Costa Rica is characterized by its beaches and is one of the most liked tourist attractions in the country, which is why 136 Ecological Blue Flag committees worked hard to receive their award today.
The awards given cover the evaluation period of the year 2022 and star levels are awarded ranging from one to five stars.
This is recognition of the organized and systematized effort of the committees of each of the coastal communities to transform their beaches into sustainable ones with attributes for tourist enjoyment.
The BAE Program for the 2022 period recorded a total of 136 beach flags, divided into: 45 granted in North and South Guanacaste, 32 in Puntarenas and the Nicoya Gulf Islands, 32 in the Middle Pacific, 13 in the South Pacific and 14 In the Caribbean.
The Costa Rican Tourism Institute is the entity in charge of the beaches category of the Ecological Blue Flag Program (BAE) for 27 years. It constitutes one of the 5 programs that promote sustainability in the tourism industry through the organization of local committees and organized communities for the benefit of present and future generations.
“Costa Rica is a destination that allows you to live the essential values of life. It has a notable position due to its sustainable tourism model that is committed to the conservation of the environment and the social progress of the communities, and today's BAE awards ceremony is a clear example of the country's efforts to remain one of the destinations of sun and beach preferred by tourists”, highlighted the Minister of Tourism, William Rodríguez.
The evaluation takes into account aspects such as the hygienic and sanitary conditions guaranteed by the constant analysis of seawater and potability (with the support of the Acueductos y Alcantarillados). Also beach security elements, as well as preventive labeling of rip currents, lifeguards or lifeguards during weekends and in the high season of tourism.
Other aspects that add points are the presence of showers, sanitary services, separation and recycling of solid waste, environmental education, among other aspects.
During the year, the ICT makes periodic visits to assess the progress of the annual plan proposed by each committee, a situation that has gradually normalized due to the current context of the pandemic. The objective of the visit is to inspect the work on the beaches, advise the group regarding the technical and administrative work and provide recommendations for improvement for the next visit.