A record number of beaches and ports in our country will be flying the prestigious “Blue Flag” this summer. The award is awarded annually by an international jury of the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), after a strict evaluation based on over 30 criteria related to water quality, safety, beach management and environmental education, reports Nova TV.
This year marks 30 years since the first “Blue Flag” was presented to a beach in Bulgaria. This summer, the prestigious award will be displayed on a record number of beaches and ports - 25 beach strips and 5 ports.
The Bulgarian Blue Flag Movement assures that more and more beach owners are showing interest in fulfilling the serious criteria to be awarded the award, and so far there has not been a single beach that has had the award taken away.
Kiril Spasov, representative of the Sozopol - Harmani beach concessionaire, said that the “Blue Flag” is recognition for an ecological example and strict compliance with international standards.
”The criteria are concentrated in 4 aspects - water quality, environmental education and information, safety and services, and environmentally friendly management”, said Stanimir Georgiev from “Blue Flag” – Bulgaria.
Among the awarded strips this year are Arkutino, Sunny Beach, Nessebar, Sozopol - central and Harmani. The prize obliges the owners to provide access to the beach and water for people in disadvantaged situations.
Spasov pointed out that all beaches with the “Blue Flag” have floating sun loungers, which is suitable for people in disadvantaged situations.
And tourists say that the beach is cleaned, the water is also clean, and the employees take the necessary care for people to have a good time.
In order for tourists to have good impressions throughout the summer, the work of the owners of the awarded strips does not end only with the preparation of the season. The fulfillment of the organization's strict criteria is constantly monitored.
“During the season, inspections are carried out not only at the national level on behalf of the experts of the Bulgarian movement “ Blue Flag”, but also by international inspectors. Every year there are announced inspections, which we also attend, but there are also many secret customers who visit the beach, write a report. Fortunately, at the moment all international inspections end with brilliant results”, said Stanimir Georgiev.
And the possession of the prize on a given beach is important not only for tour operators, but also for the vacationers themselves.
Kiril Spasov said that many Bulgarians are already familiar with the “Blue Flag” program.