TCB, Cocari II and FuHiKuBo join forces to bring Bonaire’s heritage to life

New partnership places Bonairean history, culture and community at the heart of sustainable tourism

Tourism Corporation Bonaire (TCB), Stichting Cocari II and Fundashon Historiko Kultural Boneriano (FuHiKuBo) have signed a collaboration agreement aimed at strengthening the role of Bonaire’s history, cultural heritage and monuments within the island’s tourism development.

The partnership reflects Bonaire’s commitment to high-quality, small-scale and sustainable tourism, with a focus on creating greater value and more meaningful experiences. Through the collaboration, the three organizations will work to preserve, interpret, and bring Bonaire’s heritage to life in ways that benefit residents, local businesses, and visitors alike.

“Bonaire’s history and heritage belong first and foremost to its people. Through this collaboration, we want to ensure that our stories are not only preserved, but also experienced, shared and passed on in an authentic and respectful way,” said Elesiër Angel, CEO of Tourism Corporation Bonaire. “By connecting heritage with tourism, we can create greater value for our community while strengthening the distinctive character of Bonaire.”

The collaboration will focus on four main areas: developing authentic heritage experiences; strengthening the visibility and storytelling of Bonaire’s heritage; expanding knowledge and measuring its contribution to tourism; and involving residents and young people through education, guide development, Papiamentu and local traditions.

Potential initiatives include heritage routes and experiences connected to Bonaire’s maritime history, Rincon and the island’s historic landhouses. The partners will also explore opportunities to connect heritage with local gastronomy, craftsmanship, hospitality and community-based entrepreneurship, helping more residents and businesses benefit from tourism.

“Patrimonio di Boneiru, pa Boneiru, Bonaire’s heritage, for Bonaire,” said J. (Janchi) de Vries, Executive Director of Stichting Cocari II. “This partnership enables us to connect preservation and adaptive reuse with education, local participation and authentic visitor experiences. For us, every project must pass the same test: Does it create local work and opportunities? Do the stories remain with the people they belong to? And does the value stay on the island?”

“Accurate storytelling and respect for our history, traditions and language must form the foundation of every heritage initiative,” said Bòi Antoin of FuHiKuBo. “This collaboration creates an important opportunity for Bonaireans to remain the owners and custodians of their own story.”

A joint working group will coordinate the partnership and establish an annual work program with concrete priorities, responsibilities and timelines.

The parties will also jointly explore funding opportunities for future projects and seek cooperation with government institutions, cultural organizations, tourism businesses and other community partners.