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BONAIREWINDSURFING.COM
TCB Bonaire is pleased to announce the premier
of BonaireWindsurfing.com.
This new website, an expansion of InfoBonaire,
gives all the information required to book a windsurfing
vacation.
 BonaireWindsurfing.com
provides the latest news in Bonaire windsurfing,
as well as information on Bonaire's surf shops,
places to stay convenient to Lac Bay, historical
wind and weather data,
and biographies on the island's pro sailors.
When planning your next
windsurfing vacation, be sure to visit BonaireWindsurfing.com
first!
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Jim & Kim Locraft, Great Falls, Virginia,
USA
Jim Locraft, retired from the U.S. federal government,
has been diving since 1993. He began diving with
"The" Dive Shop (Fairfax, Virginia)
in 1994, and visited Bonaire for the first time
that year, with his daughter, Kim, on the store's
family trip to Bonaire. Jim became a dive instructor,
and continued to travel to Bonaire with his family.
Diving is definitely a "family" sport
with Kim achieving the rank of Divemaster and
Lindsay Rescue Diver.
Kim Locraft is a graduate student at Virginia
Tech in the area of French Studies. She learned
to dive in Bonaire on one of the family trips
from "The" Dive Shop in 1994. Since
that time, she has obtained her Divemaster and
even worked at Bon
Bini Divers for one summer as an intern.
Both Jim and Kim are definitely aficionados of
Bonaire and hope to be returning for many years
to come!
 Michael
& Janice Davis, Florida, USA
Mike and Janice Davis tell us, "Our receiving
these awards is truly one of the most memorable
hightlights of our international travels. We have
come to enjoy the genuine sincerity of the Bonairean
people, as well as this premiere dive destination,
as envisioned by Captain Don Stewart."
They continue to say that the worst of Bonaire
is by far superior to the best they have seen
in other Caribbean dive destinations, and they
always look forward to their return.
To see more of Bonaire's Bronze, Silver, or Gold
Ambassadors, visit http://www.bonaireambassador.com
!
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KLM REDUCED ITS FLIGHTS TO BONAIRE
THIS WINTER, BUT INCREASES OUR NUMBER OF
SEATS!
This is, in short, the outcome
of our meeting with KLM Netherlands regarding
the winter schedule.
Due to the decrease in demand to and from
South America ,KLM was forced to reduce
the Quito-flights form seven to five times
a week and dito for the Lima-flights. Nevertheless,
KLM saw an increase in demand to and from
Bonaire.  Therefore
they increased our dedicated seats. Counting
our capacity on a weekly basis we even see
a slight increase! So this winter more seats
in 10 planes then we have now in 14.
It might sound strange, but (once again)
we benefit from the worldwide economic crisis.
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OAD
PROMOTES BONAIRE BIG TIME
July 6th Wijk aan Zee (Holland) was the
location of the OAD Travel agents' Beach
Event. We celebrated the launch of OAD's
new Caribbean Brochure which, for the first
time ever, features Bonaire! OAD is not
only a large tour operator in the Netherlands,
but also has large chains of travel agencies
like Globe (120) and Rabobank (70) that
are part of the OAD-group. So, we are very
pleased that this large player is now selling
our island. Next month OAD will feature
an editorial in Reisrevue, Holland's leading
trade magazine, featuring Bonaire as the
number 1 dive island.
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DIVE
PROMOTION TOGETHER DUIKVAK
Every year the so called 'Vlootdagen' of
the Dutch Navy in Den Helder attracts over
150,000 visitors. This year Bonaire was
promoted by DuikVak, the federation of diving
professionals. Among these 150,000 visitors
are many divers, so it was an effort with
a high possible return. Thank you to Bertus
Bleiji and the DuikVak-team.
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DCME
2004: 24-28 APRIL ST. MAARTEN
April 24-28 2004 European buyers will come
to the Dutch Caribbean to meet, contact
and contract representatives of all the
hotels and resorts on the islands including,
of course, Bonaire. Prior to this event
are pre-tours for buyers to visit our island.
