The Public Entity of Bonaire (OLB), the Tourism Corporation Bonaire (TCB), and the Bonaire Hotel and Tourism Association (BONHATA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). In it, the three parties express their intention to collaborate over the next three years on a shared, regenerative vision for tourism on Bonaire.
Tourism accounts for approximately 50 percent of the gross domestic product; revenue from the tourist tax totaled approximately USD 16.9 million in 2025. At the same time, the sector faces challenges that require a careful balance between economic growth, nature conservation, and quality of life for residents.
The parties are collaborating on three themes:
- ensuring Bonaire’s long-term viability as a destination, with the island’s carrying capacity as a prerequisite for further growth;
- developing and securing international air connections;
- the optimal and transparent allocation of public and private resources, including the exploration of a structural financing model for TCB.
Specifically, the parties will meet at least once a quarter, establish a working group for each theme, and translate the MoU into an action plan with measurable objectives within six months. The agreement will run for three years and will be evaluated annually. As part of this process, TCB will evolve into a destination management organization and draft the Tourism Vision & Roadmap 2027–2037, with OLB and BONHATA serving on the core team from the outset
Jennifer Mohamedjoenoes, Deputy for Finance and Tourism:
“We don’t just want to talk about growth; we want to work toward tourism that adds value to Bonaire: a balance between the economy, nature, and quality of life; improved accessibility; and strong collaboration with our businesses. These agreements must now be reflected in policy and implementation.”
Elesiër Angel, CEO of Tourism Corporation Bonaire:
“This collaboration helps us turn shared ambitions into concrete actions. In this way, we’re building a tourism sector that strengthens our economy, protects our natural environment, and creates value for our community.”
Veroesjka de Windt, CEO of BONHATA:
“We are signing this MoU because structured consultation with OLB and TCB is urgently needed: tourism accounts for half of our economy, and it is under pressure. The first thing this consultation must achieve is transparency regarding the use of the visitor entry tax.”
Advisor Jolinda Craane called for swift and ongoing consultation between the government and the tourism sector: “This collaboration is a good first step, but the most important thing is that the agreements are now translated into concrete results.”
