Entre Nous is the monthly newsletter
from the Tourism Corporation Bonaire (TCB), Netherlands Antilles.
In this newsletter you will find the accomplishments of TCB
in Bonaire, North America, South America and Europe as well
as the newest developments within the tourism industry.
We hope that you will read it with
pleasure and if you have something that you think is relevant
for the tourism sector to know just fax it to 717-8408 or e-mail
to: info@tourismbonaire.com.
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
TCB
BONAIRE
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LOCAL
REPORT
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NEW
BONAIRE AMBASSADORS
AWARDED
SILVER: |
Jim & Diane
Emry, South Carolina, USA |
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Jim and Diane Emry
started coming to Bonaire in the 70's
as their vacation spot.
Upon their first
trip the island, they fell in love
with the people of Bonaire. They
were both also exposed to an underwater
world that was most beautiful.
Over the years they
saw many changes, but even through
its growth, Bonaire has remained
the paradise that they first discovered.
The people continue to be warm and
friendly. The Marine Park has been
well preserved. They enjoy the unhurried,
relaxing atmosphere that Bonaire
continues to offer.
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AWARDED
BRONZE: |
Jesse,
Charlie, and Dave Norton, Virginia,
USA |
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This
father and his two sons, staying at
Eden Beach Resort, were welcomed into
the family of Bronze Ambassadors on
December 29, 2004!
Jesse,
Charlie, and Dave have been coming
to Bonaire now for over ten years.
This trip they are staying at Eden
Beach Resort, and their awards were
arranged by their good on-island friend,
Jules Stabnik from Pirate
Cruises.
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AWARDED
BRONZE: |
Eric & Anita
Stall, The Netherlands |
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Eric
and Anita, from The Netherlands, have
been visiting Bonaire twice each year
for the past ten years! They enjoy
the peacefulness of Sorobon
Beach Resort. |
AWARDED
BRONZE: |
Bill & PJ
Steeby, USA |
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Bill
and PJ hail from the United States,
and have also been visiting Bonaire
for ten years now. They like to stay
at Sorobon
Beach Resort, too! |
AWARDED
BRONZE: |
John & Nancy
Truxell, USA |
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John
and Nancy, staying at Sorobon
Beach Resort, celebrate their Bronze
Medals, after visiting Bonaire for
ten consecutive years. |
AWARDED
BRONZE: |
Ritva
Salomaa, Helsinki, Finland |
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Ritva has been coming
to Bonaire for the past 15 years for
at least one visit each year, and many
times, twice a year. She loves the
diving and the sea here.
Ritva test dives computers
for a European dive computer manufacturer,
so she has experience diving all over
the world, but still she thinks Bonaire
is simply the best and therefore, she
returns as much as possible.
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BONAIRE
GENERATES A LOT OF TV EXPOSURE
TCB-Europe always tries to concentrate
its promotional efforts in defined
time periods, thereby getting maximum exposure
out of a limited budget. December, January
and February are important months for European
tourists to make up their minds as to where
they are traveling, .especially those in
the Netherlands, which is, as we all know,
our "home market" in Europe.
Last month, Bonaire generated a lot of
free publicity on Dutch television. Four
Friday nights in a row Bonaire was featured
in NCRV’s Man bijt Hond and during
Christmas "Huize
Huisman." Over 3.25 million viewers
were once again shown the unique island
of Bonaire!
Back to the top
LARGE
PROMOTION WITH MAGAZINE
DUIKEN
Over 17,500 subscribers
of Holland’s
largest dive magazine, DUIKEN, were presented
a special edition of Bonaire’s
dive map enclosed in its December
issue. As you know, this winter TCB-Europe
paid extra attention to dive promotions,
especially in our home market of Holland.
The magazine, DUIKEN, proud winner of
last year's Pink Egg, proved once again
to be a good partner by charging special
rates for this special edition, which
supported the TV shows as well as the
virtual dive brochure, hereby generating
the so called "synergy effect."
Back to the top
BONAIRE
DIVE BROCHURE AND CONTEST BIG HIT
The Dutch Dive Brochure
(click on small button on www.infobonaire.com/dutchhome.html)
seems to be a big hit. As you know, Dutch
divers are invited to enter a competition
by sending their favorite Bonaire-picture
(under water!) accompanied by their own
personal experience. In the first weeks
of January the virtual brochure will
grow and grow to become 3 times as large
as the one first launched. So check out
the brochure at Infobonaire and see for
yourself.
