Bonaire Vision & Roadmap 2027–2037
Attracting the Visitor That Fits Bonaire
Home ›
Request for proposal
Date of Issue:
June 1, 2026
Issuing Authority:
Tourism Corporation Bonaire (TCB) in coordination with Openbaar Lichaam Bonaire (OLB)
Project Lead:
Elesiër Angel, Director TCB
(elesier.angel@bonaireisland.com)
1.
Executive Summary & Vision
Tourism Corporation Bonaire is initiating a tender for a strategic partner to develop the Bonaire Vision & Roadmap 2027–2037. As visitor numbers from both cruise and airlift continue to rise, Bonaire is at a critical juncture. This plan represents a definitive shift toward Smart and Valuable Growth.
Evolving our strategic focus from traditional growth metrics toward a holistic model that harmonizes the social well-being of the Bonairean community with the a strategically chosen economic vitality and the stewardship of our irreplaceable natural heritage.
The ultimate goal for Bonaire is to reach a stage where tourism development is fully integrated into the island’s broader development. At this stage, tourism is a deliberate and strategic choice, designed to optimize both the visitor experience and the benefits that residents derive from the industry.
2.
The Strategic Mandate: Transition to a DMMO
A core requirement of this RFP is guiding TCB’s evolution from a traditional marketing organization into a Destination Management and Marketing Organization (DMMO). Following the NBTC 7-step model, the selected partner will help TCB establish a coordinating and driving role in:
- Product Development:
Enhancing authentic, traditional, natural and unique island values. - Demand Steering:
Actively attracting “the guest that fits us” high-value niche markets from areas such as Nordics, Benelux, North America, South America and Canada. - Impact Monitoring:
Creating robust systems to track economic, socio-cultural, and ecological health.
3.
Key Pillars & Required Research Integration
The study must synthesize and build upon several key recent studies to ensure a nature-inclusive and scientifically grounded vision:
- Regenerative Tourism:
Focusing on growth that restores the Marine Park, coral reefs, and cultural heritage.
- Carrying Capacity:
Defining quantitative measures for infrastructure limits (water/energy) and social tipping points where tourist-to-resident ratios impact local sentiment.
- Happiness & Well-being:
Implementing a “Happiness Bonaire-wide” monitoring system, potentially through a dedicated resident panel.
- Asset Management:
Elevating both tangible assets (nature/monuments) and intangible assets (hospitality/community spirit).
4.
Organizational & Financial Deliverables
The winning bidder is expected to deliver the following:
- Comprehensive Bonaire Vision 2027–2037 Document:
A detailed strategy integrating economic, social, and ecological goals. - Visual Roadmap:
A 10-year timeline including “Go/No-Go” decision points based on the island’s ecological health. - Transitional Manual (Change Management Plan):
A step-by-step roadmap for TCB’s internal reorganization into a “Tourism Authority” with independent statutes. - Capacity Building Program:
A structured method to involve a 2-3 person TCB core team in the drafting process to ensure an “optimal learning effect” and local talent development. - Sustainable Revenue & Funding Model:
A clear and practical financial strategy is needed to support Bonaire’s tourism development structure and to pilot the new DMMO structure. This model should outline how the organization will generate stable, long-term funding through a mix of revenue sources, such as visitor fees, public-private partnerships, concession fees, and reinvestment mechanisms. The goal is to ensure that Bonaire has the financial resources and independence needed to guide and implement its long-term tourism development strategy.
5.
Project Timeline
6.
Evaluation Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated on a weighted scale to find the “best person/firm” for Bonaire’s future:
- Methodology (40%):
Depth of understanding regarding DMMO transition and regenerative island tourism. - Experience & Team (30%):
Proven track record with similar island destinations and stakeholder management (e.g., Bonhata, Stinapa, Airport). - Knowledge Transfer (15%):
Quality of the plan to train and empower the TCB core team. - Price (15%):
Value for money relative to the technical depth provided.
7.
Budgetary Guidelines
TCB invites transparent and realistic financial proposals aligned with the scope, methodology, expertise, and level of engagement required to successfully deliver the Bonaire Vision & Roadmap 2027–2037 including organizational transition support, stakeholder engagement, and implementation considerations.
Proposals should include:
- A detailed budget breakdown, including phases, deliverables, and estimated hours or resources;
- Any assumptions underlying the proposed costs;
- Optional components or phased approaches where applicable;
- Recommendations for achieving the desired outcomes in a cost-effective and sustainable manner.
TCB values quality, expertise, local engagement, and long-term impact, and seeks proposals that demonstrate strong value relative to the proposed methodology and expected deliverables.
This keeps it flexible while still signaling that you expect transparency and justification behind the pricing.
Submission Instructions:
Interested parties who intend to submit a proposal are requested to send an email to elesier.angel@bonaireisland.com to receive the additional briefing package, including relevant prior studies, background documents, and supporting information for the preparation of their proposal.
Please submit your digital proposal in PDF format to Elesiër Angel at elesier.angel@bonaireisland.com no later than September 15, 2026, at 5:00 PM AST.
