Europe > Southern Europe > Malta > Twelve Maltese beaches awarded Blue Flag status

Malta: Twelve Maltese beaches awarded Blue Flag status

2017/05/29

The Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), has announced that twelve beaches in Malta and Gozo have been awarded Blue Flag status for this year. To be awarded a Blue Flag, beaches must comply with a strict set of guidelines. Part those are: passage of water quality testing; access points and access for disable persons; life guards, lifesaving equipment, and initial aid equipment; and toilets, made easily accessible to the disabled.

The inventory of beaches that have obtained this prestigious eco-certificate are as follows:

Malta

• Fond Ghadir Sliema managed by the Malta Tourism Authority
• St George’s Bay St Julian’s managed by the Malta Tourism Authority
• Westin Dragonara Beach Club St Julian’s managed by Westin Dragonara Resort
• Qawra Point Beach managed by the Malta Tourism Authority
• Bugibba Perched Beach managed by the Malta Tourism Authority
• Mellieha Beach managed by the Malta Tourism Authority
• Golden Sands Beach Mellieha managed by the Malta Tourism Authority
• Ghajn Tuffieha Bay Mgarr managed by the Gaia Foundation
• Islands Edge Beach managed by Paradise Bay Hotel

Gozo

• Ramla Bay Xaghra managed by Gaia Foundation
• Hondoq ir-Rummien Bay Qala managed by the Malta Tourism Authority
• Marsalforn Bay Marsalforn managed by the Malta Tourism Authority

Commenting on this announcement the Malta Tourism Authority CEO, Mr. Paul Bugeja, said, “Having so a lot of beaches which boast this Blue Flag status is a mark of quality that can be used in our promotional efforts overseas and demonstrates that the beaches which are on offer have reached a certain standard.” Mr. Bugeja explained that this is an ongoing process, “For example, in order to improve accessibility at some of these beaches, the Malta Tourism Authority has invested in various facilities, such as beach wheelchairs, access ramps, hoists and walkways.” Mr. Bugeja concluded by saying, “The Blue Flag Awards are not just an exercise in public relations but a authentic commitment towards the environment and sustainable tourism and the Malta Tourism Authority remains solidly committed towards this initiative for the benefit of the community and our visitors.”

Malta’s Blue Flag Report

The Malta Tourism Authority, together with the Ministry of Tourism, provides the financial support necessary for Malta and Gozo to manage all the beaches maintained by the Gaia Foundation. This support amounts to additional than $270,000 per year.

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