2004 BONAIRE DIVE FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES PHILIPPE COUSTEAU AS FEATURED PRESENTER

It was recently announced that Philippe Cousteau will be the featured presenter at this year’s Dive Festival, staying on island for the entire two weeks. In addition to his presentations, Mr. Cousteau will also be available for guided dives with the participants.

While educational activities related to the protection of our marine environment and gear and equipment demonstrations will remain the key elements of the 2004 Festival, this year a variety of topside activities have been added to the schedule. Depending on when visitors arrive on island, they could experience any of the following activities:

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WORLD-WIDE MEDIA INTEREST EXPRESSED IN 2004 DIVE FESTIVAL

In the one month that has elapsed since the first release was serviced to the national and international media announcing the 2004 Bonaire Dive Festival, seven prestige media outlets have expressed interest in attending or covering the event. The outlets include Telemundo TV, Eco News TV, Duiken, Unterwasser, Caribbean World Magazine, the Miami Herald and www.breakingnews.com (formerly caribbean-weekly.com, UK).

BONAIRE REPRESENTED AT AIR JAMAICA HOLIDAY FUNCTION

Bonaire was represented at a dinner reception hosted by the Chairman of Air Jamaica, The Hon. Gordon "Butch" Stewart O.J., C.D., in Newark, New Jersey on December 17, 2003. The event was well attended by travel industry executives, top producing travel agents, tourism offices, and all travel partners that have supported Air Jamaica through the years. Marie Rosa attended on behalf of the Tourism Corporation Bonaire. In his presentation, Mr. Stewart said the Jamaica flag carrier is committed to the success of the region's economy and the development of Caribbean tourism and that he deeply appreciated everyone’s commitment to the airline and for selling Air Jamaica as a world class Caribbean carrier. Mr. Stewart also introduced Mr. Michael Going, Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing, who replaced Mr. Allen Chastanet. Mr. Going spoke highly of the personnel and service of Air Jamaica and the benefits to all travel partners about the airline. Over 250 guests were in attendance.

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EMAIL HOLIDAY GREETINGS TO U.S. DATABASE

Season’s Greetings from Bonaire were sent to the entire US email data base along with a colorful artist’s rendition of the ocean's many underwater riches.

 

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EDITORIAL PLACEMENTS

Dive Training (circulation 90,000)
The September Issue of Dive Training’s Dive Center Business, included information on the new dive site "Our Confidence" in the listing of news around the world. A brief history was given about the ship and Bonaire, and how it found its way to the Island.

Recommend Magazine (circulation 58,094)
The October Issue of Recommend Magazine lists new airlines, those that are adding new routes and flights to major Caribbean Islands for winter 2004, etc. BonairExel’s is included in the line up, along with eight other carriers

Caribbean Travel & Life (circulation 166,620)
The November issue of Caribbean Travel & Life highlighted Bonaire Tours & Vacations for their "Blessing on the Beach" package in the newsletter for travel agents specializing in selling the Caribbean.

Essence (circulation 1, 208,231)
The November issue of Essence listed Bonaire and the Lions Dive Beach Resort as part of their Caribbean round-up deals exclusively for Essence readers. Other Islands in the mix were Puerto Rico, St. Lucia, St. Thomas and Grenada.

Edmonton, AB, Canada Journal (circulation 152,506)
The November 1 travel section included information on Bonaire in a Caribbean Island round-up and describes Bonaire as the premier dive and snorkel destination and is best known also for rainbow beaches.

Cleveland Ohio Plain Dealer (circulation 482,380)
The November 9 travel section of the Plain Dealer lists Bonaire as one of 5 Islands where you can escape crowds while vacationing in the Caribbean. It describes Bonaire as a premier diving and snorkeling destination and that it is also well known for its rainbow beaches. Other Islands listed are Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, and St. Vincent & the Grenadines.

Boston Globe (circulation 680,115)
The October 26 travel section of the Boston Globe included a story on finding a villa in the Caribbean and Bonaire was once again a destination that was referred to as having the product. Sun Rentals was mentioned as a rental agency offering excellent value for people traveling in large groups, available rates and options and some of the benefits of renting a villa through them. Sun Rentals was one of 10 agencies listed. This information was obtained from the press release that was distributed to the media in mid-August.

Sunday Telegram (circulation 127,737)
The October 26 travel section of the Sunday Telegram included a story on finding a villa in the Caribbean and Bonaire was once again a destination that was referred to as having the product. Sun Rentals was mentioned as a rental agency offering excellent value for people traveling in large groups, available rates and options and some of the benefits of renting a villa through them. Sun Rentals was one of 10 agencies listed. This information was obtained from the press release that was distributed to the media in mid-August.

Travelweek Toronto (circulation 7,500)
The October 30 issue highlighted Bonaire as a destination for "adventurers" which offers the best scuba diving and snorkeling in the Caribbean. It lists activities, festivals and events, and the recommendations for the best day trips. It also lists contact information such as website, 800 number etc.

Rodale’s Scuba Diving (circulation 194,826)
The November issue of Rodale’s included information on BonairExel as the newest option for getting to Bonaire. It lists the airline’s website and tourist office’s website.

Deeperblue.net (online)
On October 30 an article called "Bonaire: Again!" was placed on this website. The article describes Bonaire as a place one never tires going to and why.

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VENEZUELAN PRESS IN KING OF THE CARIBBEAN

The press releases from journalist Melania Suarez are beginning to be published. An online version of Caribbean News has been shown to the Latin-American Travel Industry in a newsletter titled "Windsurfing Event Hypes Bonaire as a Luring Watersport Destination" , where Melania highlights Ricardo Campello as the undisputed King of the Caribbean and Free Style World Champion for 2003 PWA.

Campello, from Brazil, has developed his own style in Playa El Yaque, a beach in the Venezuelan Island of Margarita. The issue also mentions in detail all the excellent organization and international participation of the event, where the Bonairean Taty Frans was the runner up in the contest while Douglas "Cheo" Diaz from Venezuela took third place.

BONAIRE IN OCEAN DRIVE MAGAZINE

A special Christmas Holiday edition titled OD Navidad was published by this high class magazine. Among the articles was one titled "Navidad turquesa en aguas Caribeñas", written by Tzeitel Toffel. It described the Christmas traditions of the different destinations in the Caribbean. In the ABC Islands (considered an attractive option due to its close location to Venezuela), Bonaire celebrated Sint Nicolaas' arrival on December 5th, when all the children are given presents. This tradition is reminiscent of how the holiday is celebrated in Amsterdam, where Sint Nicolaas comes from Spain in a big ship.

The issue comes with three beautiful full color pictures of Bonaire and also mentions the Maskarade parade that takes place after the New Years Day Celebration. Among the accommodations, Eden Beach and Divi Flamingo are offered as properties in Bonaire which accept bolivares (Venezuelan currency), for the payment of their packages

2004 BONAIRE IMAGES

Here, we’re proud to present some artwork from the 2004 Gallery Images which are used to promote the island in our markets as a peaceful, and natural destination which attracts divers and the leisure and eco-adventure segments; these images certainly speak for themselves!