site.btaByala South Beach Receives Blue Flag Award for Third Time

For the third time, the Byala South beach is among Bulgarian sites that have received the international environmental Blue Flag Award, Beach Manager Evgeniy Genov told BTA on Wednesday. He underscored that winning this emblematic eco-label in tourism is not just a matter of prestige, but also of responsibility towards guests, the environment and the community.

He stressed that the most important thing for customers is that the Blue Flag is a guarantee of the purity of the sea water. He noted that there is a sampling point in the beach area, which allows for regular collection of data on the water and strict monitoring of its quality. "The Blue Flag is not just a sign, it is a brand, a guarantee of quality," Genov noted, adding that fulfilling the requirements for receiving the flag is not an impossible task and that all that is needed is for the beach owner to have the desire and motivation.

"As holders of the Blue Flag, we are also responsible for the sustainable development of the area and the community," Genov stated, adding that this summer a series of initiatives will be implemented, such as excursions to the sights of Byala and eco-activities for children. 

The Blue Flag Award is given by the Denmark-based Foundation for Environmental Education, with over 50 countries participating in the programme. In order to qualify for the Blue Flag, a series of stringent environmental, educational, safety, and accessibility criteria must be met and maintained.

BTA is presenting all 30 Bulgarian beaches and harbours awarded the Blue Flag by the international jury of the Programme in Copenhagen. It is the 30th anniversary of the first award for the country - the pilot Blue Flag was raised on Sunny Beach on July 4, 1995.