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NEW
BONAIRE AMBASSADORS
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AWARDED GOLD: |
Dennis
& Joann O'Keefe, Stuart, Florida,
USA |
 Dennis
and Joann tell us, "Our first visit
to Bonaire was in June, 1976. We stayed
at the Hotel Bonaire and first met Captain
Don, who was managing the dive operation.
Fresh water for drinking was not available
in the hotel rooms. We had to fill pitchers
and bring them to the rooms. The diving
was spectacular, and Joann and I vowed to
return again.
"Between 1977 and 1981, we tried other
Caribbean destinations, but none could compare
with Bonaire. In 1982, we returned and stayed
at Captain Don's Habitat. We have returned
to Bonaire every year since then, usually
with a group of friends, but sometimes just
the two of us.
"We have stayed at Divi Flamingo Beach,
Carib Inn, Lions Dive, and Lagoen Hill,
but no matter where we stay, now we always
dive with Bon
Bini Divers.
"In 1984, our son and daughter-in-law
spent their honeymoon on Bonaire with us,
and in 1988, our dive club, Atlantis Divers,
assisted Captain Don in filling 55 gallon
drums with concrete which were the beginning
of the mooring system in the Sea Teather
program. I even gave a cash donation to
the program, and was allowed to name a dive
site on Klein Bonaire, Joann's Kiss (Joann's
Sunchi). We consider it one of the most
beautiful reefs on Klein Bonaire.
"I (Dennis) celebrated my 66th birthday
on March 29, 2004 on Bonaire, our 22nd consecutive
annual visit to the island. We hope to return
for at least 22 more years to our favorite
place on the planet."
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AWARDED SILVER: |
Bob and
Toni Fortino, Syracuse, New York, USA
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 Bob
and Toni Fortino from Syracuse, New York,
USA originally started coming to Bonaire
16 years ago, mainly for the diving it offered.
However over the next couple of years they
were not only drawn here by the diving,
but also by the warmth and friendliness
of the people.
Through the years they have experienced
so many wonderful things too numerous to
mention. Bob and Toni also enjoy seeing
the progress evidention of the island while
never losing its individuality.
These are just a few things which makes
coming to Bonaire a unique vacation experience
year after year.
They have many fond memories of the people
they have met in Bonaire, and always look
forward to seeing them when they return.
Bonaire is truly a Paradise!
Because of their 16 consecutive years coming
to Bonaire, The Tourism Corporation Bonaire
honored them as Bonaire Ambassadors and
here they received their Silver Medals.
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DUTCH
WINDSURF SQUAD READY FOR 2004 PRO TOUR
Several Dutch professional Formula windsurfers
came to Bonaire for their annual training
camp. In a few weeks, the 2004 Pro Tour
starts in Europe. Formula Windsurfing is
very popular in Europe, especially in the
Netherlands and Germany. Its popularity
outranks Freestyle Windsurfing in Europe.
Since KLM reduced the airfares for windsurf
equipment, Bonaire is about to open this
market in Europe. Given the style of equipment
used, the Formula racers need to surf at
the Kralendijk side of Bonaire because of
the depth of the water--reason enough to
host the Dutch Pro Squad in order to generate
the publicity we need to really start selling
windsurfing in Europe. Thanks to Port Bonaire,
we could offer them the best training venue
they ever had. They will also shoot all
their promotional pictures on Bonaire. In
addition, they will sail all their tournaments
with the Bonaire logo on their official
sails. TCB Europe managed to generate a
lot of free publicity next summer in the
windsurfing magazines, during the pro tour
and at the windsurf shops.
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PRESS-TRIP
HET FINANCIEELE DAGBLAD
The first week of May, a
reporter from Het Financieele Dagblad,
Holland's leading newspaper for high-income
executives and professionals, visited
Bonaire for an article to be published
in this paper. We were very happy and
proud to host the journalist, since the
readers of this newspaper are part of
the high-income, top, target audience
we defined earlier. TCB Europe would like
to thank Harbour Village for their kind
hospitality.
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DUTCH
TELEVISION COMES OVER THIS SUMMER
Next August, the NCRV-show
'Man bijt hond' visits Bonaire to shoot
several spots. This popular TV-show highlights
destinations as they really are. It gives
us the unique opportunity to get our wonderful
local culture and nature exposed. Marieke
Raaff, TCB Europe's PR-manager, will finalize
this trip in the next couple of weeks.
We'll keep you posted.
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TRADE
PROMOTION STARTS NEXT WEEK
The Bonaire clothing collection
arrived recently out of the Far East.
