Blue Flag 2013/2014 season launched.
In September World Tourism Day 2013 was celebrated across the provinces with the theme: Tourism and Water. In keeping with this theme, Minister of Tourism, Marthinus van Schalkwyk, launched the new Blue Flag 2013/2014 season in Ramsgate, KwaZulu-Natal on Tuesday, 8 October 2013. “The South Coast is a very special jewel in the crown of KwaZulu-Natal. This is indeed a fitting venue for the event given that the KZN South Coast is the stronghold of the Blue Flag programme in the province,” the minister said. According to a statement released by the office of the Minister of Tourism, Marthinus van Schalkwyk, on the 8 October, the environment is one of tourism’s most valuable resources and they enjoy a mutually beneficial sustainable relationship. “Many touristic activities depend very directly on water, not least golf courses, rivers and lakes, pools and spas, irrigated gardens and hotel guest rooms. For other tourism activities that depend on fauna and flora and a moderate climate, the dependence on water is indirect. As the global sector grows, its impact on natural resources also grows, and therefore the need for sustainable planning and management becomes imperative for this industry – and Blue Flag does just that.” Therefore, the statement says, in order to promote and ensure quality water for inland and marine tourism, the Blue Flag and Blue Drop programmes were introduced. The Blue Flag programme promotes sustainable development marine areas, and the Blue Drop is an innovative means to manage the tap water quality. The voluntary eco-label is given to beaches that meet 32 main criteria spanning over four aspects of coastal management: (1)water quality, (2) environmental education and information, (3) environmental management and (4) safety and services, which include excellent life-saving standards, top-rate parking and sparkling ablution facilities. “This year, South Africa celebrates its 13th year of running the Blue Flag successfully. High on our list of achievements we celebrate the growth of Blue Flag beaches, from only three beaches in the first year to 41 beaches and 5 marinas for this year. Twelve beaches also hold pilot status. Growth has been significant and sustainable for most coastal municipalities and each year sees new beaches being introduced to the programme,” said the statement. The host province, KZN proudly boasts four beaches with pilot status in the eThekwini municipality. Although the original focus of the international Blue Flag Programme was on encouraging beaches to comply with water quality standards, it has since expanded to take a holistic view of safety, amenities, cleanliness and environmental management issues, with a strong focus on environmental education and biodiversity conservation. In addition to beaches, the programme now also provides environmental accreditation to marinas and whale-watching boats. This year – for the first time – Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) were included in the International Blue Flag Criteria. According to the Department of Tourism, Blue Flag gives local and foreign visitors the knowledge that their beaches adhere to international safety and other tourist standards. Feedback has shown that both international and domestic tourists value the quality assurances that Blue Flag beaches offer. Blue Flag 2013 / 2014 Host province: KZN beaches with pilot status: eThekwini municipality – Umdloti main, Umdloti tidal, uShaka and Umgababa.| Marinas | Marina and Beach |
| Thesen Island, Knysna new |
| Yachport, Saldanha Bay |
| Granger Bay Water Club, Cape Town |
| False Bay Yacht Club, Cape Town |
| Royal Alfred Marina, Port Alfred | |
| KZN Beaches | Southport Beach, HCM |
| Ramsgate Beach, HCM |
| Lucien Beach, HCM |
| Umzumbe Beach, HCM |
| Trafalgar Beach, HCM |
| Marina Beach, HCM |
| | Alkanstrand Beach Richards Bay, uMhlatuze |
| Western Cape | Strandfontein Beach, Vredendal, Matzikama |
| Silverstroomstrand, Atlantis, COCT |
| Camps Bay, COCT |
| Clifton IV, COCT |
| Bikini, Gordon’s Bay, COCT |
 | Muizenberg, COCT |
| Strandfontein, COCT |
| Mnandi, COCT |
| Llandudno, COCT |
| Kleinmond, Overstrand |
| Hawston, Hermanus, Overstrand |
| Grotto, Hermanus, Overstrand |
| Witsand, Hessequa |
| Lappiesbaai, Stilbaai, Hessequa |
| Gouritsmond, Hessequa new |
| Preekstoel, Stilbaai new |
| De Bakke, Mossel Bay |
| Kleinbrak, Mossel Bay |
| Santos, Mossel Bay |
| Hartenbos, Mossel Bay |
| Wilderness, Garden Route National Park, Eden |
| Buffalo Bay, Knysna |
| Brenton Bay, Knysna |
| Keurboomstrand, Plettenberg Bay, Bitou |
| Robberg V, Plettenberg Bay, Bitou |
| | Nature’s Valley, Garden Route National Park, Bitou |
| Eastern Cape | Dolphin Beach, Jeffrey’s Bay, Kouga |
| Humewood Beach, NMMB |
| Kings Beach, NMMB |
| Kariega, Kenton-on-Sea, Ndlambe |
| Middle Beach, Ndlambe new |
| Kleinemond, West Beach, Ndlambe new |
| Boknes Beach, Ndlambe |
| Kellys Beach, Ndlambe | |
| Northern Cape | MacDougalls Bay, Port Nolloth, Richtersveld |
| |
