Turkey is fourth in the world for Blue Flag beaches
Turkey has now placed fourth for nations with the most Blue Flag beaches, a certification of high importance at the international level for tourism.
The Blue Flag system, which is increasingly becoming a symbol of high standards in the domestic and international arena, is also of utmost significance for nations that want to have a piece of the tourism pie.
In 2002, Turkey had 127 Blue Flag certified beaches. In 2011 that figure increased to 324 making Turkey the fourth country to have the highest number of Blue Flag beaches in the world.
In the top three, were Spain, Greece and France. While Antalya has the highest concentration of Blue Flag beaches in Turkey, Muğla and İzmir closely followed.
According to a booklet prepared by Turkey's Environmental Education Foundation (TÜRÇEV), entitled "Blue Flag certified beaches, marinas and yachts 2011", the number of beaches that receive certification each year has been on a steady rise since 1993. The increasing presence of Blue Flag certified beaches and marinas in the global tourism market, has developed a competitive environment at equivalent standards.
The Blue Flag program, which was first started in France in 1985, is conducted through TÜRÇEV in Turkey.
Intended to support sustainable development in areas where access to fresh water and seas are available, the Blue Flag program looks at swimming water quality, environmental education and life security. Local administrations work with beach operators to try to achieve the Blue Flag certification standards.
Becoming Blue Flag certified is based on 32 criteria, from categories entitled; water quality, environmental education and information, environment management, security and services. Certified beaches have Blue Flags waving along the beach through the swimming season (when tests are conducted).
Beaches and local administrations that want to apply for Blue Flag certification may do so by obtaining information and filling out the form located on the ''www.mavibayrak.org.tr'' website. The website also lists in detail the criteria the certification is based on.
COUNTRIES AND THEIR NUMBERS OF BLUE FLAG BEACHES (NORTHERN HEMISPHERE 2011)
Country Number of Beaches:
Spain 511
Greece 387
France 337
Turkey 324
Portugal 269
Italy 234
Denmark 221
Croatia 116
Ireland 83
England 70
South Cyprus 56
Remaining 25 countries 319
NUMBERS OF BLUE FLAG BEACHES DISTRIBUTED ACCORDING TO PROVINCE
Province Number of Beaches:
Antalya 174
Muğla 73
İzmir 28
Aydın 20
Balıkesir 17
Mersin 5
Çanakkale 5
Tekirdağ 1
Düzce 1
TOTAL: 324
NUMBERS OF BLUE FLAG BEACHES BASED ON YEARS
Year Numbers of Beaches:
2000 78
2001 99
2002 127
2003 140
2004 151
2005 174
2006 192
2007 235
2008 258
2009 286
2010 314
2011 324
In 2002, Turkey had 127 Blue Flag certified beaches. In 2011 that figure increased to 324 making Turkey the fourth country to have the highest number of Blue Flag beaches in the world.
In the top three, were Spain, Greece and France. While Antalya has the highest concentration of Blue Flag beaches in Turkey, Muğla and İzmir closely followed.
According to a booklet prepared by Turkey's Environmental Education Foundation (TÜRÇEV), entitled "Blue Flag certified beaches, marinas and yachts 2011", the number of beaches that receive certification each year has been on a steady rise since 1993. The increasing presence of Blue Flag certified beaches and marinas in the global tourism market, has developed a competitive environment at equivalent standards.
The Blue Flag program, which was first started in France in 1985, is conducted through TÜRÇEV in Turkey.
Intended to support sustainable development in areas where access to fresh water and seas are available, the Blue Flag program looks at swimming water quality, environmental education and life security. Local administrations work with beach operators to try to achieve the Blue Flag certification standards.
Becoming Blue Flag certified is based on 32 criteria, from categories entitled; water quality, environmental education and information, environment management, security and services. Certified beaches have Blue Flags waving along the beach through the swimming season (when tests are conducted).
Beaches and local administrations that want to apply for Blue Flag certification may do so by obtaining information and filling out the form located on the ''www.mavibayrak.org.tr'' website. The website also lists in detail the criteria the certification is based on.
COUNTRIES AND THEIR NUMBERS OF BLUE FLAG BEACHES (NORTHERN HEMISPHERE 2011)
Country Number of Beaches:
Spain 511
Greece 387
France 337
Turkey 324
Portugal 269
Italy 234
Denmark 221
Croatia 116
Ireland 83
England 70
South Cyprus 56
Remaining 25 countries 319
NUMBERS OF BLUE FLAG BEACHES DISTRIBUTED ACCORDING TO PROVINCE
Province Number of Beaches:
Antalya 174
Muğla 73
İzmir 28
Aydın 20
Balıkesir 17
Mersin 5
Çanakkale 5
Tekirdağ 1
Düzce 1
TOTAL: 324
NUMBERS OF BLUE FLAG BEACHES BASED ON YEARS
Year Numbers of Beaches:
2000 78
2001 99
2002 127
2003 140
2004 151
2005 174
2006 192
2007 235
2008 258
2009 286
2010 314
2011 324
Last Update: March 02, 2012 18:55