Back to the top
ENGLISH
DIVE BROCHURE LAUNCHED
This month the English
version of the dive brochure will be
also launched. To preview, one can
surf to www.basiscommunicatie.nl/bonaire/divebrochure.
The brochure will also be presented on
www.infobonaire.com. As one can see,
it is a translation of the Dutch version.
Next spring TCB-Europe will roll out
a pan-European dive promotion similar
to the one rolled out in the Netherlands.
Back to the top
MANY
ENTRIES MADE DUTCH TRADE PROMOTION A
SUCCESS
Over 150 travel agents
entered Bonaire’s
December-promotion. The contest  stimulated
them to increase their knowledge of Bonaire.
Among the entries winners were chosen
and awarded the hardcopy version of the
Bonaire-game Panoramika. Travel agents
of Toerkoop Soest were the lucky ones
and assistant PR-manager Floor Verdonkschot
brought them their prizes in person.
CHECK
OUT EUROPEAN INCENTIVE SHOW
As discussed with various
members of the private sector, TCB-Europe
went to Barcelona (Spain) to check out
Europe’s
largest, and by far most important, show
for incentives and meetings. Research
showed a growth in interest for small
incentives and this was once again reinforced
at this show. TCB’s Rob Al will
contact KLM Offices throughout Europe
to organize a joint promotion aimed at
this market.
WINTER
DIVE PROMOTION TO CLIMAX AT DUIK VAKER
In February DuikVaker
will once again take place in the Netherlands.
At this show, the Dutch Winter Dive Promotion
will end with a prize ceremony. This
promotion, where the leading
magazine DUIKEN as well as the website www.duiken.tv joined
us, climaxes in handing out two free
dive holidays to Bonaire.
PAN-EUROPEAN
CHRISTMAS GREETINGS
TCB-Europe used Christmas
to further solidify the relationship
with travel agents, tour operators, and
dive shops and schools throughout Europe.
New guerilla marketing is to follow with
the new English dive brochure as the
main topic. This will take place next
month. TCB-Europe will make sure the
winter promotions all end in February
to make way for the next big event. We
can’t tell all
about it, but it is to be launched in
early March. We will keep you posted
via Entre Nous and direct e-mail.
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BONAIRE
NAMED THE "TOP DIVE DESTINATION
IN THE CARIBBEAN" FOR THE THIRD STRAIGHT
YEAR
SCUBA DIVING MAGAZINE ANNOUNCES
2005 READERS' CHOICE AWARDS--BONAIRE
NAMED TOP CARIBBEAN DIVE DESTINATION FOR THIRD
CONSECUTIVE YEAR: For the third year in a
row, readers of Scuba Diving magazine have
named Bonaire as the Top Dive Destination in
the Caribbean/Atlantic. The 2005 Readers' Choice
Awards were recently announced in the January/February
issue of Scuba Diving.
Bonaire also received the highest scores
in the following categories: Top Marine Life,
Top Shore Diving, Top Snorkeling, Top Destination
for Underwater Photography, and Top Beginner
Diving.
"Scuba Diving is the only
dive publication that asks readers to rate
their dive vacations for the benefit of other
divers," said
Buck Butler, editor of the magazine. "For
this issue, the reporters in the field are
our readers, diving the world and recording
their observations."
Thousands of Scuba Diving subscribers and
web users rated their experiences at dive destinations
on a scale of one to five. Final scores, which
are listed in the magazine, represent the percentage
of fours and fives awarded. A minimum number
of responses was required for a destination
to be included in the ratings.
Back to the top
BONAIRE
SPONSORED SCUBA POOL TOUR ROLLS OUT ON JANUARY
1ST
 Introducing
people to the exciting sport of scuba diving,
and the best destinations to scuba dive, The
Scuba Pool Tour starts its 2005 season on January
1st and makes five stops in January alone.
