Nallikari Beach has received the prestigious Blue Flag- certification – an international symbol of a beach’s environmental responsibility and quality
Nallikari has long been known as one of the most striking seaside travel destinations. Now Nallikari Beach has also been awarded the internationally acclaimed Blue Flag certification as the second site in Finland. The certification demonstrates that the area meets high standards of environmental quality, safety, and environmental responsibility. The symbol raises Nallikari’s status among internationally recognized travel destinations and strengthens the area’s position as a year-round travel and leisure destination.
What is Blue Flag?
Blue Flag is one of the most recognized environmental certificates for beaches, marinas and tourism services. Certification is presented by Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), and to obtain it, site must meet strict criteria related to environment, safety, accessibility and sustainable tourism, as well as commit to continuous sustainable development
Blue Flag operates in over 50 countries, and the certificate is known especially for its high-quality standards. Receiving the Blue Flag is not a one-time achievement; sites must consistently maintain the required level. Compliance with the criteria and the site’s development are regularly monitored.
Blue Flag criteria are divided into six main themes: water quality monitoring, environmental management, beach safety and development of services, accessibility, environmental education and communication, and the consideration of nature and biodiversity. In practice, the Blue Flag indicates to visitors that the site is safe, clean, responsibly managed, and committed to environmental values.
For the traveller, Blue Flag shows as a safe and pleasant environment. Blue Flag sites also emphasize accessibility and responsible tourism. Internationally, the certification acts as a guarantee of quality for visitors.
Nallikari becomes Finland’s second Blue Flag site
Nallikari is now a part of a small and renowned group, as it becomes the second beach in Finland to receive the international Blue Flag certification. The only other certified beach in Finland is Yyteri Beach in Pori.
“I am extremely pleased that Nallikari Beach was awarded the Blue Flag certificate. It is a concrete demonstration of the area’s determined work on sustainability, and it complements the Green Key sustainability certification of the Lomakylä area very well”, says Heidi Heinonen, CEO of Going Green Oy, which manages the certifications. In the Lomakylä area, Restaurant Nallikari and Bistoria Patio also have the Green Key certificates, and Nallikari Safaris has the Green Activities certificate. “Sustainability and consideration of sustainable development in tourism services especially meet the demand of European travelers, and it can even be a requirement set by tour operators for agreements to be concluded. As Oulu serves as the European Capital of Culture this year, the significance of the Blue Flag is further emphasized”, Heinonen adds.
Nallikari shaping the future of sustainable tourism
Sustainability has become an increasingly important part of tourism, and travelers are paying more attention to the environmental impact of destinations as well as the quality of services. Receiving the Blue Flag certification indicates that Nallikari Beach is committed to long-term development of the area in line with the principles of sustainable tourism.
“The Blue Flag certification is an important international recognition for us in Nallikari, strengthening the area’s position as a high-quality, safe, and responsibly developed tourism destination, while also raising the profile of Oulu as an internationally interesting seaside city”, says Sirpa Walter, CEO of Nallikari Seaside Oy. “In Nallikari, environmental sustainability is reflected concretely in the cleanliness of the area, water quality monitoring, safety and well-functioning services, that create a comfortable and reliable experience for the visitors. In the future of tourism, sustainability is seen as an increasingly important part of high-quality travel services, and in Nallikari we aim to develop tourism in the long term with respect for the environment and natural values”, Walter continues.
More info:
Nallikari Seaside Oy, CEO Sirpa Walter
firstname.lastname@nallikari.fi