This co-production with the fashion brand
Zembla will hit the stores this month
in 22 countries throughout Europe. Wonderful
PR-moments occur for our island. Next
to that, TCB Europe managed to lay its
hands on some clothing packages worth
250 euros each. These packages, containing,
for example, a jacket, bikini, long sleeved-
and T-shirts, which are to be won by Dutch
travel agents and employees of our Dutch
tour operators. The promotion starts next
week. The prizes will be handed out June
13 at a special event at the Almere-beach.
Not only will the winners be given their
prize, the Dutch professional windsurfers
will also offer them a free clinic.
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KLM
PROMOTION TRAVEL TRADE
This spring KLM presented
a special offer to the travel trade in
the Netherlands to come and visit Bonaire.
A lot of Bonaire hotels and resorts joined
in offering special prizes. The travel
agents combined business with pleasure.
For them it was a unique opportunity to
come and discover Bonaire. TCB Europe
thanks KLM and the participating Bonaire
properties for their quick response and
actions taken.
GPD
WENT TO BONAIRE FOR DIVE ARTICLE
GPD is the combined press
agency of almost all the regional Dutch
newspapers. In April, one of their leading
journalists went to Bonaire to write
an article on the various diving opportunities
on our island. Within a couple of weeks
this feature will be published in the
newspaper covering over 50% of all Dutch
households. TCB Europe thanks Buddy
Dive for its hospitality.
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EIGHTH
ANNUAL BONAIRE DIVE FESTIVAL UPDATE
Throughout the month of April, the
Dive Festival Organizing Committee was working
hard finalizing the schedule and resolving all
of the last minute planning issues associated
with taking Bonaire’s signature Dive Event from
one week to two weeks. With a little over a month
to go before opening day, things are looking good!
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FLYERS,
FLYERS EVERYWHERE!
With a big assist from Dive Festival
media sponsor, Rodale’s Scuba Diving Magazine,
the island-wide Dive Festival flyers were distributed
to Bonaire’s overseas offices in the US, Europe
and South America. In the U.S., a special mailing
of the flyers was sent to all Dive Retailers,
as well as including them in fulfillment and
having them available for consumers at many
of the recent dive shows.
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TELEMUNDO
TV CREW TO ATTEND DIVE FESTIVAL
During the first week of the Dive
Festival, a three-person crew from the New York
Bureau of Telemundo Internacional/and NBC’s
cable network, mun2, will be in Bonaire. The
crew will be on island to film segments of the
Festival and the island for a TV show called
FuZion, which is presented in English with a
Latin twist on these two networks
The show’s host is in the process
of studying for her open water certification
and will take her final two open water dives
in Bonaire. The show's cameramen are already
certified divers.
FuZion is a young, edgy entertainment show targeting
an 18-34 year old audience. It is featured on
NBC's cable network, mun2, as well as Telemundo
Internacional. FuZion features trips to “Dream
Getaways” as well as interviews with the stars
of Hollywood’s latest films, Chart-Topping Musicians,
Fashion’s Hottest Designers, and the latest
Trend Setters
With over 6.2 million viewers
in the U.S. alone, FuZion also can be seen all
over Latin America, as well as over 20 other
countries around the world. The show airs Monday
through Friday at 7:30 p.m. and 12:00 a.m. on
NBC Cable Television or 7:30 p.m. and 11:00
p.m. on Telemundo Internacional.
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TRAVEL PRESS
INVITED TO ATTEND DIVE FESTIVAL
In addition to the Telemundo Crew,
Adams Unlimited has invited a number of editors
from U.S. major-market newspapers and travel
magazines, as well as freelance travel writers,
to visit Bonaire during the Dive Festival. To
date, we are working with select writers discussing
the possibility of them attending the event.
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COMING SOON:
DIVE PRO WEBSITE
One of the key objectives in the
2004 Marketing Plan for North America is to
work more closely with the Dive Retailers. To
that end, a special website for Dive Professionals
has been under construction during the month
of April and will be launched in mid-May on
www.InfoBonaire.com. Webmaster and designer
Susan Davis is working closely with the New
York office to make the site a reality, and
bring even more information about diving in
Bonaire to the professional dive community.
Stay tuned for the big launch!
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DIVE NEWSWIRE FOR APRIL
During April two press releases
were distributed on Dive Newswire. The April
13th issue of Dive Newswire featured a press
release about Bonaire being recognized for its
sustainable tourism efforts in a poll by National
Geographic Traveler Magazine and where in Bonaire
visitors can check out the results of these
practices. The April 27th issue of Dive Newswire
included a press release on new airline agreements
that have recently been announced by Air Jamaica
and BonairExel, along with a mention of the
upcoming Dive Festival. Dive Newswire is distributed
electronically to more than 5,000 dive shop
owners, manufacturers as well as media outlets.
Using the archive feature of Dive Newswire,
you can see past releases about Bonaire.