The tour starts January 1-9 at the New York
National Boat Show in New York City. It then
moves on to the Chicagoland's Outdoor Show/Our
World Underwater in Chicago January 12 – 16,
the Adventures in Travel Expo in New
York City January 14 – 16 (no this is
not a mistake there are actually two
pools), the Vacation Outlet Expo in Boston
January 21-23 and the Adventures in Travel
Expo in Washington, DC. January 29 – 30.
As a sponsor, Bonaire receives
their logo on the Scuba Tour website, signage
at the pool, signage on the Scuba Tour Trailer
which is visible on both sides, signage
and a map of the destination on the Scuba
Tour Pavilion, the ability to have two
handouts for attendees and to have one
brochure included in the participant’s
take home bag. Additionally a list of all
of the participants’ names will be
provided within 48 hours of the event.
Back to the top
BONAIRE
TO BE ON CBS-TV!
Travel writer Candyce Stapen,
who visited Bonaire in December 2004 (see
below), is also a
travel correspondent for WUSA-TV, Washington,
DC's CBS-TV affiliate. On January
13, 2005 Mrs. Stapen will be doing a
travel segment and is scheduled to include
Bonaire. We will keep everyone
posted on this ... relaying the latest information
in the next issue of Entre Nous.
NATIONAL
PROMOTION WITH KAY'S JEWELERS
Bonaire will participate this
winter with Kay Jewelers, the largest jewelers
in the USA, with over 700 stores from coast
to coast. Their specialty is engagement rings
and every year they register close to one million
new customers who have purchased one of their
rings. As a thank you, Kay’s presents
the recently engaged couples with a high glossy
magazine called “Every Kiss”, which
is dedicated to advising the couples on where
to spend their honeymoons. 150,000 magazines
are also sold through Barnes and Nobles, and
on newsstands. Bonaire will be a featured destination
and will also have a full page ad to accompany
the Bonaire section. Kudos to Mr. Fritz Hannenberg
of Divi Flamingo Beach Resort for negotiating
an exceptional deal with Kay’s and securing
Bonaire’s participation.
Back to the top
EMAIL
HOLIDAY GREETINGS TO U.S. DATABASE
 Season’s
Greetings from Bonaire were sent to
the entire U.S. email data base along
with a special card created by Bonaire’s
own Caribbean Design and Marketing.
Our thanks to Ms. Susan Davis...
BONAIRE
EZ NEWS FOR DECEMBER
During December one
issue of Bonaire EZ News was written and
distributed to our database of more than
25,000 consumers and travel agents. The December
14th issue of Bonaire EZ News focused
on island news including information on Washington-Slagbaai
National Park, Jibe City, Island Fashions & Gifts,
as well as hotel and restaurant news. A
special holiday message was also sent out
the EZ News database in the days before Christmas.
DIVE
NEWSWIRE FOR DECEMBER
In December two press
releases were distributed on Dive Newswire. The
first distributed on December 1st
focused on the launching of a
new password-protected dive retailers'
toolbox on Bonaire's
Dive Pro website, www.bonairedivingpro.com. The
second, posted on December 20th, focused
on Bonaire being rated as the #1 dive destination
in the Caribbean/Atlantic in the Scuba
Diving Magazine's Readers' Choice Awards. This
posting also contained a holiday message
from the Bonaire Tourist Office.
As part of the ongoing press
release program, Adams Unlimited researches,
writes and prepares a steady stream of
releases for mailings to the media for
applicable editorial coverage based on
editorial calendars and the need to disseminate
timely news. In December, we
prepared three press releases. The
first distributed on December 1st focused
on the launching of a new password
protected section on the Dive Pro
website. The second distributed on
December 20th focused on Bonaire being
rating as the #1 dive destination in Scuba
Diving's Readers' Choice Poll. The third press
release written was the last installment
of Bonaire Briefs for 2004. Bonaire
Briefs, which updates the media on news
from Bonaire was written during the month
of December and includes news from
hotels, restaurants, dive operators, etc. In
order to have the most impact the press
release will be was sent to the media as
well as posted on Dive Newswire after the
holidays in early 2005.
Adams Unlimited completed
arrangements for travel writer Candyce
Stapen to visit Bonaire December 21 - 26,
2004. Mrs.
Stapen was on island to gather information
in order to update her guidebook National
Geographic Guide to Caribbean Family Vacations,
which "offers detailed profiles of
the best family-oriented tours, activities,
and programs at one hundred vacation destinations
throughout the Caribbean."
