site.btaAlbena Beach Earns Blue Flag Award for 30th Consecutive Year

Albena Beach has received the Blue Flag award for the 30th consecutive year in 2026.

Speaking to BTA, Albena's Head of Sports Sector, Stoyan Zlatev, said the milestone reflects a long-term strategy, continuity and disciplined adherence to international standards.

"The Blue Flag is not simply an award you receive once – it is a daily test against international standards. Our success is the result of the synergy between our employees' teamwork, responsible management and Albena's philosophy of sustainable tourism. For three decades, we have demonstrated that modern tourism can develop in full harmony with nature," Zlatev said.

According to him, the criteria of the international Blue Flag programme are grouped into four main categories: seawater quality, environmental management and cleanliness, safety and services, and environmental education.

Zlatev said that during the 2026 summer season Albena is placing a strong emphasis on digitalization in support of environmental sustainability.

"We are introducing new systems for monitoring cleanliness and resource consumption. Our digital booking and customer-service platforms have already completely eliminated the need for paper-based processes," he said.

The resort is also continuing to modernize its infrastructure.

"We are upgrading hotel accommodation facilities and common areas, with a focus on improving energy efficiency and introducing smart climate-control and lighting systems," Zlatev added.

He also highlighted developments in green transport.

"We are expanding our fleet of electric vehicles, providing guests with even easier and more environmentally friendly access to the beach through our free electric shuttle buses," he said.

Among Albena's flagship environmental initiatives is the "From Albena's Garden to the Table" programme, under which a significant share of the fruit, vegetables, honey and wine served in the resort's restaurants comes from its own organic production.

"Organic waste from hotels and restaurants is processed at our biogas facility, generating clean green energy," Zlatev added.

He said the Clean Beach initiative is also continuing through information campaigns and environmental activities for children as part of the resort's animation programmes aimed at promoting responsible behaviour towards the sea.

"Our long-term vision is for Albena to establish itself as a fully carbon-neutral and self-sustaining green resort," Zlatev said.

Among the resort's key goals are increasing the share of renewable energy through new rooftop photovoltaic installations, completely eliminating single-use plastics throughout the complex, and ensuring the sustainable management of the Baltata Nature Reserve, which borders the resort and represents one of its greatest natural assets.

BTA will present all 32 Bulgarian beaches and ports awarded with the Blue Flag in 2026 by the international jury of the Copenhagen Programme. The first Blue Flag in Bulgaria was raised on Sunny Beach on July 4, 1995.