Bonaire isthe new recipient of the prestigious IslandsMagazine/Caribbean Tourism Organization 2008 Sustainable Tourism Award. The Island was awarded the honour in recognition of their longstandingcommitment and leadership role in marine conservation and for their proactivemeasures in protecting the marine environment.
The awardwas presented by Mr. Ty Sawyer, the Editorial Director for Islands, during an awardsluncheon at the 10th Annual Sustainable Tourism Conference in Turks andCaicos. Bonaire’s Lieutenant Governor Herbert Domacasse accepted theaward on behalf of the Island and was accompanied by Mrs. Ronella TjinAsjoe-Croes, Director of Tourism and Elsmarie Beukenboom, Director of STINAPA.
TheSustainable Tourism Award recipient was selected by a panel of judges from Islands Magazine and theCaribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), who reviewed all of the entries submittedby CTO member countries. Last year,three of Bonaire’s eco-programs were honored in the Islands Magazine Hot 100 Blue List, and in1994 the Bonaire National Marine Park won the Islands Magazine Ecotourism Award.
Locatedeighty-six miles east of Aruba, the Dutch Caribbean island of Bonaire offersyear-round sunshine, low annual rainfall, pristine coral formations and themost thriving fish population in the Caribbean. Ideal for adventurers,explorers and sun-worshippers alike, Bonaire offers myriad eco-adventure activitiesincluding world renowned scuba diving and snorkeling, windsurfing,kiteboarding, landsailing, mountain biking, sea and mangrove kayaking,horseback riding, nature tours, hiking, bird watching, sailing and deep sea andbone fishing. And with a selection of accommodations ranging fromfull-service oceanfront resorts and condominiums to guesthouses and small inns,Bonaire has something for every lifestyle and budget.
For moreinformation on Bonaire visit Bonaire’s official website at www.tourismbonaire.com.