Back to the top
BONAIREXEL
ANNOUNCES U.S. TICKETING PROCEDURES
FOR TRAVEL AGENTS
BonairExel
recently announced new procedures
for ticketing its flights while
in the United States. These
procedures should enhance BonairExel's
availability to U.S. airline passengers
who wish to connect to BonairExel
flights. Detailed information
is available at www.hr-ticketing.com, or call 1-800-639-3590. At
the present time, only Visa or
Mastercard can be accepted as payment
for BonairExel flights. Back to the top
EDITORIAL
HIGHLIGHTS
40 Feet Underwater:
Moving Light in an Unlimited Territory: With
the success of the opening of the underwater
art exhibit in Bonaire on December
3rd, articles have continued to surface
about the beautiful artwork and unique
show space. Publications that included
article about Bonaire’s art exhibit
in the month of December include Dive
Training with a circulation of
65,000 and Travel Agent with
a circulation of 50,000, for a combined
circulation on 115,000!
Caribbean Travel & Life
(circulation 140,200): Bonaire’s
Lac Bay and its surrounding activities
are the highlight of an article featured
in the December 2004 issue
of Caribbean Travel & Life.
Windsurfing, snorkeling, and kayaking are
mentioned as great activities for the whole
family, with gear available for rental
from nearby Jibe City and Bonaire Windsurf
Place. Newly renovated Hang Out Bar is
also highlighted, with their hours and
average prices of food and drinks listed,
along with a recipe for homemade stoked
sangria.
Sport Diver (circulation
115,000): The December
2004 issue
of Sport Diver magazine
features Bonaire and names the top five
must-dive sites in Bonaire, including Town
Pier (#5), Klein Bonaire (#4), Hilma Hooker
(#3), Karpata (#2), and Rappel was named
the number one must-dive site in Bonaire.
Carib Inn was also highlighted in this
article, mentioning Bruce Bowker and the
vacation experience that he strives to
give each and every one of the guests that
stay at his property. Carib Inn’s
phone number and website are listed.
Jax Fax (circulation
26,000): In the December
2004 issue
of Jax Fax, Bonaire is
highlighted as an island that takes pride
in environment conservation and the diving
is noted as being unparalleled. A dive
vacation package is listed for Captain
Don’s Habitat along with their 800
number and website. A color photo of Bonaire’s
reef accompanies the article.
Angling Report
(circulation 8,000): The
Angling Report is a monthly fishing
magazine in Miami, FL. A reader of this
magazine, originally from Bonaire, wrote
a letter to the editor about the abundant
bonefishing in Bonaire which led the editor
to contact the TCB-NYC office for more
details. The December 2004 issue
of the Angler Report features
various bonefishing areas on the island,
and even recommends a local guide, Mr.
Chris Morkos, of Piscatur. Among the fishing
information are tourism details about ocean-front
bars, excellent restaurants, tourist shops,
and the local market. Directions to the
salt pans and flamingo sanctuary are given
for visitors who decide to rent a car.
Accommodations mentioned include Sand Dollar,
Captain Don’s, Divi Flamingo, and
Harbour Village. The Bonaire fishing website
(www.bonairefishing.com)
is listed.
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SOMOS
FROM PERU
This magazine had an insert in El Comercio
newspaper’s Honeymoon Edition mentioning
Bonaire as among the best places for honeymooners
in the Caribbean. It also promotes us as the
island in vogue to go on vacation or even get
married. Among its advantages are that it is
a very close destination (thanks to the KLM flights),
no visa is required, and it is a very privileged
place away from noise and stress. The article
had a KLM advertisement announcing its six weekly
flights to Bonaire and starting from December
13th, daily flights.
Back to the top
CLUB
EMPRESARIAL, PERUVIAN MAGAZINE
With two full color pages and
beautiful images, Bonaire was promoted with
the title “Naturaleza,
paz y aventura”, in the magazine Club
Empresarial in its November edition. The
magazine promoted Bonaire highlighting all
its activities and important tips on climate,
currency, the language, the documentation
required to enter the island, shopping,
car rentals, and gastronomy, among others.
