Brazil consolidates its regional leadership with 60 destinations recognized by the Blue Flag seal
The country has obtained 50 beaches and 10 marinas certified for the 2025-2026 season, reaffirming its commitment to sustainability and environmental excellence in coastal tourism
Brazil reached a new milestone for the 2025/2026 season of the Blue Flag Program, with a total of 60 award-winning destinations: 50 beaches and 10 marinas. This international recognition highlights the water quality and environmental management of Brazil's coastal areas, consolidating its position as a benchmark in sustainable tourism and strengthening its image as a global sun and beach destination.
The national award ceremony will take place on October 31st at the Santos Yacht Club in Guarujá, São Paulo. The award reinforces the country's leadership in South America in responsible tourism and highlights its commitment to the conservation of natural resources and the balanced use of marine ecosystems.
According to Embratur President Marcelo Freixo, the award is directly linked to the cleanliness and quality of the waters, essential factors in the choice of destinations by national and international tourists. "The award demonstrates that Brazil is a symbol of environmental excellence and reinforces visitors' confidence in the quality of our destinations," he emphasized.
The Blue Flag seal, awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), is one of the world's most prestigious recognitions for sustainability. It evaluates aspects such as water quality, environmental management, safety, infrastructure, and environmental education. In Brazil, the program is coordinated by the Instituto Ambientes em Rede (IAR).
The state of Santa Catarina leads the national ranking with 31 award-winning destinations, followed by Rio de Janeiro with 19, Bahia with five, San Pablo with four, and Alagoas with one. The municipalities of São Francisco do Sul and Bombinhas, both in Santa Catarina, stand out as the only ones in the country with five certified beaches each. Furthermore, the new season includes new nominees such as José Gonçalves (Búzios), Praia do Foguete (Cabo Frio), Praia Vermelha (Penha), and Praia dos Molhes do Atalaia (Itajaí).
According to Leana Bernardi, national coordinator of the Blue Flag Program, the results reflect the collaboration between communities, public administrators, and businesses committed to sustainability. “Brazil has shown the world that sustainable tourism is a possible and necessary reality. Each Blue Flag raised symbolizes the joint effort for a more balanced future,” she stated.
The international jury evaluating the nominations included representatives from prestigious global institutions such as UN Tourism, UNESCO, UNEP, ICLEI, IUCN, and the World Cetacean Alliance, among others, reinforcing the relevance of Brazil's achievement in the international context.