They can also choose a post-tour afterwards.
Coordination in Europe on behalf of all
six participating islands will be handled
by BrouwerBetist. They will inform every
one this fall on details, but please write
these dates in your calendar. New this year
is the combination with SMART, an event
to attract American buyers (USA as well
as South America!) and Canadian buyers to
St. Maarten. So this combination means every
one can also contact and contract these
non-European buyers.
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VIVA
PROMOTION WORKS OUT!
Last month we reported on the Bonaire photo
shoots published in Viva, Holland's leading
women-magazine that appeared over a period
of eight weeks. A couple of weeks ago, we
launched the travel agents promotion completing
this PR-stunt. Free copies of the Bonaire-edition
of Viva were waiting for the travel agents.
Within one hour after the e-mailing already
25% of all travel agents ordered their copy.
No surprise we ran out the next day. Together
with the publisher of Viva we decided to
re-run this promotion in August.
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AGAIN
NEW WHOLESALERS CONTRACTED!
Please surf to the wholesalers
list at infobonaire.com
to see for yourself which new wholesalers
are selling Bonaire now. Last month we could
welcome (again!) new specialists, mostly
direct sellers. Marieke Raaff, TCB Europe,
is supported by Linda Richter of course,
trying her best to keep track of all changes
and updates the list at our website several
times every month. Do you miss a wholesaler?
Please inform Marieke at europe@tourismbonaire.com.
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MEGA
FAM TRIP OAD IN SEPTEMBER
Over 200 Dutch travel agents will visit
Bonaire next September. As we speak, TCB
Europe, TCB Kralendijk together with the
staff at Plaza, Buddy Dive, Divi, Habitat
and Belmar are working around the clock
to make this MEGA event happen. Never before
Bonaire could welcome such a large party:
a new record! The travel agents are up to
snorkeling, dive introduction, kayaking
and windsurfing. Next to visiting the hotels,
of course. Everybody good luck on all the
last minute details, and let's make this
work!!
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DEMA SHOW 2003--OCTOBER 8-11, 2003
Bonaire Hotels Take Advantage of
Free Media Opportunties for DEMA Show 2003. Many
of Bonaire's hotels and dive shops are planning
to or have already submitted information on what
they will be doing at DEMA Show 2003. This information
will be posted on the DEMA Show website, www.demashow.com,
as well as used in a series of press releases
to be sent out to the media informing them of
exhibitor activities during the Show.
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BONAIRE TO HOLD
PRESS CONFERENCE AT DEMA SHOW 2003
Bonaire will hold a press conference
at DEMA Show 2003 to announce new BonaireExel
air service and other news concerning the dive
industry. The time and date of the press conference
have not been finalized yet but will be in the
coming weeks.
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TCB-NEW
YORK UPDATES TOURISM SECTOR
In the first two weeks of July,
TCB-NYC updated the tourism sector with a report
of the US Market activities for the first six
months of 2003. On July 10, Candice Adams Kimmel
attended the BHG marketing retreat in Miami, and
reviewed the marketing strategies including the
EZ News topics, 2003 promotions, press release
mailings, press visits, database marketing, mini-CD
mailings, shows/fairs, the post DEMA fam trip
and the editorial placements. The same presentation
was sent to BONHATA for review and dissemination
by their board.
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FIRST
SIX MONTHS PR VALUE EXCEEDS $3.8 MILLION
From January - June 2003 Bonaire
received 268 editorial placements both online
and in print. Of these, 199 appeared in newspapers,
14 in consumer magazines, 15 in trade publications
and 40 were online. These placements had a total
circulation of 35,501,702 a total Advertising
Cost of $1,103,780 and a Total PR Value of $3,863,173.
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PROMOTIONAL
OPPORTUNITIES
Bonaire's hotels have been and will be participating
in a number of promotional events in 2003. On
April 30, 2003 Harbour Village Beach Club partnered
with Reebok Sports Club/NY for their Member Appreciation
Event. Approximately 300 people attended this
party at which a trip to Harbour Village was given
away. Reebok Sports Club/NY, one of New York City's
top health/sports clubs attracts a very upscale
clientele.
