Minister for Industry, Energy and Tourism presents 'Q for Tourism Quality' Flags to 230 beaches and 20 sailing clubs

Minister Soria was accompanied at the event by the President of the Institute for Spanish Tourism Quality (Spanish acronym: ICTE), Miguel Mirones, and the State Secretary for Tourism, Isabel Borrego.

The 'Q for Tourism Quality Flags' represent public recognition of the efforts made by local council authorities, civil servants and professionals to adapt to the Spanish tourism quality system to obtain the 'Q' brand as a quality guarantee.

José Manuel Soria was glad to see 37 more certificates awarded this year than in 2014, which, in his opinion, demonstrates the clear commitment to quality being made by the Spanish tourism sector.

The Minister for Industry believes that these certificates are a fine example of the dedication from public administration services and the private sector to building loyalty among those tourists seeking to enjoy the Spanish coasts, combined with strict protection of the environment and tourism spaces.

José Manuel Soria stressed that, given the significant weight of the sun and sand segment in the Spanish tourism model, it is essential to guarantee the quality of Spanish beaches and sailing clubs. He went on to say that this quality must be understood in the broadest sense and encompass accessibility, services, safety, cleanliness and comfort.

The Minister for Industry believes that the 'Q for Tourism Quality Flags' are a guarantee that these criteria are being met thanks to the express commitment and constant effort made by the corresponding public and private authorities, representing a tourist satisfaction guarantee.

In turn, the President of the Institute for Spanish Tourism Quality (Spanish acronym: ICTE) stressed that the increase in the number of certified beaches and sailing clubs reflects the effort and commitment to quality by many local council authorities and agencies and said that the 'Q' is one of the main assets within the Spanish tourism sector.

Presentation of the 'Q for Quality Flags'

This year, the 'Q for Tourism Quality' was awarded to 230 beaches belonging to 91 local councils and public administration services in 11 autonomous regions and one autonomous city. This is an increase of 17.34% compared with 2014.

Andalusia continues to be the autonomous region with the most certified beaches (85), followed by the Region of Valencia and Murcia (47 and 37, respectively). The Balearic Islands, which significantly increased the number of beaches with Q Flags last year, maintained the same trend this year (17), as did Galicia where 11 beaches now have the 'Q for Tourism Quality'.

The number of certified sailing clubs continued to rise significantly this year, with 20 now flying the 'Q for Tourism Quality Flag'. Galicia maintains its leadership in this regard and is home to over half of these sailing clubs (13).

The 'Q for Tourism Quality Flags' on beaches are a symbol of confidence that guarantees their management by the local council authorities. This commitment involves daily improvements to ensure users enjoyment in terms of cleanliness, safety, surveillance and environmental respect.

Obtaining a 'Q Flag' means that the local council managing the beach is fully committed to environmental preservation and assumes responsibility for ensuring that everything is done in the best possible way to respect dunes, flora and fauna. Furthermore, strict control is maintained over food safety at beach bars.

The same symbol at a sailing club means that it offers activities (sailing, rowing, windsurfing, etc.) and numerous services for those mooring their boats: fuel pumps, painting and repair workshop with collection of the waste generated by boats, on-shore showers and toilets, up-to-date weather reports, and security and surveillance staff.