Cape Town - Eight Cape Town beaches and two marinas were awarded Blue Flag status on Tuesday, said the city.
Blue Flag status indicates that beaches are clean, safe and secure, and adhere to international safety and tourism standards, the municipality said in a statement.
“Having Blue Flag beaches and marinas is a significant tourism draw-card, because international visitors know what to expect when visiting a Blue Flag beach or marina.”
The status was awarded for a season, and could be cancelled if conditions deteriorated.
“The city is very pleased at this acknowledgement of our commitment to maintaining world-class beaches,” said mayoral council member Belinda Walker.
The city said Cape Town had the highest number of Blue Flag beaches in the country.
“Last year, Cape Town became the first African city south of the Mediterranean to have its marinas achieve Blue Flag accreditation.”
Blue Flag marinas helped ensure better business opportunities for tourism enterprises, and promoted economic development in the boat-building industry.
The Blue Flag is awarded annually to over 3650 beaches and marinas in 44 countries across Europe, South Africa, Morocco, Tunisia, New Zealand, Brazil, Canada, and the Caribbean.
Sapa