ROME-Italian Blue Flag beaches reach astonishing number of 269.

The Blue Flag, given by the Foundation of Environmental Education (FEE), is an award given to tourist resorts that meet a specific criteria concerning environmental issues.

Claudio Mazza, president of FEE says, “It is with pleasure that we see an increase in beaches awarded the blue flag in 2014.  Despite the economic situation, sustainable choices in many resorts still remain a priority.” He further adds “Attention to the environment in all its forms is key in developing a successful tourist destination, and especially today, with a strong focus on sustainable tourism.”    

Liguria, in the Northwest of Italy, remains at the top of the table as the region with 20 recognised Blue Flag beaches with clean water and pure sand.  Meanwhile, in second place lies Tuscany, which gained a blue flag this year and now with a total of 18. Other regions include those of Sicily and the Emilia Romagna resort, which both gained at least one Blue Flag.