On August 23, 2003 Harbour Village Beach Club
will be giving away a honeymoon stay at a bridal
registry event at Foley's department store in
Houston, TX. On September 4, Lions Dive &
Beach Resort will be giving away a honeymoon stay
at a bridal event at the Foley's department store
in Hurst, TX (near Dallas, Ft. Worth), and on
September 7, Plaza Resort Bonaire will be participating
in a bridal event at the Filene's department store
in Holyoke, MA. More than 250 people are expected
to attend each event which are all being sponsored
by Bridal Guide magazine.
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Joe DiMaggio, whom many of you may remember from
his TV show Cannon Photo Safari on ESPN, was on
island with his partner JoAnne Kalish in early
July scouting for a new adventure show hosted
by William Shatner (of Star Trek fame). The show,
Vagabonds Four, will air on PBS and Outdoor Life
Network (OLN). Mr. DiMaggio was also scouting
locations for a series of photography workshops
that he hosts each year for 30-60 students. Beyond
this scouting he was on assignment to gather information
for an article on Bonaire in The Times Journal,
an international photography publication with
a circulation of 500,000.
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Delicious Living (circulation
416,000)
The June 2003 issue of this healthy lifestyle
magazine featured an article on Bonaire. Cited
as an "Ecotravel hot spot," the article
included a number of photos as well as information
on the island's conservation practices and sustainable
tourism, geography, natural resources, wildlife,
culture, history, activities like kayaking, windsurfing,
snorkeling, mountain biking, bird watching and
tips on where to stay. Back in March 2003, we
worked closely with the article's author, Jean
Weiss, who visited Bonaire on a group press trip
in 1999, to provide her with information for this
article. The advertising equivalency of this placement
is approximately $7,500. Based on the added credibility
of editorial, the total estimated worth is $26,000.
El Nuevo Herald (circulation 102,000)
The article written by Terese Loeb Kreuzer, which
was featured in the June 4 Miami Herald (circulation
327,105), was also featured in the June 4 El Nuevo
Herald. Highlighted was the Seventh Annual Bonaire
Dive Festival along with much additional information
on Bonaire. Hotels, restaurants, activities, etc.
were also included. The advertising equivalency
of the placement is approximately $8,600. Based
on the added credibility of editorial, the total
estimated worth is $30,100.
Miami Herald (circulation 443,752)
The June 22 travel section of the Miami Herald
included Bonaire in an article on renting villas
in the Caribbean. Written by David Swanson, a
travel writer who has visited Bonaire many times,
the section on Bonaire focused on villa rentals
from Sun Rentals. The article also appeared in
the June 22nd El Nuevo Herald. The advertising
equivalency of the placement is approximately
$2,500. Based on the added credibility of editorial,
the total estimated worth is $8,750.
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, continues to appear in newspapers.
Most recently it was featured in the May 18 Fresno
Bee (circulation 194,551). 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. The advertising equivalency of the
placement is approximately $8,793. Based on the
added credibility of editorial, the total estimated
worth is $31,405.
Bridal Guide (circulation 230,238)
The August 2003 issue of Bridal Guide magazine
included Bonaire in a section called "Dutch
Treats." Focusing on the Dutch Caribbean
Islands, information on Bonaire included the island's
history and where to stay, with Plaza Resort Bonaire
mentioned. The advertising equivalency of the
placement is approximately $1,000. Based on the
added credibility of editorial, the total estimated
worth is $3,500.
Modern Bride (circulation 370,955)
The September issue of Modern Bride featured Bonaire
in an article on great Caribbean honeymoon spots
for those couples looking to get "wet, wild
and romantic." Information on scuba diving
as well as birdwatching was included along with
tips on the Bonaire's most romantic spots. The
advertising equivalency of the placement is approximately
$2,000. Based on the added credibility of editorial,
the total estimated worth is $7,000.
