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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WINE
TASTING AT ITS BEST
On Saturday
March 19 2005 Wine Tasting
was at its BEST! Four local Bonaire
Wine Purveyors : TIS, AWC, ALCON
and Bonaire Gift, poured their
best brands to over 200 people
at the Harbour Village Fountain
Plaza. It was a savvy event hosted
by The Culinary Bonaire Foundation
and Bonhata to raise money for
the Bonaire Chef and Bartender
team competing in the "Taste of
the Caribbean" competition in June
this year in Miami.
 Wine was
not the only thing served as
37 restaurants donated cheese
and canapés to this
special event. It was an awesome
spread of French and Danish
Cheese, Crostinni's, from
sushis to yummy stuffed mushrooms
and quiche as well as Pizza
and French tarts--certainly
the most variety of Bonaire's
Culinary taste ever seen. A
special thanks to local restaurants
Airport Restaurant, Antriol
Catering, Bella Vista, Bistro
de Paris, Blue Moon, Capriccio,
Chez Lucille, Chez Nous, Chibi
Chibi, China Nobo, City Café,
Croccantino, Den Laman, Donna & Giorgio,
Eddy’s Goumandaise, Eden Garden (Great Escape), Garden Café,
Goddard Catering, It Rains Fishes, KFC, Kon Tiki, La Guernica, La Luna,
Le Flamboyant, Lion’s Den, Mango’s, Mona Lisa, Nonchie’s,
Pasa Bon Pizza, Plaza Resort, Rendezvous, Ribs Factory, Rose Inn,
Rum Runners, Super Corner and ZeeZicht.
Back to the top
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BONAIRE'S
FIRST INVESTMENT CONFERENCE
In September, 2005, the island
of Bonaire will hold its first Investment
Conference, inviting investors from
all over the world to come to Bonaire
to see the excellent investment opportunities
there are.
For more information, please download
the Investment
Conference Press Release.
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NEW
BONAIRE AMBASSADORS
AWARDED
GOLD: |
Helen & Gus
Manasse and Adel & Irving
Guller |
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Helen and Gus
Manasse have visited Bonaire
for 30 years, and they now have
the honor of receiving the Gold
Ambassador Medal. Adel and Irving
Guller also visited our island
for 24 years, and so they, too
receive the Gold!
Both couples
continue to visit Bonaire for
the fantastic underwater life,
water sports, and the tropical
climate. They have recommended
that all their family and friends
visit Bonaire. And when they
are together at family gatherings,
they share their experiences
about Bonaire.
Helen, Gus, Adele
and Irving are each one of Tourism
Corporation Bonaire’s Ambassadors.
Congratulations!
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AWARDED
GOLD: |
Robert
Tsing |
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Robert Tsing has been visiting
our island for 26 years already!.
Robert and his wife visited
Bonaire for the first time
in 1979, and since then have
been visiting the island 3
to 5 times each year. The first
time that they came to Bonaire
they stayed at Flamingo Beach
Hotel, but they have sampled
the fine hospitality of other
properties including. Captain
Don’s Habitat, Harbour
Village and Plaza Resort. Throughout
the years they have brought
many friends with them. In
2000, they purchased their
own home.
Their reason for doing this
is the relaxed atmosphere that
Bonaire has to offer. Robert
frequently calls Bonaire their
second home.
Robert becomes one of Tourism
Corporation Bonaire’s
Gold Ambassadors. Congratulations!
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AWARDED
SILVER: |
Bernhard
Vriesman |
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The
year 2005 marks Bernhard's 16th
consecutive year of visits to
Bonaire. Even way back in 1989,
when he first visited the island,
Bernhard knew that Bonaire was
the place that he would be sure
to visit yearly. Certified to
dive in Bonaire, he states that
Bonaire has the most beautiful
underwater life and seascapes.
His words for our island: Bonaire,
the Beautiful Island. On this
visit, Bernhard is enjoying the
hospitality of Bellafonte
Chateau de la Mer. |
AWARDED
BRONZE: |
Mike & Becky,
USA, and David & Judy,
UK |
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At
Sorobon, TCB awarded two couples
with their Bronze Ambassador
Medals. Mike and Becky from the
USA have visited Sorobon each
year in February for the last
ten years. They tell us that
they are very happy to be celebrating
three weeks holiday on Bonaire,
not only because of the beautiful
nature and friendly people, but
also because they think of Sorobon
as their true paradise!
