Bonaire Receives Esteemed Sustainable Tourism Award

Bonaire National Marine Park Leads by Example and is Honored for its Proactive Sustainable Tourism Practices

Kralendijk, Bonaire - Bonaire recently announced that it was the recipient of the prestigious Islands Magazine/Caribbean Tourism Organization 2008 Sustainable Tourism Award. Bonaire was awarded the honor in recognition of its longstanding commitment and leadership role in marine conservation and for its proactive measures in protecting the marine environment.

The award was presented by Ty Sawyer, the editorial director for Islands magazine and editor of Sport Diver magazine, during an awards luncheon at the 10th Annual Sustainable Tourism Conference in Turks and Caicos. Bonaire's Lieutenant Governor Herbert Domacasse accepted the award on behalf of the island and was accompanied by Ronella Tjin Asjoe-Croes, director of tourism and Elsmarie Beukenboom, director of STINAPA. "Bonaire is particularly gratified by this honor as our commitment to preserving and protecting the environment is a deeply held Bonairean belief and guiding principal behind our tourism policy," said Lieutenant Governor Herbert Domacasse. "We especially thank Bonaire's visitors, who continue to support our community and inspire us to remain leaders in sustainable tourism."

The Sustainable Tourism Award recipient was selected by a panel of judges from Islands magazine and the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), who reviewed all of the entries submitted by CTO member countries. Last year, three of Bonaire's eco-programs were honored in the Islands Magazine Hot 100 Blue List, and in 1994 the Bonaire National Marine Park won Islands magazine's Ecotourism Award.

Located 86 miles east of Aruba, the Dutch Caribbean island of Bonaire offers year-round sunshine, low annual rainfall, pristine coral formations and one of the most thriving fish populations in the Caribbean. Ideal for adventurers, explorers and sun-worshippers alike, Bonaire offers myriad eco-adventure activities including 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 and bone fishing. And with a selection of accommodations ranging from full-service oceanfront resorts and condominiums to guesthouses and small inns, Bonaire has something for every lifestyle and budget.

Bonaire continues to be recognized as one of the top destinations worldwide for its sustainable tourism as reported by National Geographic Traveler magazine (March 2004) and Islands magazine (December 2007). For more information on Bonaire contact the Tourism Corporation Bonaire in the U.S. at 1-800-BONAIRE or visit Bonaire's official website at www.tourismbonaire.com.