Famagusta: Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Maria Panayiotou, expressed her satisfaction on Wednesday with the awarding of 66 Blue Flags to 64 beaches and two marinas in Cyprus, highlighting it as a significant achievement for the island.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Panayiotou delivered a speech at the award ceremony held at the renowned Fig Tree Bay in the Famagusta district. She emphasized that the Blue Flag is one of the most recognized international symbols for quality beaches, adhering to a stringent framework of specifications and undergoing continuous evaluation. Key criteria assessed include the safety of bathers, the provision of valid and comprehensive information for visitors, cleanliness and orderliness of the coastal areas, protection of the natural environment, and fostering environmental awareness.
The Municipality of Paralimni – Deryneia achieved 18 Blue Flags, the Municipality of Ayia Napa secured 16, the Municipality of Amathus earned 9, the Municipality of Paphos received 6, the Municipality of Hierokipia obtained 3, the Municipality of Larnaca also got 3, and the Municipality of Akamas garnered 2. Additionally, the Community Councils of Oroklini, Zygi, Pentakomo, Parekklisia, Episkopi, Pissouri, Lempa, along with the marinas of Limassol and Ayia Napa, each received one Blue Flag.
George Nicolettos, Mayor of Paralimni – Deryneia, emphasized the award’s significance for Cyprus’s tourism sector. Annita Demetriadou, Director of the Quality Assurance Directorate of the Deputy Ministry of Tourism, noted that tourist arrivals in 2024 surpassed 4 million, with tourism revenues estimated at 3,209.4 million, reflecting a 7.3% increase compared to 2023. Michalis Ierides, Secretary General of Cymepa and President of the National Blue Flag Judge, mentioned that evaluation visits to the beaches will occur in the coming weeks, with potential suspension of Flags if criteria are not met.