David
and Judy are from the UK, and
have also visited Sorobon over
the last ten years every year,
and often times, twice a year.
David is a fanatical windsurfer
and he and his wife enjoy being
on the beach of Sorobon and on
the waves of Lac Bay!
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ITB
BERLIN: NEW BOOTH SUCCESSFUL
 Once again, Bonare
was well represented at ITB Berlin, Europe’s
largest trade show. This is a very important
venue for Bonaire since all the major buyers
visit the show. The European tourists still
tend to buy a package (ticket + bed) from
one of the tour operators. Hotels and resorts
have to make sure they meet, greet, contact
and contract these buyers. Ronella Croes,
our new GM, and Rob Al (TCB Europe) attended
the show. Jack Chalk, Bous Scholts and
Nick Davies were present on behalf of their
own properties and Bonhata. After last
year's experience, caused by the very
loud entertainment at the Venezuela booth,
TCB Europe managed to obtain a far better
spot this year. We could welcome a lot
of buyers and this made the show very successful
for Bonaire. Among others, the buyers were
informed about our new digital sales
support tools such as the online brochures.
Back to the top
ROB
AL MADE FRIENDS AT KLM
The 2005 strategy of TCB
Europe is to further develop the so-called
secondary markets. The Netherlands are,
by far, our most important market in
Europe, followed by the secondary markets
Germany, Belgium, UK, and Scandinavia.
To make sure we are able to increase
the arrival numbers out of these countries,
we not only have to make sure to contract
enough tour operators, but we also have
to make sure we involve our main carrier
KLM. Rob Al, TCB Europe’s marketing
man for these markets, visited London
and Stockholm to talk with the KLM offices.
Although it’s a long road to walk,
Rob could report some major improvements
and opportunities. Already he has
seen positive results.
Back to the top
NEW
STREAMING VIDEOS TO BE LAUNCHED
Recently TCB Europe added
a major asset to www.InfoBonaire.com:
a special section, Bonaire in Motion,
where we present streaming videos of
Bonaire. Where infobonaire.com provides
excellent factual information,
this section will inspire you to plan
your next visit to Bonaire.
Launched prior to ITB (see above) with
approximately 8 streaming videos, the
TCB team worked hard this month to create
new videos. In a few weeks, movies on
mountain biking and kite surfing will
be added to this TV-section. Very soon
visitors of www.InfoBonaire.com can
access this section via the homepage
and shortly afterward, also via the various
country-homepages.
Back to the top
DUTCH
TV-SHOW VISITED BONAIRE
Henny Huisman, one of
Holland’s
most popular TV-hosts and Bonaire lover,
managed to get his whole crew over
to film 12 TV-shows on Bonaire. This
program, named ‘Huize Huisman’,
is based at the Van Erp residence near
the mangroves. Dutch children, often
disabled, are brought over to Bonaire
to experience the holiday of their
lives. After the first visit, Henny
Huisman and his crew are returning
in May to shoot the last episodes.
TCB Europe wishes to thank Gerard van
Erp and Bous Scholts (Plaza) for their
support and efforts to make this work.
Back to the top
MOUNTAIN
BIKERS EXPLORED BONAIRE
In 2005, TCB Europe will
roll out another popular sport activity
on Bonaire that appeals to the Dutch
markets. Part of this PR-based campaign
was a visit of some of Holland’s
most famous professional bikers. As a
part of their training program, these
guys explored the biking trails on Bonaire.
Their visit will not only be shown on
the TV-section of www.InfoBonaire.com,
but is also part of a large press-coverage
in the Netherlands.
YOUNG
DUTCH KITERS TO BONAIRE
Two of Holland’s
most promising young kiters recently
visited Bonaire. As part of TCB’s
strategy to promote more unknown parts
of Bonaire in the Netherlands (Can
you keep a little secret?), they came
to our island accompanied by a journalist
and photographer to cover their trip
for the leading magazines.
