Humewood Beach, Port Elizabeth’s main beach, has been awarded the coveted Blue Flag status and now joins a select group of beaches in world which are recognised for outstanding management of this natural resource.

This award, which is made annually and is valid for 12 months, has been made to only seven other beaches in South Africa.

The Blue Flag status symbolises management and conservation excellence of these beach areas. Such beaches normally attract visitors, particularly global visitors and this generally leads to improved business conditions and property prices for the area.

In order to achieve this status, beaches are measured against 14 strict criteria which include water quality, environmental education and information, environmental management, safety and services, ablution facilities and parking for the disabled.

In the 15 years since the Blue Flag Awards’ establishment, Europe has dominated the awards system.

Other SA beaches which have awarded this status include Grotto Beach in Hermanus, and KwaZulu-Natal’s Margate main beach, South Beach, Hibberdene, Ramsgate, Marine Beach in San Lameer and Umlanga Rocks.

Tourism investment senior consultant Abu Latief comments:
This is a great accolade for the city but for Port Elizabeth and province to really benefit from this award, I believe the city needs to have this award made for a number of years. This will really instil confidence in investors who feel they have the necessary consumer support for a project they may want to invest in. In short term, there is benefit for local homeowners who may see the prices of homes improving. This award adds another interesting dimension to a city already known for its tourist appeal.