The Riviera Nayarit Renews its Blue Flag Awards
- In a major environmental achievement for the destination, the beach at Nuevo Vallarta Norte and the Marina Riviera Nayarit retain their international certifications.
The beach at Nuevo Vallarta Norte and the Marina Riviera Nayarit received their Blue Flag certifications for the sixth and fourth year, respectively. This recognition is awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) to the beaches and marinas that meet the established criteria for quality, safety, education, and environmental information.
It was determined that both the beach and the marina were ready to receive this recognition once the March audits and the jury evaluation by the ministries of Tourism, Environment, and Natural Resources (Semarnat); Communications and Transportation (SCT); Navy (SEMAR); and Health (SSA); as well as the National Water Commission (CONAGUA) were completed.
Of note is the fact the Laguna de Santa María del Oro also received its Blue Flag for the third consecutive year; the lagoon is located in the Santa María del Oro municipality in Nayarit.
Playa Nuevo Vallarta Norte, Marina Riviera Nayarit, and Laguna de Santa María del Oro will receive their Blue Flag certifications during the upcoming XIII Clean Beach National Assembly in Bahías de Huatulco on July 4-7, 2018.
According to the FEE there are 33 criteria for beaches and 25 for marinas that cover four categories: environmental education and information provision; water quality; environmental management; and safety and services. The right personnel and equipment for the safety of visitors, an emergency plan and signage, as well as inclusive access and areas for the handicapped are all key to meeting the criteria.
 |
| Playa Nuevo Vallarta Norte. |
Playa Nuevo Vallarta Norte
The beach at Nuevo Vallarta is 5 kilometers (3 miles) long, with calm waves and warm water, meaning it’s ideal for watersports. Its cleanliness, water quality, safety, access, and ecological sustainability make it a standout.
It’s located across from the Fraccionamiento Náutico Turístico Nuevo Vallarta, considered the “Gateway to the Riviera Nayarit,” and has become a model of sustainability both on a national and international level.
“We’re thrilled to be receiving this award for the sixth year in a row—a certification that ensures the quality of our destination’s beaches and seeks to improve the experience of both our domestic and foreign tourists,” said Marc Murphy, director of the Bahía de Banderas Hotel and Motel Association (AHMBB) and the Riviera Nayarit Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB).
Get to know the Playa Nuev Vallarta Norte: Video
 |
| Marina Riviera Nayarit. |
Marina Riviera Nayarit
The Marina Riviera Nayarit, located in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, became the first of its kind to receive the Blue Flag certification in 2015, setting the standard for the regulations other marinas will need to follow in order to become part of the program.
It’s considered the most modern in the Mexican Pacific with a capacity for 400 boats from 30 to 400 feet in length and equipped with all the services needed for a comfortable stay: bathrooms with showers, security, electricity, and fuel pump.
This modern project also has a yacht club, business center, sky bar, restaurant, seafood market, and dock, plus one of the best-equipped boatyards in the country that, among other things, is home to the largest crane in the Pacific.
“The Blue Flag is a promotional tool for nautical tourism since tourists will come here knowing this is a certified, well-kept marina that’s clean and environmentally friendly,” commented Rafael Alcántara, Harbor Master for the Marina Riviera Nayarit.
Get to know the Marina Riviera Nayarit: Video.
The facts:
+ The first Blue Flag in Nayarit was awarded to Playa Nuevo Vallarta Norte in 2013 and it has retained the certification ever since.
+ There are 4,154 beaches and marinas across 49 countries that have received the Blue Flag certification. Spain with 679 and France with 492 are currently leading the list. Mexico is currently far from the top, with only 27 beaches and one marina.
#####
The Riviera Nayarit Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) and the Bahía de Banderas Hotel and Motel Association (AHMBB) work hard to promote the destination with the support of the Government of the State of Nayarit via its Tourism Promotional Trust (Fiprotur). The cultural tourism product offer is an invaluable asset for these promotional efforts.
Riviera Nayarit CVB
Leave a Reply
Want to join the discussion?Feel free to contribute!