Oakland Tribune (circulation 65,320)
The July 6 travel section of the Oakland Tribune
featured an Associated Press syndicated article
by Rick and Susan Sammon, which back during winter/spring
2002 appeared in more than 60 newpapers throughout
the US. Calling Bonaire the "Fish Capital
of the Caribbean" the article focuses on
the many species of fish that can be found in
the waters around the island and why this makes
Bonaire not only ideal diving but also for photographing
fish. The article includes many photos which were
taken by the Sammons. This article also appeared
on June 22 in the Tri-Valley Herald (circulation
43,927). The advertising equivalency of the placement
is approximately $2,000. Based on the added credibility
of editorial, the total estimated worth is $7,000.
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PERUVIAN
TRAVEL AGENTS IN BONAIRE
As we mentioned in our last Entre Nous, the island
of Bonaire-- through the host hotels Plaza Resort,
Sand Dollar, Buddy Dive and Captain Don’s Habitat--received
a total of 40 travel agents which, in co-sponsorship
with KLM Lima, came to Bonaire to be familiarized
with the new KLM hub in the Caribbean.
The travel agents were very happy the non-stop
flight to the island and enjoyed a program that
not only included the different options of accommodations
but also experimented in activities such as kayaking,
Discover Scuba, island tours and the traditional
shopping in Kralendijk.
The 40 travel agents came in four groups on different
dates during the months of May and June with a
minimum stay of 4 nights. These Fam Trips will
complement the promotion of the island in the
Peruvian market, recently visited by TCB and the
Hotels during the SIT Trade Show, last May.
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EDEN
BEACH PROMOTED ON RADIO
With an ad campaign in the FM Center Radio Station,
Eden Beach will be well promoted in the summer
vacation in Venezuela through the program "La
Romántica", which is transmitted daily
from 12:30 to 2:30 pm by the broadcaster Mayra
de Libero. It will air for three consecutive months
(July, August, and September), promoting Eden
Beach and all that the island offers to the visitors.
In order to begin the promotional campaign Mrs.
Mayra Libeiro visited Bonaire and her host hotel,
Eden Beach. She was impressed with the kindness’
of the people and the peace,
as well as the security, of the island. Also she
enjoyed the outdoor and underwater activities.
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BONAIRE
INOLVIDABLE........RECUERDOS DE VIAJE
Recently El Nacional, in their tourism issue,
opened a new section called "Recuerdos de
Viaje", where readers are invited to tell
and share in 20 lines their most exciting traveling
experience.
As a pleasant surprise for us, Bonaire appears
in its second issue (July 6th), with the title
"Bonaire Inolvidable" told by Mr. Alfredo
Ramirez when he decided to go diving with a group
of friends.
After many dives, especially the Hilma Hooker
and at Karpata, they were very excited and felt
like children going to the world of Disney and
became explorers of nature surrounded by multicolored
fishes and a diversity of corals and reefs. The
blue ocean makes people feel they are floating
in space. It is easy to understand why this place
is so special and why divers wish to visit again
many times during their lives.
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JULY....THE PRESS
VISIT MONTH
From the 9th to 12th, El Universal
newspaper:
Bonaire was visited by the journalist Oscar
Medina (a diver) who followed a schedule set
up by TCB and his host hotel Plaza Resort, allowing
him to be familiarized with the island. In addition
tothe island tour, the journalist enjoyed the
Bonaire Marine Park, courtesy of Toucan Diving
and began his first windsurfing lessons with
Elvis at Bonaire Windsurf Place. Oscar was very
impressed with the island, and wishes to come
back soon.
From the 11th to 14th, El
Nacional newspaper
Traveling with a photographer, Carolina Ledezma,
the tourism manager of El Nacional, visited
the island for the first time. Her visit program
included site inspections of the properties
Belle Fonte (host hotel), Plaza Resort, Harbour
Village and Captain Don’s Habitat. For the special
issue in gastronomy, she was invited to Croccantino
Restaurant, Rum Runners and City Café.