KLM supported the promotional
article by advertising a full color page with
the title, “Con KLM escápate
al paraíso
.. Bonaire.”
Back to the top
TRANSPORT
FROM ECUADOR
This magazine, in its Christmas
edition, promoted Bonaire in a full color page
advertisement, bringing a message of peace
and good wishes in 2005 for the Ecuadorian
tourism sector. Transport is a nationwide monthly
publication directed at travel agencies.
Back to the top
BONAIREXEL
PROMOTED IN VENEZUELA
Through a press release issued
by TCB-South America in the month
of November, the tourism magazine, GAM, promoted
the BonaireExel operation. It is important
to know that there is very little information
about BonairExel and how to make reservations
and ticket purchases, as the airline does
not yet have offices in
the South American markets.
JASTA
TRAVEL FLYING TO VENEZUELA
Due to the opening of air
operations from Bonaire to the cities of
Valencia and Caracas in Venezuela, our colleague
Yasmin of TCB-South America invited the staff
of Jasta Travel for a promotional visit to
Caracas to meet with the tour and dive operators.
The purpose was to promote them and let
them know it is possible to connect Venezuela
with the island of Bonaire.
By our recommendation, Jasta Travel/Transaven
will promote their air operation to Bonaire
in the tourism magazine, Gaceta Aerea, in
its Carnival edition in the month of
January. Please, with Carnival season
from February 4th to the 8th, if any hotels
have available rooms for this long weekend
in Venezuela, contact the SA tour operators.
Back to the top
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NEWS
FROM THE TOURISM SECTOR
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WOODWIND
CRUISES ANNOUNCES NEW
WEBSITE
 Woodwind
Cruises has recently
announced the completion of
a new website, located at www.woodwindbonaire.com. This
new site gives complete and
concise information about all
the different activities offered
by Woodwind, including sailing,
beach BBQs, and guided snorkels.
Woodwind
has long been known for comfort
and stability while sailing,
and for the extra-special attention
given by the crew. Now you
don't have to wait until your
arrival on Bonaire to book
your Woodwind Cruise, as you
can now book online and save
10% by clicking on www.woodwindbonaire.com/reserve.html.
Back to the top
LIZARD
INN OPENS FOR BUSINESS
 The
new Lizard Inn Bed & Breakfast
recently announced it is now open
for business. With six double rooms
with air-conditioning and private
bath, the Lizard Inn is walking
distance to Kralendijk, and is
close to bars, restaurants, and
supermarkets. Staff can assist
you with car or bike rentals, as
well as diving activities. Prices
per room per night are US$ 36.50
for one person, or US$ 48.50 for
two persons, excluding tourist
tax. Optional breakfast is available
for US$ 6.00 per person.
For more information,
call +(599) 717-6877 or +(599)
786-0277, or email bonlizards@hotmail.com.
Back to the top
BONIRE
HOTEL & TOURISM ASSOCIATION
(BONHATA) PRESENTS 2004 BONAIRE
TOURISM INDUSTRY AWARDS
On Saturday evening,
December 4th, the Bonaire Hotel
and Tourism Association presented
its 2004 Bonaire Tourism Industry
Awards. Approximately 150 people
attended this year’s event
held at the Plaza Resort Bonaire.
Representatives from the Hotel
and Accommodation, Restaurant,
Car Rental, Dive Operations, Aviation,
Retail, Banking and Excursion Provider
sectors, as well as representatives
from the Island Tourist Board and
Tourism Corporation Bonaire, were
in attendance.
Attendees enjoyed the music of
a new band on Bonaire, “SILK” along
with an excellent snack buffet
and drinks. In addition to the
awards and entertainment for the
evening, raffle tickets were sold
with the proceeds going to a Breakfast
Program for SGB. The Rotary Club
instituted a breakfast program
this past year for the elementary
schools and thereby a need was
found for a like program at SGB.
