The announcement was made by National Minister of Tourism, Marthinus van Schalkwyk at the National Blue Flag launch event in Hermanus earlier this month.
Muizenberg
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About Blue Flag Status
The Blue Flag (http://www.blueflag.org.za/) is a voluntary eco-label awarded to over 3,650 beaches and marinas in 44 countries across Europe, South Africa, Morocco, Tunisia, New Zealand, Brazil, Canada and the Caribbean each year.
Blue Flag status beaches have a positive impact on tourism to a region as they offer visitors the security of knowing that they will be able to relax and enjoy themselves on beaches of a certain standard - it's very disappointing to arrive at a destination that doesn't live up to the hype and photos promised on travel websites! Blue Flag beaches should be clean, have adequate ablution facilities and be safe for use.
The programme also incentivises local beach operators and marina managements to maintain high standards in order to keep their Blue Flag status year on year. Beaches are required to meet 32 criteria affecting aspects such as water quality, environmental information and management and safety.
Strandfontein
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Cape Town City's Blue Flag beaches for this summer
All 8 beaches submitted by the City this season (1 December - 31 March 2013) were granted Blue Flag status - the highest number in SA.
They are:
(Click on the links above for Portfolio Collection accommodation near these beaches)
(Images by Joy-Anne Bromilow. All rights reserved)