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POSTCARDS
FROM PARADISE
The first in a series of postcards
was designed and printed this month to be mailed
(both post mail and email) to the North American
database of past visitors and those who have
requested information about the island. The
postcards feature Diving, Adventure, and Family
travel. The first postcard featuring Family
Travel will drop the end of May. A separate
postcard was also designed for Dive Retailers
promoting the new Dive Pro website and will
be mailed to support the web-site's launch in
mid-May.
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BONAIRE EZ
NEWS FOR APRIL
During April, two issues of Bonaire
EZ News were written and distributed to our
database of more than 25,000 consumers and travel
agents. The April 9th issue of EZ News focused
on Bonaire being recognized for its sustainable
tourism practices in a poll by National Geographic
Traveler Magazine, plus information on how to
see the results of the island's efforts at the
Bonaire National Marine Park and Washington-Slagbaai
National Park. The April 23rd issue focused
on new airline agreements (Air Jamaica and BonairExel)
and island news including information on a new
art gallery, guided cave excursions, and the
arrival of a new boat at one of the island's
dive operators.
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PRESS VISITS
Adams Unlimited recently began
working with travel writer Eleanor Wilson on
a press visit to Bonaire in early June 2004,
during the Dive Festival. Eleanor will be visiting
Bonaire to gather information for Intelliguide,
an electronic guidebook that is geared towards
corporations and travel agents. Additionally,
Eleanor writes for Caribbean Today, Elite Traveler,
Jax Fax Travel Marketing magazine, Porthole
and Travel Age West and will be pitching stories
on Bonaire to a number of these and other publications.
More information on this press visit, including
travel dates, will follow as it is confirmed.
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EDITORAL
PLACEMENTS: HIGHLIGHTS
TravelNewsToday.com (50,000
paid on-line subscribers)
In the March 9, 2004 edition of TravelNewsToday.com,
the travel website of NBC’s Today Show Travel
Editor, Peter Greenberg, Bonaire was described
as “a cool place for active senior travel opportunities
and a great place to retire.” Information for
active seniors about scuba diving, snorkeling,
mountain biking, deep sea fishing, sailing,
etc. and other natural attractions was offered
and Bonaire’s relaxed atmosphere and easy accessibility
was considered a plus for more mature travelers.
In case the seniors decided to call Bonaire
their home, permanently, information on Lighthouse
Beach Resort, Sun Rental Bonaire, and Port Bonaire
Villas was also listed, along with their starting
prices of single units and each property’s website
address. Bonaire’s information remained posted
on the website for the month and was then archived.
ASBURY PARK SUNDAY PRESS (circulation
225,057)
The March 21, 2004, Sunday travel section of
the Asbury Park Press, included a feature article
on Bonaire. It was the same story that the LA
Times had featured, which means that this story
will continue to be picked up by even more media
outlets in the days ahead.
Caribbean Travel & Life
(circulation 166,620)
In the March 2004 issue of Caribbean Travel
& Life, Lac Bay was listed in the “50 Best
Beaches Under the Sun” readers' survey poll
in the Water Sports category. A great windsurfing
photo accompanies the list. Lay Bay was selected
along with four other places in Aruba, Antigua,
Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico, which is
something to be proud of.
Caribbean Travel & Life
(circulation 166,620)
The April 2004 issue of Caribbean Travel &
Life mentions Bonaire throughout the magazine.
Air Jamaica’s new Thursday service, summer packages
available at the Plaza Resort Bonaire, the launch
of BonairExel’s new website and information
about the Eight Annual Bonaire Dive Festival
took center stage. This issue also listed the
results of the “Best of the Caribbean” readers'
survey, and, with Bonaire making the grade as
one of the Best Dive Destinations, one of the
Best Snorkel Destinations, and one of the Best
Undiscovered Destinations, it’s no wonder this
issue will have a very long shelf life.
Dive Training (circulation
65,000)
In the April 2004 issue of Dive Training, in
the “Environment’ section, Bonaire is highlighted
as one of six destinations that will participate
in the Coral Reef Alliance’s “Coral Reef Buddy
Campaign.” This program was launched in cooperation
with Earth Day on April 22, 2004.
Sport Diver (circulation 100,000)
In the April 2004 issue of Sport Diver, Bonaire’s
Sea Turtle Conservation research study program
(STCB) is highlighted. The story speaks about
the two adult female hawksbill turtles that
were equipped with satellite transmitters in
late 2003. Contact information about the project
is listed along with the website, as this program
is seeking more sponsors for greater success.
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2004
BONAIRE IMAGES
Attached for your enjoyment are
some of our latest images which appear in the
magazines and the sales manual of our tour operators.
We are proud to promote our island through these
beautiful pictures.
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AVIANCA
IN BRAZILIAN HANDS
The Colombian airline, which has
been in business for 85 years, was purchased
by a Brazilian businessman Germán Efromovich.
