Santos and Hartenbos Beaches in Mossel Bay awarded Blue Flag status
02. Nov, 2009
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The coveted Blue Flag status was awarded to two of Mossel Bay’s most popular beaches, namely Santos Beach and Hartenbos Beach. Blue Flag status is awarded in respect of beaches that meet the strict standards of the international Blue Flag organisation in terms of safety, amenities, cleanliness and environmental standards.
To qualify for Blue Flag status, a beach must comply with 29 criteria as laid down by the international organisation. Water quality is one of the most important criteria.
The result of the Mossel Bay Municipality’s application for Blue Flag status for the beaches concerned was announced at a function addressed by the Minister of Tourism, Mr Marthinus van Schalkwyk, in Muizenberg, Cape Town today (29 October 2009).
The function was attended by the Executive Mayor of Mossel Bay, Alderlady Marie Ferreira, who on behalf of the Municipality received the flags that will be hoisted at the beaches.
The Municipal Manager of Mossel Bay, Dr Michele Gratz, said that the award is not only a great honour for Mossel Bay, but will also result in an economic injection for the town as it is a known fact that many tourists are drawn by Blue Flag beaches.
The Municipality will initially operate the two beaches as Blue Flag beaches from 10 December 2009 tot 31 January 2009, and possibly again for the duration of the 2010 World Cup soccer tournament when thousands of soccer supporters, especially from Paraguay whose national team will be based in Mossel Bay, are expected to flock to Mossel Bay.
Beaches are normally operated as Blue Flag beaches for limited periods of time because of the cost and logistical requirements. Blue Flag status is awarded for a year at a time and Municipalities must apply annually to renew the status.
The Blue Flag organisation does regular inspections when the beaches are in operation to ensure that they continue to meet the criteria as laid down.
In 2001 South Africa became the first country outside of Europe to implement the Blue Flag programme for its beaches. Blue Flag status was awarded to 29 South African beaches yesterday. The programme is run in forty countries at present, and there are approximately 4 000 beaches with Blue Flag status around the world.
My name is Muzi Mohale a full-time travel blogger, your host at Travelwires.com responsible for all editorial on this blog. I blog about the travel and tourism industry in Africa. Apart from blogging about tourism, I also run 
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