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. Among those are: passage of water quality testing; access points and access for disable persons; life guards, lifesaving equipment, and first aid equipment; and toilets, made easily accessible to the disabled.
The list of beaches that have obtained this prestigious eco-certificate are as follows:
Malta
โข Fond Ghadir Sliema managed by the Malta Tourism Authority
โข St Georgeโs Bay St Julianโs managed by the Malta Tourism Authority
โข Westin Dragonara Beach Club St Julianโs managed by Westin Dragonara Resort
โข Qawra Point Beach managed by the Malta Tourism Authority
โข Bugibba Perched Beach managed by the Malta Tourism Authority
โข Mellieha Beach managed by the Malta Tourism Authority
โข Golden Sands Beach Mellieha managed by the Malta Tourism Authority
โข Ghajn Tuffieha Bay Mgarr managed by the Gaia Foundation
โข Islands Edge Beach managed by Paradise Bay Hotel
Gozo
โข Ramla Bay Xaghra managed by Gaia Foundation
โข Hondoq ir-Rummien Bay Qala managed by the Malta Tourism Authority
โข Marsalforn Bay Marsalforn managed by the Malta Tourism Authority
Commenting on this announcement the Malta Tourism Authority CEO, Mr. Paul Bugeja, said, โHaving so many 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.โ Mr. Bugeja explained that this is an ongoing process, โFor 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.โ Mr. Bugeja concluded by saying, โThe Blue Flag Awards are not just an exercise in public relations but a true 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.โ
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 more than $270,000 per year.