The USVI Hotel & Tourism Association along with the VI Conservation Society are pleased to announce the start of the Blue Flag season in the U.S. Virgin Islands for 2016-2017. Blue Flag is an exclusive eco-label promoting sustainable tourism and is awarded to beaches and marinas worldwide who meet the established criteria of the program.

The four beaches who received this coveted certification are Emerald Beach and Great Bay on St. Thomas, and Green Cay Beach at Tamarind Reef and the Palms at Pelican Cove on St. Croix. Two marinas also received certification and reached their five year milestone Crown Bay Marina on St. Thomas and Green Cay Marina on St. Croix. The Blue Flag certification is based on compliance with 32 criteria including environmental education and information, water quality, environmental management, and safety and services.

The flags were raised on all four beaches and two marinas on Dec. 1. We encourage residents and visitors to recognize these locations for their hard work and dedication to implementing sound environmentally sustainable tourism practices. For additional information, contact Valerie Peters at blueflagusvi@gmail.com. Click here to read the full article.