Kralendijk – During the Island Council meeting last Thursday, September 26th, Veroesjka de Windt, CEO BONHATA, highlighted the critical need for increased investment from the government in the island’s tourism sector. Representing 120 businesses across multiple industries, BONHATA emphasized that tourism is the backbone of Bonaire’s economy and significantly impacts sectors beyond hotels and resorts.
Tourism: Bonaire’s Economic Pillar
Addressing the Council, de Windt stressed that tourism is more than a side activity—it is the foundation of Bonaire’s economy. “Tourism’s impact goes far beyond hotels and restaurants. Many companies in Bonaire benefit from the revenue generated by the tourism sector,” she stated, urging the government to take immediate action to address the growing challenges in the sector.
She warned that diverting funds from tourism to non-revenue-generating activities would weaken the island’s economic stability. Without adequate investment, the island risks a domino effect of economic decline, with widespread implications for businesses and residents.
Concerns Over the 2025 Budget
The proposed 2025 budget, released on August 31, 2024, revealed no significant increase in funding for the Tourism Corporation Bonaire (TCB), the organization tasked with tourism development for the island. Despite repeated requests from the organization, BONHATA, and other stakeholders for a budget to be funded for strategic marketing, aviation support, and the development of Bonaire’s tourism offerings. The lack of financial support may indicate that the government is not prioritizing the island’s economic growth, which could weaken Bonaire’s ability to generate its own funds and compete internationally.
Private Sector Contributions
Despite facing challenges, the private sector remains committed to investing significantly in promoting Bonaire’s tourism. BONHATA members have collectively contributed substantial funds to market Bonaire in North America and provided guarantees to support the arrival of JetBlue flights. However, BONHATA emphasized that ongoing government investment is crucial to maintaining this positive momentum.
Key Requests from BONHATA to the Island Council
During her address, de Windt outlined several specific requests to the Island Council, including:
- Increased TCB Budget: A proposed increase in TCB’s budget, reallocating funds from Tourist Tax revenue, to ensure Bonaire remains competitive internationally.
- Collaboration with The Hague: Government support in advocating for fair compensation for employers facing rising labor costs due to minimum wage increases.
- Circular Labor System: The introduction of a circular labor system to help businesses manage fluctuating labor demands and reduce reliance on temporary workers.
- Opposition to Further Tax Increases: A halt to further tax increases in 2025, as businesses are already struggling with the impact of this year’s increases.
A Call for Immediate Action
Tourism is essential to Bonaire’s economic stability and the well-being of its community. BONHATA is committed to working with the government to ensure a prosperous future for the island. However, this can only be achieved with sufficient financial resources and strategic support from the local government.