On June 5th, Bonaire will welcome the return of nonstop flight service on American Airlines and Delta Airlines from Miami and Atlanta, respectively, marking an important milestone for our island. After a long break in operations during the pandemic, the two airlines will resume weekly Wednesday and Saturday flights. The news comes as a response to a strong demand from both US visitors longing to visit the Bonaire and from our tourism sector and entire community eagerly awaiting their arrival.
TCB in collaboration with the Public Entity Bonaire (OLB), Bonaire International Airport (BIA), BonLab, Hestia, Bonaire Holding Maatschappij (BHM) and Bonaire Overheidsgebouwen (BOG) has made an antigen test location available at Bonaire International Airport for arriving travelers who have not been able to take an antigen test in their country of origin, 24 hours prior to departure. In addition to the antigen test, travelers must present a negative PCR test result, taken up to 72 hours before arrival on Bonaire. Or travelers can only take a negative PCR or NAAT-test result, from a test taken within 24 hours before departure.
For travelers heading back to the United States there are also three other test facilities throughout the island. To further ensure travelers are at ease when visiting, TCB, in collaboration with the Bonaire Hotel and Tourism Association (BONHATA) and OLB, is launching an island-wide ‘Bonaire Friendly Safety Seal’ (BFSS) program. The new program is designed to enhance the island’s already rigorous safety protocols by certifying our local businesses that meet the required
standards outlined in the official BFSS program.
A diver explores Bonaire. Photo by Dan Hershman.
In order to acquire the BFSS, businesses will need to adhere to several protocols and policies including safety, health and cleaning programs, the completion of an in-depth questionnaire and a thorough on-site inspection conducted by trained personnel. When approved, the business will receive the official gold seal to be displayed on-site and also showcased on our website www.tourismbonaire.com, so that travelers can easily identify the qualified participants.
The BFSS will certify a variety of businesses including: accommodations, casinos, car rentals, tour operators, watersports operators, taxis, restaurants, food trucks, retail shops, and spa/salons.
“We have been eagerly awaiting the return of direct flights from the US to Bonaire and have used this time to focus on improving the destination’s offerings,” said Marjolein Oleana, business manager at Tourism Corporation Bonaire. “These measures will ensure consistency in visitor experiences as we welcome travelers in a safe, responsible and organized way.”