The cost for one month for this
program to provide a nutritional
breakfast to 120 SGB students is
Nafl. 3700.00 which was the goal
for this years raffle. A huge thank
you to all the prize sponsors for
the Raffle…KLM Royal Dutch
Airlines, BonairExel Airline, LaCabana
Resort Aruba, Doubletree Grand
on Biscayne Bay in Miami, Kura
Hulanda Resort Curacao, Hotel Nuevo
Mundo in Lima, Peru, Antillean
Wine Company and Atlantis Duty
Free. Thanks to all these great
businesses and all attendees who
purchased raffle tickets, we met
our goal of Nafl. 3700.00 for one
month of breakfasts at SGB. In
addition, the following BONHATA
Members have pledged sponsorship
of 1 additional month of breakfast
each…Bonaire Tours & Vacations,
MCB Bonaire, bringing the total
of 5 months of SGB Breakfasts for
the coming year.
In addition to the raffle, musical
entertainment, food and drink,
the attendees were also entertained
by the evenings Official Host & Hostess
and members of the Board of Directors
of BONHATA, Mr. Nick Davies and
Mrs. Corine Gerharts.
The purpose of the Annual Awards
Event is to recognize the member
businesses of BONHATA and their
employees that have made a significant
contribution to the overall tourism
industry of Bonaire over the past
year. All award nominees must be
either a member or be employed
by a member of BONHATA or The Bonaire
Restaurant Association. Each nomination
must be supported with a written
justification explaining why the
person submitting the nomination
feels the Nominee is deserving
of the award.
The award categories
and this year's
winners are:
Food & Beverage
Excellence Award – Chibi
Chibi Restaurant
Excursion Operator
of the Year -
Bonaire Tours & Vacations
Good Samaritan Award – Frits
Hannenberg, Larry Gerharts & Eddy
Carrillo – All for the
Breakfast in Schools Project
The Green Award – Capt.
Don’s Habitat
Dive Operation of
the Year – Photo
Tours Divers
Employee of the Year – Jeanette
Trenidad – Bonaire Tours & Vacations
Supervisor of the
Year – Mathilda
Suydon – Bonaire Air
Services
Small Property of
the Year (under 20 rooms or
units) – Windosock
Apartments
Property of the Year
(over 20 rooms or units) – Harbour Village
Beach Club
Person of the Year – Jack
Chalk – Captain Don’s
Habitat
The Board of Directors
and Membership of BONHATA would
like to take this opportunity to
congratulate all of this year’s
award winners. 2005
is shaping up to be a very good
year for the tourism industry of
Bonaire.
Back to the top
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| Carnival Events are listed in Red |
Carnival
Adult Parade Dates:
2005 - 2011 |
January
2005
TBA - Maskarada
Jan 1 - Rincon Market Day
Jan 23 - Annual Special Olympics
Walk-A-Thon 30 KM
TBA - Rincon Market Day
TBA - Jump-up Rincon
TBA - Jump-up Kralendijk
TBA - Tumba Festival Contest,
Kralendijk
TBA -
10th Sand Dollar Dive & Photo
Sailing Competition
TBA - Tumba
Alisio Festival
TBA - Youth Tumba Festival Contest, Kralendijk
TBA - Teener Parade
Jan 29 - Youth Parade Rincon
Jan 30 - Youth Parade Kralendijk
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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 |
February
2005
TBA - International Fishing Tournament
Feb 5 - Rincon Market Day
Feb
5 - Adult Parade, Rincon
Feb 6 - Adult Parade, Kralendijk
Feb 7- Youth Farewell Parade
Feb 8 - Grand Farewell Parade with the burning of King Momo
Feb 9 -
Ash Wednesday
March
2005
TBA - 5km Fun Run time
Mar 5 - Rincon Market Day
Mar 20 - Palm Sunday
Mar 25- Good Friday. Banks and shops closed.
Apr 27 - Easter Sunday
Apr 28 - Easter Monday. Banks and shops closed.
Every Tuesday Night
@ 6:30pm -
BonaireTalker Dinner/Gathering,
call Jake at 717-6773 or email jake@bonairetalk.com for
more details.
Click here for a detailed CALENDAR
OF EVENTS
Back to the top
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To unsubscribe or subscribe go to http://www.bonaireentrenous.com
*********************************************
Tourism Corporation Bonaire
Kaya Grandi #2
Bonaire
Dutch Caribbean
Tel: 599-7-8322/ 8649
Fax: 599-7-8408
E-mail: info@tourismbonaire.com
Website address: www.InfoBonaire.com |
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