NEW
ONLINE MARKETING CAMPAIGN TO BE LAUNCHED
During the
second quarter TCB Europe will launch
a new pan-European marketing campaign
to promote Bonaire. As we all know,
the internet is by far the most important
channel for tourists (mainly divers)
to gather information on their next
dive holiday. Also other specific
target groups like wind- and kite surfers
can easily be targeted via the internet.
Since our new tools, such as the
streaming videos (Bonaire in Motion)
are launched, TCB Europe can and will
start a new online marketing campaign
to achieve the highest possible returns
on the lowest possible investments.
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BONAIRE SPONSORS
DEMA DIVE INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
Jack Chalk, president of Bonhata, represented
Bonaire as a sponsor at the Second Annual Dive
Industry Leadership Conference hosted by DEMA
in San Diego on March 9, 2005. The conference
focused on the value of a dive travel program.
Joining five retail store owners who made presentations
on the various aspects of executing a dive
travel program, Jack covered what a destination
can do to assist retailers with their dive
travel, and took the conference attendees through
Bonaire’s special site for Dive Pros, www.bonairedivingpro.com.
 Of special interest was the “retailers
tool box” which contains the tools needed
by a dive trip leader to run a successful trip
and includes a downloadable brochure shell,
copyright-free photos, and 6 FAQ’s covering
all aspects of a trip to Bonaire. The conference
presentations were filmed and will be put on
a DVD which DEMA will distribute to all dive
stores as part of the PowerUP Seminar
Series.
Back to the top
BONAIRE AMBASSADOR
PROGRAM MAKES SURPRISE APPEARANCE AT THE
DEMA DIVE INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
 Bud Urem of US Scuba, speaking
on the topic of profitability and the value
of repeat business at the Dive Industry Leadership
Conference, surprised attendees by holding
up his Bonaire Ambassador Medal!
Describing the program as one of the best
examples of a loyalty rewards program he
has ever seen, he then relayed the story
of a customer who had booked two dive trips
to the Pacific with him last year, but had
decided to skip the Caribbean trip until
she learned that the trip was to Bonaire.
It seems this would be her 15th trip and
she didn’t want to miss the opportunity
to get her medal, so she changed her mind
and booked the Caribbean trip. Bud then recited
the infobonaire URL and suggested all attendees
go online to check out the program.
DIVE
SITE MAP ON WWW.BONAIREDIVINGPRO.COM ENHANCED
WITH “POP UP’S” OF EACH
DIVE SITE FEATURING PHOTOS AND SHORT DESCRIPTIONS
 Susan Davis of NetTech breathed
a sigh of relief on March 9, 2005 when she
finished the job of enhancing the dive site
map and legend with “pop-ups”, including
a photo and a short description of each dive
site on the map. Completed
in time for introduction to the diving industry
at the Dive Industry Leadership Conference,
the reactions to the map were uniformly positive
coming from members of the media, dive retailers,
wholesalers, and equipment manufacturers attending
the conference.
Back to the top
BONAIRE EZ NEWS FOR MARCH
During March two issues
of Bonaire EZ News were written and
distributed to our database of more
than 25,000 consumers and travel agents.
The March 14th issue of EZ News
focused on deep sea, reef and
bonefishing in Bonaire. It also contained
Island News. The March 28th issue of
EZ News focused on airline service
on both American Airlines/American
Eagle and Air Jamaica, as well as air
inclusive tour operator packages.
DIVE
NEWSWIRE FOR MARCH
In March two press
releases were distributed on Dive Newswire. The
first distributed on March 7th focused on
the changes being implemented to the National
Parks Fee Collection System and the introduction
of the Nature Fee . The second release, posted
on March 14th, focused on the new information
available on Bonaire’s website for
dive professionals, www.bonairedivingpro.com. Dive
Newswire is distributed electronically to
more than 6,000 dive shop owners, manufacturers
as well as media outlets.
PRESS RELEASES
FOR MARCH
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
March, two press releases were prepared
and one was distributed. The first
focused on the changes being implemented
to the National Parks Fee Collection System
and the introduction of the Nature Fee
. The second press release regarding American
Airlines/American Eagle’s flight
update was pending approval at the time
of this writing. As usual, all releases
are distributed to the appropriate media
outlets.
EDITORIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Boston Globe
(circulation 707,813): Diving
in Bonaire was the subject of the
feature article in the travel section
of the Boston Sunday Globe on March
6, 2005. Globe correspondent
Ralph Fuller traveled to Bonaire to go
diving at Bonaire’s Town Pier and
wrote about his experience upon his return
to Boston. Fuller made one night dive
at the pier followed by another dive
two days later during the day at the
same location.
To read this article in its entirety
please visit www.boston.com and
search Bonaire in the archives. A paid
fee is required to view archived articles.
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
(circulation 606,246): Bonaire
was featured in the February
27, 2005 edition of the Atlanta
Journal-Constitution in an
article about vacationing in Bonaire.
Noted for being a popular destination
for water lovers, the author notes
that the island is a playground for
divers, snorkelers, windsurfers, kayakers,
fisherman, and sailors. The article
says that Bonaire is a great family
destination because if children can
float then they will love to snorkel.
A family package is listed for Plaza
Resort Bonaire. Bonaire’s website
and Plaza Resort’s website are
both listed. To read this article in
its entirety please visit www.ajc.com and
search Bonaire in the archives. A paid
fee is required to view archived articles.
Caribbean Travel & Life
(140,200): Bonaire’s
Karel’s Bar was
featured in the Island Hopping section
of the April 2005 issue
of Caribbean Travel & Life.
Information on the bar’s location,
how the bar got its name, the atmosphere,
daily hours and happy hour are all listed
in this article. Johan Visser, owner
of Karel’s Bar even mentions that
if you ever need a plumber, electrician,
or snorkel guide just speak up because
you’ll find one at this popular
local hangout. The Vissers also built
a cappuccino bar next to Karel’s
to ensure guests stay caffeinated. The
Vissers restaurant Zeezicht is located
on the same dock as Karel’s Bar
and Zeezicht’s full menu is available
to guests at Karel’s Bar. A recipe
for Karel’s Special drink is listed
for readers to make at home. To read
this article in its entirety please visit http://www.caribbeantravelmag.com/article.jsp?ID=36254&typeID=120&categoryID=69.
Illinois Daily
Herald (circulation 281,379): In
light of spring breaks and summer
vacations looming closer an article on
vacationing in the Caribbean appeared
in the Illinois Daily Herald on February
27, 2005. Bonaire was noted
for its enviable record of being outside
of the hurricane belt. The article mentions
that tropical storms wallop the island
every 76 years on average and the last
time the island was hit by a moderate
hurricane was in 1851 and that no severe
hurricanes have ever struck the island.
This article is not available online.
Chattanooga Times
Free Press (circulation 114,366): Traveling
to the ABC islands for Valentine’s
Day was the topic of an article in the February
6, 2005 edition of the Chattanooga
Times Free Press. The article
notes that Bonaire is a great destination
for many activities including diving,
sailing, bicycling, horseback riding,
and watching the sun set. Bonaire’s
website is listed with instructions on
how to search accommodations. To view
this article in its entirety please visit www.timesfreepress.com and
search Bonaire in the archives. A paid
fee is required to view archived articles.
Successful
Meetings Magazine (circulation 75,050): Hosting
meetings and conferences in the ABC
islands is the topic of an article
in the February 2005 issue of Successful
Meetings Magazine. With many hotels now
modernizing their facilities to accommodate
WI-FI access and adding spas for the
guests who like to be pampered in their
down-time, Bonaire is an excellent destination
to host meetings and conferences of all
sizes. In a sidebar article a visitor
to Bonaire describes the great experience
that she had while learning to dive at
Harbour Village Beach Club. To read this
article in its entirety please visit http://www.successmtgs.com/successmtgs/search/search_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1000777552.
Caribbean Life
(circulation 41,666): Bonaire
was featured in Caribbean
Life newspaper on February
22, 2005 with compliments
for raising $35,000 for victims of
the Southeast Asia tsunami. The article
notes that the entire Bonaire community
worked together under the name Hand
to Hand Tsunami Fundraising, which
was promoted by local radio stations,
to organize a fundraising event which
took place in downtown Kralendijk on
Saturday January 15, 2005. The event
included live entertainment, food,
drinks, a “bring and buy” sale,
a lottery, and auctions. The event
was made possible by cooperation of
island organizations, churches, schools,
businesses, volunteers, and diverse
island inhabitants. On-island contact
information is listed as well as contact
information for TCB-NYC. This article
is not available online.
