Muğla follows Antalya in Blue Flag beaches

In the end of the “Blue Flag 2016” working program, which was carried out in coordination with the Turkish Foundation for Environmental Education (TÜRÇEV), 444 beaches and 12 yachts were given Blue Flags. 

A Blue Flag is an exclusive eco-label awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) to beaches and marinas that meet certain criteria, such as water quality, environmental education and information, environmental management and safety.

Muğla, home to popular tourist towns such as Bodrum, Marmaris, Datça and Fethiye, now has 120 Blue Flag beaches and seven marinas, becoming the second tourism center in Turkey with the most Blue Flags following the southern province of Antalya. 

Also, 21 beaches and three marinas in Bodrum, 22 beaches and two marinas in Marmaris, nine beaches and two marinas in Fethiye, eight beaches in Datça and Ortaca and one beach in Milas and Ula acquired the right to display Blue Flag certificates this year. 

Recently, panels featuring the criteria of Blue Flag beaches and marinas have been placed in Bodrum and Marmaris. The flags will be hung in the coming days at a ceremony with the participation of TÜRÇEV officials.


‘Blue Flag draws interest’

Muğla Governor Amir Çiçek said that Muğla had significant potential in terms of its Blue Flag beaches.

“It means that the sea is clean and security measures have been taken in the beaches with a Blue Flag,” the governor said.

“The International Blue Flag program, which is carried out in many countries, is one of the most important criteria particularly in the tourism sector. Tourists find Blue Flag beaches safer and cleaner, this is why it is the most important reason for the preference [of tourists]. There are many Blue Flag beaches, especially in Bodrum, Marmaris, Datça and Fethiye, which are located on the coastline,” he said.

Çiçek also said a Blue Flag was an eco-certificate, symbolizing a safe beach and clean sea water, and tourists chose to go to such beaches. “Muğla should use this advantage to make its promotions. Marinas and yachts also pay attention to Blue Flags in order to get a share from the international market,” the governor added.