In outdoor activities, she went windsurfing
and also experienced--for the first time--diving
through the resort course with the dive instructor
Leo in Harbour Village. Carolina returned very
happy and is pleased with the volume of material
on Bonaire for her special issue on the island.
By the way, the nice tan she received
while in Bonaire permitted her to promote the
island at a cocktail offered by El Nacional
to the tourism industry where colleagues asked
her about the suntan .. she proudly answered,
".....diving in Bonaire, which I never
imagined I could do, and now I want to become
a certified diver."
Bonaire Eco-adventure destination:
El Globo newspaper
In a special tourism section in the month of
July, this daily newspaper promoted the islands
of Bonaire, Curacao and Barbados. Bonaire. in
a half page with color pictures, was highlighted
for its diving as the main tourist attraction,
but also for the diversity of eco-adventure
activities on the island. The article also provides
general information about accommodations. air
transportation, currency, shopping, etc.
The issue closes by talking about
TCB in Caracas, which recently gave training
to travel agencies. This was accomplished by
combining the promotion of the island with a
discovery scuba. permitting them to familiarize
themselves with the incredible world of diving
in Bonaire.
Bonaire’s website was included.
Discover Bonaire: GAM magazine
In its July edition, this monthly magazine,
directed towards the tourism sector, gave information
about the upcoming V Edition of Discover Bonaire,
the TCB official seminars.
Bonaire in América
Economía
In its special edition in July, dedicated
to the 500 most important and biggest companies
in latinoamerica, the magazine came out with
an insert where the island of Bonaire was promoted
in a full color page with the title, "Bonaire
Cuna del Buceo y del Turismo de Eco-aventura",
a review where the readers are easily familiarized
with all the activities and entertainment on
the island. TCB´s telephone numbers and
internet address were also provided.
America Economía is a magazine
specializing in the economy of all the latinoamerican
countries and covers the events of great interest
which take place in this region.
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NEXT SOUTH AMERICAN
TRADE SHOWS
ABAV XXXII - October 22nd to the
26th
Brasil, Rio de Janeiro
www.abav.com.br
Avavit - November 09th to the 12th
Venezuela, Caracas
FIT - November 22nd to the 25th
Argentina, Buenos Aires
www.fit.org.ar
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NEWS
FROM THE TOURISM SECTOR
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OCEAN
VIEW VILLAS UPGRADES THEIR WEBSITE
Ocean View Villas
has just completed a full update
of their website. Prepared by
Caribbean
Design & Marketing Consultants,
the site now provides a complete
Spanish translation. There's expanded
flight information for potential
guests from South America, Online
Forms to make a  reservation
or request more information, new
Diving and Windsurfing Packages,
Guest Photos and a new page dedicated
to the trees and flowering plants
in their courtyard.
Ocean View Villas is located in
Belnem, just steps from Bachelor's
Beach. To view their new website
and obtain even more information,
visit them at http://www.oceanviewvillas.com.
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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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
Sep 7 - Local Fishing
Tournament
Sep 7 - Duofest International
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
TBA - Lions Windsurf Tournament
at Sorobon
Sep 20 - International Coastal Cleanup
Day
October 2003
Oct 4 - Rincon Market
Day
TBA - 7th Bonaire Mountain Bike
Speed Challenge Race
TBA - Road Bike Race 60 km Bonaire
Cycling
Oct 5-12 36th Bonaire International
Sailing Regatta at Kas di Regatta
and Sorobon
Oct 5 Skippers briefing
Oct 5 All Nations Parade 6:30pm
Oct 5 Opening of Regatta 7:30pm
Oct 6-12 sailing races every day
windsurfing, fishing boat, yacht,
microboats, sunfish, optima
Events happening every evening along
the water front including bands,
happy hours, booths, and food
Oct 8 - 17th Comcabon Regatta 5
km WEB Run 5:30pm
Oct 9 Working Boat Parade 5:30pm
Oct 10 Awards presentation
Oct 11 11th Niki Tromp Youth Bike
Show 5pm
Oct 11 Fishing and MicroBoat Awards
Oct 21 - Antillean Day
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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