Illinois News-Gazette
(circulation 41,459): Real
estate in Bonaire is the main topic
in a feature article that appeared in
the Illinois News-Gazette on February
19, 2005. A college professor
from Champaign, IL has been visiting
Bonaire for 20 years to snorkel, read,
relax, and recuperate during school breaks.
Four years ago Pauline Kayes began looking
into buying a home in Bonaire since she
spent so much time on the island and
two years ago she purchased Rock Beauty
Respite near Bachelor’s Beach in
Bonaire. Four large color photos of her
property appear with the article. Bonaire
is noted for being voted the best diving
in the world by Scuba Diving magazine.
This article is not available online.
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A
SUCCESSFUL EASTER SEASON
The Venezuelan divers keep coming to Bonaire
more and more on holidays. During the recent
Easter week, four airplanes (19 seats) from Jasta
Travel/Transaven were chartered to Bonaire by
Epsilon Dive, Caracas Scuba Center, Chichiriviche
Divers and Caribbean Reef. Host hotels: Hamlet,
Eden Beach, Divers Paradise, Sunrentals, Lagoen
Hill among others provided accomodations.
Back to the top
THE
POSITIVE RESULT OF A PRESS DIVE VISIT
The Brazilian photographer Ary
Amarante has sent us four CDS with 44 beautiful
pictures of Bonaire (mainly underwater), taken
by him during his last visit to the island.
It is important to note that these images
are given to TCB (as was agreed upon with
Ary) and will be used in the promotion of the
island. Thanks to Habitat and Budget Car
Rental for their hospitality to the photographer
from the magazine, Mergulho.
Back to the top
BONAIRE
PROMOTED BY STRONG SA TOUR OPERATORS
In Venezuela, Turaser is one
of the biggest companies advertising on TV,
radio and special press pieces while promoting
their destinations and where Bonaire is starting
to be featured. For Easter, the tour operator
included the island along with other Caribbean
destinations in their ad campaign with full
color pages in the tourism section of the main
newspapers. As a result, the first group of
visitors came to Bonaire over Easter
In Equator, Bonaire, along with
Diametrica,l is considered the strongest Caribbean
operator in the market. This year they were
very enthusiastic with the promotion of the
island along with the support of KLM, TCB,
and the hotels with their competitive packages.
Bonaire is already featured on their web site
www.viamerica.com.ec
and in their promotional flyers.
JASTA
TRAVEL UPDATE
With a new
phone number
and name PAS (Progressive
Air Services),
this small
company in
Bonaire is
starting to
be known in
Venezuela for
their support
in airlift
on the route
Bonaire/Valencia/Caracas
and vice
versa, after
the operations
of DCA were
closed. PAS
has the support
from the office
in Caracas
and we are
glad to receive
calls from
travel agents
asking for
more information
about their
flights. Their phone
number is 717-6825.
HAMLET
OASIS BONAIRE
With a strong
marketing program
and follow-up,
Hamlet offers
attractive
packages to
groups from
Venezuela,
an example
to be followed
in order to
be successful
in the Latin-American
markets accustomed
to doing business
with a close
relationship
after finding
niches by establishing
a good rapport
with their
clients.
Back to the top
BONAIRE
PRESS RELEASES
In
its January/February
tourism edition,
the magazine
Notigama
from Venezuela
promoted
Bonaire along
with Playa
del Carmen
(Cancun)
and Margarita
Island (Venezuela).
Notigama
is a free
publication
(circ. 17,000)
distributed
in the prestigious
Excelsior
Gama supermarket
chain.
In
their March
editions, the
Venezuelan
tourism magazines
Gaceta Aérea
and GAM published
an update
of the latest
news in Bonaire:
the name-change
of BonairExel
to BonairExpress,
King of the
Caribbean
dates of
May 15th
to the 22nd,
the newly
structured
Bonaire Marine
Park Fees,
and the Dive
Festival's
new edition
for 2006.
