60 beaches and marinas awarded Blue Flag certification reaffirm Brazil’s leadership in sustainable tourism in South America

Brazil has reached another milestone celebrating its natural gift for captivating the world. For the 2025/2026 season, the Blue Flag Programme certified 60 locations —50 beaches and 10 marinas— with one of the most respected sustainability seals on the planet. This achievement strengthens Brazil’s leadership in sustainable tourism in South America and invites international travellers to explore destinations with crystal-clear waters, vibrant nature, and transformative experiences.

Granted by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), the certification recognises water quality, environmental management, infrastructure, and safety standards. Each Blue Flag is more than a seal — it represents a commitment to the future and to what Brazil holds most precious: its ecosystems, its culture, and its people.

The national award ceremony took place on October 31st at the Yacht Club of Santos, in Guarujá (São Paulo). More than a celebration of environmental achievements, it was a tribute to the collective efforts of communities, public managers, entrepreneurs, and travellers who understand that to preserve is to love your destination.

According to Marcelo Freixo, president of Embratur, the Sun and Beach segment is one of the strategic pillars of Brazil’s international tourism promotion, and success in the Blue Flag Programme reinforces this strength. “This certification shows that Brazil is a symbol of environmental excellence and strengthens international travellers’ confidence in our destinations,” he said.

Brazil’s prominence in the Blue Flag Programme is the result of long-term collaboration between environmental education, community engagement, and responsible management. The programme is coordinated nationally by Instituto Ambientes em Rede (IAR).

For Leana Bernardi, national coordinator of the programme, the results reflect the cooperation of multiple sectors committed to the planet. “Brazil has shown the world that sustainable tourism is not a utopia, but a possible and necessary reality. Each Blue Flag raised represents the dedication of many hands working toward a more balanced future,” she said.

The awarded sites were approved by an international jury composed of representatives from UN Tourism, UNESCO, UNEP, ICLEI, IUCN, and the World Cetacean Alliance, among others.

Among the highlights of the 2025/2026 season are new certified beaches such as José Gonçalves (Búzios), Foguete (Cabo Frio), Vermelha (Penha), and Molhes do Atalaia (Itajaí). Santa Catarina leads nationally with 31 certified sites, followed by Rio de Janeiro (19), Bahia (5), São Paulo (4), and Alagoas (1).

More than beautiful landscapes, Brazil’s participation in the Blue Flag Programme represents a development model that integrates conservation, income generation, and social inclusion, in line with Plano Brasis – International Tourism Marketing Strategy 2025-2027, led by Embratur in partnership with Sebrae Nacional and the Getulio Vargas Foundation.

Brazil stands out as a destination that inspires, connects, and transforms — where sea, sun, culture, nature, and community coexist in harmony, offering travellers not only leisure but deeply meaningful experiences.

Source: Embratur