The sale of Avianca have been expected for years
due to financial problems and also the international
aviation crisis. Efromovich, head of the group
Sinergy, will control 75% of all the shares
meanwhile 25% will be held by the Federación
de Cafeteros. Efromovich is owner of Ocean Air,
a small Brazilian national airlines.
We welcome this news since Avianca flies from
Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro to Aruba (via Bogotá)
and we have been in conversations with its commercial
manager in Caracas to network some interline agreements
with BonairExel for the benefit of Bonaire, Brazil
and the Colombian markets.
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CHANGES
IN KLM ECUADOR
Mmarketing manager, Ma Fernanda
Price, is no longer with with KLM effective
April 30th. Marie Noell Landazuri will replace
her. E-mail: marie-noel.landazuri@klm.com.
Ecuador has been a lagging market,
so constant followup with the tour operators
not familiar with Bonaire is necessary. Many
of these operators have requested more informative
literature.
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DIVE
FESTIVAL PROMOTION IN OUR MARKETS
We keep promoting the event in
our market with the distribution of flyers at
dive shops. Some of them have also included
the flyer on their web sites.
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BONAIRE DELEGATION
TO PERU
It was with great enthusiasm that
we prepared our promotional trip to the city
of Lima with a delegation of 11 members from
BHG and Bonhata. In the SIT trade show, we will
have a Bonaire booth, an official presentation
on the island during the event, and a presentation
directed to travel agencies and tour operators
in their offices, training for KLM sales and
reservations agents, and also contact with the
tourism press.
CELEBRATING
THE QUEEN'S BIRTHDAY IN CARACAS APRIL 30TH
We received an invitation from
the Embassy of Holland, the private residence
of the Ambassador Mr. Dick Denham, to celebrate
the birthday of the Queen.
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APPROVED
INTERNATIONAL CREDIT CARDS IN VENEZUELA
The tourism market for Venezuela
continues to be negatively affected by the political
situation and restrictions on the exchange control
which has favored the national tourism, mainly
Margarita.
The wholesalers are making a
great effort by maintaining a movement in the
market and supporting the destinations, in spite
of the crisis. Nevertheless, new possibilities
are opening up with the long expected comeback
of the use of the international credit cards,
that will benefit the ABC islands due to the
nearness with Venezuela.
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PROMOTIONAL FLYER FOR BONAIRE DIRECTED
AT OPERATORS
As support for the hard work of
the tour operators, TCB Caracas will distribute
a glossy four-color flyer with spectacular images
of the island. The back of the flyer is specially
designed to aid the tour and dive operators
in promoting their hotel packages.
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OCEAN DRIVE
In its April/May edition, this
prestigious magazine directed at Venezuelan
high society (distributed also in Miami), came
with an insert titled “ The Up List by Ocean
Drive”, a guide of the best restaurants on the
islands of Aruba, Bárbados, Bonaire,
and Curacao.
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UPCOMING
EVENTS
Lima, Peru Sit Trade Show
May 20th to the 22th
This trade show represents a great opportunity
to contact the tourism sector of this market
that are already familiar with the Dutch islands.
The Nuevo Mundo Group, a tour operator (owner
of the main wholesalers), and organizer of SIT
2004, has given Bonaire a special price for
a 30-mts booth with an excellent location. Our
delegation is preparing official Bonaire presentations
during its promotional visit.
Caracas, Venezuela Caribe
Trade Show June 28th to the 30th
The organizers invited us to a new edition of
this Caribbean trade show to be held at the
Marriott Hotel in the month of June. This gives
us a chance to meet with the travel agencies,
dive shops, and tour operators and present to
them our programs for the upcoming Venezuelan
high season in the months of July, August, and
September.
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NEWS
FROM THE TOURISM SECTOR
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Carnival
Adult Parade Dates:
2004
- 2011 |
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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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May 2004
May 1 - Labor Day
May 1 - Dutch Antilles Windsurfing
Challenge
May 15 - Underwater Cleanup at
Bonaire Yellow Submarine at 1pm
followed by potluck BBQ 717-2929
May 9 - Mother's Day
TBA - 7th Bonaire Mountain Bike
Challenge Race
May 20 - Ascension Day
June 2004
Jun 5-19 8th Annual Dive Festival
TBA - 8th Angola Construction
Sailing Competition at Kas di
Regatta
Jun 24 - St. John's Day
Jun 29 - St. Peter's Day
July 2004
Jul 4 - July 4th fireworks at
some resorts (American holiday)
TBA - Rincon Market Day
TBA - 12th Annual Bonaire Arts
Day (Dia di Art) at Plaza Wilhelmina,
Kralendjik 10am-10pm art, crafts,
music, dance
TBA - Lac Bay Mini Regatta
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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