The
Tour operator
Blue Sky,
in its
insert in GAM
magazine (March
edition), promoted
Bonaire.
In
its March edition,
the magazine
Transport from
Equator
featured Buddy
Dive’s
25th anniversary
celebration.
Also a nice
picture of
the Bonaire
Delegation
was published
by the magazine
on their
recent promotional
visit to
the cities
of Quito
and Guayaquil.
MORE
BONAIRE SPANISH
BROCHURES
To support
the 2005 image
campaign in
South America,
a new issue
of the brochure
in Spanish
has been printed
and will be
soon distributed
in the markets.
BONAIRE
BROCHURES
AT THE DUTCH
EMBASSY
In addition
to having
our promotional
materials at
the travel
agencies and
dive shops,
Bonaire brochures
are also found
at the Embassy
for those interested
to doing business
or visiting
the island.
COMING
SOON: INFOBONAIRE.COM
IN SPANISH
With the
main goal of
reaching more
and more Spanish
speaking markets,
TCB is working
on the translations.
2005
VENEZUELAN
DIVE & PRESS
FAM
As an incentive
to sell Bonaire
and with the
support of PAS and
their flights
from Venezuela
to Bonaire,
the office
is planning
two fam trips
in June, one
for media press
(4 journalists)
and the other
one for dive
operators (6
divers). Pls,
contact Yasmin
for more information
at: flamingorep@cantv.net
NEXT
LONG WEEKENDS
Venezuela:
April 15th-19th
and June 24th-26th
Brazil
June 10th-13th
and July (winter
month vacation)
Perú July
28th-31st
UPCOMING
EVENTS
Rio
Boat Show,
Brazil, April
29th-May
08th
Ecuadorian
Promotional
Visit, Quito,
Guayaquil (dates
to be advised)
SIT
Trade Show,
Lima, May 19th-21st
Caribbean
Trade Show & VII
Discover Bonaire,
Caracas, May
23rd-25th. |
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NEWS
FROM THE TOURISM SECTOR
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TOURISM
SPECIALS AVAILABLE NOW
AB
Carrental has
a Special Offer for non
divers: Rent a new Kia
Picanto for as low as
USD $29.00 per day (taxes
and insurance additional)
and receive the 7th day
free! For more information,
visit: www.ABcarrental.com.
From April 17 through
December 20, 2005, both Lagoen
Hill and Divers
Paradise have
a 7=6 special, Pay for 6, but
stay for seven! For more information,
visit the web site at www.lagoenhill.com or
www.diversparadisebonaire.com.
Golden
Reef Inn offers
a May special--7 night, 8
day Stay, Dive, Drive Package,
including roundtrip
airfare, as low as $965.00
per person! Must
book by May 5, 2005, good
for travel May 5-25, 2005.
For more information, visit
www.goldenreefinn.com.
HARBOUR
VILLAGE BEACH CLUB AUGMENTS SERVICES
We
have successfully introduced
our personalized Beach Service
operating daily from 10 am
to 6 pm, where our guests have
the opportunity to order
any advertised cocktails and
drinks as well as snacks or
lunch from our La Balandra
Menu. The reaction of our guests
to this new service have been
tremendously positive.
Also we are
proud to announce the addition
of two new restaurants located
within walking distance of
our Beach Club: Vespucci's
Restaurant, offering Seafood
and Mediterranean style
fare and tropical cocktails,
and Morgan's Tavern is a Spanish Tapas and
drinks Bar with one of the
most relaxing and fantastic
sunset views. Both new restaurants
are located in Harbour Village
Marina.
Back to the top
WOMEN'S WINDSURF WEEK IN BONAIRE, JULY 17-25, 2005
Featuring Windsurfer
of the year, Beth Powell
Winkler and Instructor extraordinaire, Petra Kanz!!
 Join Petra Kanz and Beth Powell
Winkler on
an exciting windsurf trip
to the sunny island of Bonaire. The
group coordinator, Ann Phelan
is a seasoned windsurfer
and travel consultant. Ann
is the promoter of King of
the Caribbean.
