keep them
increasing continuously.
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2003
CARIBBEAN TRADE SHOW JULY 1ST -2ND
Organizers estimate that almost 2000 people attended
this expo. Such destinations as Puerto Rico, Trinidad,
Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Barbados, and Dominican
Republic, among others, were there.
 The
6-square-meter Bonaire booth was located in a
corner just in front of our sister island Curacao
It was nicely decorated with aquamarine and pink
balloons, multicolor fish table cloths and in
the back, a big Bonaire full color banner highlighting
diving, relaxation and an adventure destination.
Representing BHG was Jossie Cieremans (Sun Rentals)
and Allan Gomez (Plaza Resort). Representing Bonhata
were Jessie Abrahams (Sand Dollar) and Lucrecia
La borde (Divi Flamingo), along with Yasmin and
Maribel from TCB manning the Bonaire booth in
the two busy days with much promotional activity.
Brochures of the island also were handed out by
a young model dressed in a wet suit, courtesy
of Caracas Scuba Center.
The traditional raffles at the booths of the
Venezuelan dive shops were conducted by our friend
Fernando Di Gerónimo (Venezuelan Underwater
Federation Director) as always, making it very
crowded and getting the attention of everybody.
The delegation was very pleased to have participated
in the Caribbean trade show.
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DISCOVER BONAIRE
& DISCOVERY SCUBA, CARACAS, JULY 3RD
With the program "A Diver
in each Travel Agency", this year TCB organized
a journal that combined the promotion of the
island and the hotels presented in the event,
with an outdoor activity that introduced travel
agents to the wonderful diving world, just to
familiarize our sellers with the main activity
in Bonaire.
There was a lot of enthusiasm
coming from the travel agents due to the innovation
of this fifth edition of Discover Bonaire. The
event hosted the best 100 travel agents that
were invited by the 11 main tour operators from
the market.
Representing the island: from
BHG, Jossie Cieremans (Sun Rentals), Allan Gómez
(Plaza Resort). From Bonhata: Jessie Abrahams
(Sand Dollar), Paula Laverne (Divi Flamingo).
From Dutch Caribbean Rainier Browne and for
TCB, Yasmin Pérez and Maribel Arcia.
For the special event of Discovery
Scuba, Yasmin counted on the support of FVAS
(Venezuelan Underwater Federation) and their
members Chichiriviche Divers (Walter D’ Luca)
and Caracas Scuba Center (Fernando Di Gerónimo),
supplying the dive equipments to be used by
the participants in the swimming pool. The location
selected was the prestigious Golf and Tennis
Izcaragua Country Club, a facility with beautiful
and exotic gardens.
It was a morning with much activity.
The attendees were divided into two groups following
the welcome. After the first group registered,
they went to the workshop with the hotels and
then to the meeting room for the official presentations
of the island and the properties. At the same
time, the second group was at the swimming pool
attending the Discovery Scuba by the host dive
shops. After each group finished, they exchanged
places, the one at the meeting room went to
the swimming pool and vice versa.
By noon, everybody was very happy
and motivated. The traditional raffles from
the hotels, took place in the middle of a light
lunch around the swimming pool area. Recognition
was given to the tour operators, who together
with TCB followed up for two weeks all the invitations
to travel agencies. Also recognized were the
hotels present at the event for their continuous
support to the Venezuelan market, even more
at this moment with its difficulties. A very
special award went also to FVAS and the dive
shops Chichiriviche Divers & Caracas Scuba
Center for making agents more aware of Bonaire.
Lastly, the journalists who shared the experience
were singled out.
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In the month of July, the journalists from the
newspapers El Nacional and El Universal will visit
the island. More information of the results of
the press trips in the upcoming issue of Entre
Nous.
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KEEPING
THE PROMOTION OF BONAIRE IN NEW MARKETS
In keeping with the new technology of the Internet,
our office keeps up its efforts in the contacting
of new markets such as Costa Rica, Bolivia and
Chile by trying, in each location, to identify
the potential Caribbean wholesalers, keeping them
up go date with information from the island of
Bonaire, and searching together for better air
rates and flight connections to bring Bonaire
closer to their market.
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NEWS
FROM THE TOURISM SECTOR
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CARIBBEAN
DESIGN & MARKETING LAUNCHES
TWO NEW BONAIRE WEBSITES
Caribbean
Design & Marketing Consultants
announces the launching of a new
website for Junny's Paradise,
a new vacation rental located
at Sabadeco Shores. The site is
available in Dutch, English, or
Spanish, and includes all information
necessary to plan a vacation rental
at Junny's  Paradise
on the island of Bonaire in the
Dutch Caribbean.
At Junny's Paradise, vacationers
can enjoy privacy, peace, and
quiet at a location close to the
sea, where wide verandas take
advantage of Bonaire's cooling
tradewinds.
The site can be viewed at www.junnysparadise.com,
or, for more information, one
can email to info@junnysparadise.com.
 Also,
Bonaire's only barefoot internet
and art center, Chat 'n' Browse,
has premiered their new website.
Offering
one-stop shopping for all your
needs, Chat 'n Browse offers internet
access, books and guides, local
and indian artwork, film and film
processing, as well as other souvenirs.
You may even rent cell phones
or binoculars--order them in advance
of your trip by using Chat 'n'
Browse' easy online
order form.
For
more information, email info@chatnbrowse.com
or visit their website at www.chatnbrowse.com.
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Calendar
of Events
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Carnival Adult
Parade Dates:
2004
- 2011 |
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2004 - Feb 22
2005 - Feb 6
2006 - Feb 27
2007 - Feb 18
2008 - Feb 3
2009 - Feb 22
2010 - Feb 14
2011 - Mar 6
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July 2003
Jul 5 - Rincon Market Day
Jul 5 - Time Trail 10 km Bonaire
Cycling
Jul 5 - Circuit 50 km Bonaire Cycling
Jul 6 - Road Bike Race 60 km
Jul 6 - 11th Annual Bonaire Arts
Day (Dia di Art) at Plaza Wilhelmina,
Kralendjik 10am-10pm art, crafts,
music, dance
Jul 20 - 5 km Vacation Fun Run 8am
TBA - Lac Bay Mini Regatta
August 2003 - Family Month
Aug 2 - Rincon Market Day
Aug 3 - Tour Rincon Morotin Bonaire
Cycling Club
Aug 3 - 17th Copa Cultimara at Sorobon
Aug 21 - 8th Captain Don's Habitat
race
Aug 21 - 5 km run Preparation Fun
Run
September 2003
TBA Bonaire Bikers MC Flag Day Weekend
2003
Sep 6 - Rincon Market Day
Sep 6 - "Dia di Bonaire"
Bonaire Day (Rincon)
Sep 6 - 5 km Bonaire Day Fun Run
8am
Sep 6 - Sailing Race "Dia di
Bonaire " at Kas di Regatta
Sep 7 - Local Fishing Tournament
Sep 7 - Duofest International
Every
Tuesday Night
@ 6:30pm - BonaireTalker
Dinner/Gathering at Gibi's Terrace,
call Jake at 717-6773 or email jake@bonairetalk.com
Click here for a detailed CALENDAR
OF EVENTS
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