Five Swansea attractions retain Blue Flag status

Four stunning Swansea beaches have again scooped a prestigious Blue Flag Award in recognition of their quality.

Bracelet Bay, Caswell Bay, Langland Bay and Port Eynon have all retained the status for 2016.

Swansea Marina will also once again fly the Blue Flag.

The Blue Flag Award is a highly respected international award owned by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) that runs in 49 countries across the world. Administered in Wales by Keep Wales Tidy, the awards are only given to beaches and marinas that boast the highest quality of water, environmental education and management, safety and services.

Keep Wales Tidy works with partners including the Welsh Government, Natural Resources Wales and Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water, as well with local authorities and volunteers across Wales, to help keep standards high by restoring, protecting and maintaining the beaches Wales has to offer.

Cllr Robert Francis-Davies, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Enterprise, Development and Regeneration, said: “Tourism is now worth more than £400 million a year to the Swansea Bay economy for the very first time, so the standard of our beaches and other attractions is clearly very important if we’re to keep on meeting the expectations and aspirations of visitors and local residents.

“Everyone involved in the management and promotion of Swansea Marina, Bracelet Bay, Langland Bay, Caswell Bay and Port Eynon deserves huge praise because the Blue Flag Award is widely recognised internationally as an indication of top quality.

“The combination of Swansea’s stunning scenery with our plans to regenerate the city centre will lead to a world class destination for retail, leisure and recreation.”

Wales has seen an increase in the number of international Blue Flag Awards this year, with 44 beaches and three marinas in Wales being awarded the status – that’s five more than last year.

Lesley Jones, Chief Executive for Keep Wales Tidy, said: “I’m delighted that Wales has seen an increase in awards this year. Over the last 30 years, Blue Flag has had a transformational impact on water quality, environmental awareness and management, safety and top class facilities at our beaches and marinas. Blue Flag has become a world renowned eco-label trusted by millions around the globe.

“The coastline is very important for Wales as it boosts local economies and the tourism industry and allows us to showcase our beautiful country. In 2015 we saw a growth of 7% of visitors to the Welsh coastline and as a mark of quality the Wales Coast Awards are pivotal to the continuing growth of coastal tourism, while also ensuring that beaches and marinas are managed effectively to accommodate the increase in visitors.

“I’d like to congratulate all our winners and thank everyone who’s involved in making this year’s Wales Coast Awards a great success.”

Have a look at www.keepwalestidy.org for a full list of the 2016 awards.