She is the only windsurf
vacation travel agent based
in Bonaire who also windsurfs! Ann, Petra, and Beth are offering
a super fun filled week of
instruction and fun this
summer. Sail on premium gear
at Bonaire Windsurf
Place.
Choose from cozy apartments
or oceanfront condos at Kontiki
or Belmar. Air land, clinic,
car (Budget Bonaire) and gear
packages available.
The week includes
a 3 day clinic for all levels
of sailing ability and then
on water instruction and practice
time. There are opportunities
for yoga classes, sunset power
walks, spa massage and treatments
and much more. Come sharpen
your windsurf skills, get pampered
and surround yourself with
the beauty and serenity of Bonaire. If you always wanted to windsurf this is your
chance to learn in the best
flat water, shallow on shore
location. Intermediates will
advance rapidly in the magic
water of Bonaire.
Contact: ann@bonairewindsurfing.com or click
on www.bonairepros.com for
more information.
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"BUDDY
RANGERS"--BUDDY'S OWN
KIDS CLUB
Buddy Dive Resort
Bonaire is pleased to announce
that it has added a Kids Club
to its services and facilities.
Located at the other end of the
dive shop and beside the elevated,
but protected beach “Buddy
Rangers” is
Buddy Dive Resort’s own
and new Kids Club. Together with
the Activity Center “Buddy
Rangers” has its own location
thus serving the needs of our
guests that look for way to discover
Bonaire other than diving and
our little guests.
 The kids program
consists of a 5 day morning
program where kids are not only “baby
sat” in order for the parents
to enjoy a one- or two-tank
dive on one of our boats, but
the program is developed in such
a way that kids will enjoy being
around their new hang-out, be
active and educated as well.
The program includes
snorkel lessons in the pool and
snorkel trips in the ocean, fish
and coral identification, drift
wood painting, use of the SASY
units, games and a surprise trip.
The prices will be $30 for one
morning and $120 for five mornings
(excluding tax). Snorkel equipment,
drinks and snacks are included.
The children should be able to
swim. At the end of the week
they will receive a certificate
from “Buddy
Rangers” and a special “Buddy
Rangers” t-shirt.
Together with
Buddy’s “Family-Kids-Free” package.
the addition of “Buddy
Rangers” makes Buddy Dive
Resort Bonaire the perfect resort
for every family’s (dive)
vacation.
For more information
please contact your favorite
travel partner our US-Sales office
at 1-866-GO-BUDDY or e-mail to buddy@travelmarketing.com or
contact us directly at Buddy
via Martijn at activity@buddydive.com or
ask Heleen or Xenia at reservations@buddydive.com.
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CINNAMON
ART GALLERY ANNOUNCES NEXT GUEST
EXHIBITOR
 Cinnamon
Art Gallery invites everyone
to their next Guest Exhibitor Opening,
April 15, 2005 from 7:00 PM to
9:00 PM profiling the works of
Cousteau illustrator, Dominique
Serafini.
The exhibit will
continue to run through May, when
a new guest exhibitor will
be highlighted.
More information
is available at Cinnamon Art Gallery's
web site at www.cinnamonartgallery.org.
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 STINAPA
BONAIRE ANNOUNCEMENTS
Sally
Thode is completing 15
years working at STINAPA. She
started first in 1990 at Karpata,
and then moved to the offices in
Fort Oranje’.
She presently works at the offices
in Barcadera and Wasington Park.
Our congratulations for a job well
done!
 Also, recently
the employees of STINAPA erected
informative signs at Lac Bay. They
explain the life cycle of the conch
and also have informtion about
mangrove trees. The goal is to
educate visitors of the importance
of the Lac Bay area to the nature
of Bonaire. The signs also emphasize
the need to protect the environment
and wildlife of the island. The
signs are writtnen in Papiamentu
and English.
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CAPTAIN
DON, THE MOVIE
An affectionate,
insightful and graphically spectacular
account of the story of Captain
Don’s
love affair with Bonaire was presented
Saturday, March 12th, 2005 at
an invitation-only gala at Movieland.
The almost hourlong film was made
entirely on Bonaire by documentary
filmmaker Hendrik Wuyts, assisted
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