We grant it to you. It’s still “loiiiinnnnn” the season of fanning toes in the hot sand. But while you are undoubtedly preparing to celebrate the end of year holidays, know that behind the scenes the season is already being prepared in Antibes.
And starting with the image, with the labels, to attract and seduce tourists.
Like that of Blue Flag for which the City wishes to reapply for the 2024 summer season on eight of its beaches: Antibes-les-Pins east and Antibes-les-Pins west, Grande Plage Juan-les-Pins, Fort Carré. Fontonne east, Fontonne west, Marineland and Les Groules.
It is a prize list awaited each year by tourism professionals and vacationers.
Good quality water is not enough
During the last municipal council, Eric Duplay, the deputy delegate for health, environment and sustainable development, therefore presented and had elected officials unanimously approve Antibes’ candidacy for these eight sites.
The quality of Antibes bathing water, which has improved following difficult years – almost 94% of the water was of good quality last summer, compared to 67% in 2022 – will undoubtedly be decisive.
But it will not be enough to be able to hoist the famous little international flag which is a reference in the fields of tourism, the environment and sustainable development and which was present last summer on 113 beaches on the Riviera, including the eight in Antibes.
Created in 1985 by the Teragir association, this precious key is obtained following the in-depth study of nearly a hundred criteria.
“Going, as a tourist, to a beach Blue Flag it means choosing a site with a number of facilities that make it possible to minimize the impacts of tourist attendance recalled the deputy in charge of the case. With sorting bins available to recycle waste, the presence of toilets to maintain quality bathing water. Safety and accessibility to swimming for all are also taken into account, as is information on the quality of bathing water and local fauna and flora.”
The application program will take place in four stages: submission of the application file, presentation of the file to the French then international juries and control visit during the summer season. For 2024, the participation cost borne by the municipality for eight labeled beaches amounts to 3,570 euros.
The result is a beautiful business card to attract visitors while working for more responsible tourism.