Beaches across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole have retained their Blue Flag status this summer after the tourism and hospitality sector partnered with BCP Council.
Of the 72 UK locations to receive an award, 12 were granted to beaches in the BCP area, meaning one in six Blue Flag beaches are located in the region.
The BCP area has also been granted 14 additional Seaside Awards, celebrating the quality and diversity of the coastline.
The Blue Flag retention has been made possible by the support of businesses and organisations.
They include Bournemouth Coastal Business Improvement District (BID), Bournemouth Town Centre BID, Poole BID, Christchurch BID, Fired Up Collective, SOBO Beach, The Beach House, FJB Group, Rockwater, Noisy Lobster and Highcliffe and Walkford Parish Council.
All worked together to fund the applications which cost a total of £14,085.
Beaches at Alum Chine, Durley Chine, Fisherman’s Walk, Southbourne, Sandbanks, Shore Road, Canford Cliffs, Branksome Chine, Manor Steps, Avon Beach, Highcliffe and Friar’s Cliff are set to continually benefit from being recognised as Blue Flag locations.
Cllr Millie Earl, Deputy Leader of BCP Council and Portfolio Holder for Connected Communities, said: “We are proud to have our beaches recognised as Blue Flag locations for another year, highlighting the outstanding qualities of our beautiful coastline.
“Every day, an exceptional amount of work goes into ensuring our beaches meet Blue Flag criteria, and this achievement is testament to the joint effort of the council, its partners, local businesses and organisations, who have united to retain these prestigious awards.”
Andy Lennox, Chair of Destination Management Board (DMB) and founder of Fired Up Collective, said: “We are delighted to have secured the funding for these iconic awards across the BCP area.
“Our beaches play a fundamental role in our economy as well as our lives and to uphold the environmental, sustainable and educational credentials associated with Blue Flag for another year is something to be proud of; enhancing BCP’s world class status for tourism.”
Fiona McArthur, Bournemouth Coastal BID Manager, said: “The four BIDs within the conurbation recognise the importance of our beaches to the local economy, attracting both residents and visitors to the three towns.
“We have worked together to ensure that our beaches benefit from these accolades, and we will continue to do so.
“These are some of the best beaches in the UK and they deserve to be recognised as such, this legacy needs to be protected for future generations.”