Türkiye's Blue Flag Beaches Surge 15-Fold Over 12 Years

The number of beaches in Türkiye earning the international Blue Flag distinction grew 15 times over in 12 years, while certified marinas rose 56 percent, according to a report released Monday.

When Türkiye first joined the Blue Flag program in 1994, only 12 beaches and nine marinas qualified. By 2006, those figures had climbed to 192 beaches and 14 marinas.

Türkiye currently ranks seventh among the 33 countries participating in the Blue Flag initiative, according to Foundation for Environmental Education (TURCEV) Director General Erol Gungor.

Gungor described the Blue Flag as a mark of strong environmental management and visitor safety, noting that tourists gravitate toward destinations offering the highest standards. He said Türkiye must continue raising the quality of its coastal facilities and expanding environmental awareness to remain competitive with other Mediterranean nations in tourism.

Historical summary. TurkishPress restated this wire report, first published in August 2006, in its own words.