BONHATA Tourism Business Academy Concludes Successful First Edition
The first edition of the BONHATA Tourism Business Academy officially concluded on June 20, 2026, marking an important milestone in BONHATA’s efforts to support local entrepreneurship and strengthen Bonaire’s tourism industry.
Over the past seven weeks, participants took part in an intensive entrepreneurship program designed specifically for Bonaire’s tourism sector. Developed by BONHATA in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce (KvK) Bonaire, the Academy was created to equip aspiring and existing entrepreneurs with the knowledge, tools, and confidence needed to develop sustainable tourism businesses on the island.
The program was based on the KvK Academy format and a curriculum developed by the Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland (RVO), adapted by BONHATA to reflect the realities and opportunities of Bonaire’s tourism market.
Throughout the Academy, participants completed eleven modules covering key areas of business development, including customer profiling, value proposition design, marketing and communication, customer relationship management, revenue models, financing, taxation, partnerships, and business plan development. The sessions combined practical assignments with presentations from local tourism and business professionals.
A total of nine participants completed the program, with six advancing to the Final Pitch Presentations held on June 20 at the Chamber of Commerce in Kralendijk. Participants presented five business concepts to an independent jury consisting of representatives from KvK Bonaire, Tourism Corporation Bonaire, Grand Windsock Bonaire, and Dive Friends Bonaire.
The jury evaluated each concept based on innovation, feasibility, concept development, relevance to Bonaire’s tourism sector, presentation quality, and communication skills.
Following the presentations, Jeanny Sint Jago was announced as the winner of the BONHATA Tourism Business Academy Final Pitch. Her business concept focuses on creating structured stargazing experiences that capitalize on Bonaire’s dark skies and growing interest in astronomy-based tourism. The concept was selected by the jury as the strongest overall proposal and will receive $10,000 in business development support to help bring the idea to market.
The Final Pitch was followed by a certification ceremony held at the Delfins Beach Resort Event Center, where all graduating participants received certificates recognizing their successful completion of the Academy.
The BONHATA Tourism Business Academy was established with a clear objective: to increase local participation in Bonaire’s tourism economy by supporting the development of new tourism products and locally owned businesses. By providing practical business training and mentorship, BONHATA aims to create a stronger pipeline of entrepreneurs who can contribute to the continued growth and diversification of the island’s tourism sector.
BONHATA extends its sincere appreciation to Grand Windsock Bonaire, principal sponsor of the Tourism Business Academy, whose support made the program, Final Pitch Presentations, and certification ceremony possible.
BONHATA also thanks its program partner, KvK Bonaire, for its collaboration in developing and delivering the Academy, as well as supporting sponsors Delfins Beach Resort, Dive Friends Bonaire, and Epic Tours for their valuable contributions to this first edition.
Following the success of the inaugural program, BONHATA looks forward to building on this foundation and continuing to support the next generation of tourism entrepreneurs on Bonaire.