ARCHIVED - A dozen Cartagena beaches are awarded prestigious tourist sustainability status

Cartagena is one of two municipalities in the Region of Murcia to receive 'S' for Sustainability accreditation

In a major boost for Cartagena's tourism industry, a dozen beaches in the city have achieved the 'S' for Tourism Sustainability certification, awarded by the Institute for Spanish Tourism Quality (ICTE).

The status guarantees compliance with the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN Agenda 2030 in terms of providing tourism services on Spanish beaches.

The only Spanish locations that currently have the 'S' certificate of Sustainability are Marbella, Gandía and Huelva, with Cartagena and Mazarrón the first two municipalities to achieve it in the Region of Murcia.

Councillor for Tourism, Cristina Perez, explained that the recognition "certifies the excellence and sustainability of the 12 beaches of Cartagena" adding that "we have achieved full success in this certification, as we submitted a dozen nominations and achieved them all".

The accredited beaches are: Cala del Barco, Playa de Portús, Cala Túnez, Playa de Calnegre, Playa de La Chapineta, Playa del Cuartel, Playa Isla Plana, Playa San Ginés, Cala Cortina, Playa del Galúa, Playa del Barco Perdido and Playa de Levante.

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"From the outset we wanted to offer natural and unique spaces to the people of Cartagena and visitors, but with the inalienable premise of respecting, above all, the environment," said Perez, highlighting the "tourist value" of these stretches of coastline.

"We wanted to bet on sustainability as a differentiating element of our tourist offer with prestigious seals such as the brand 'S' which represents a pioneering tourism tool, adding value by improving the coastline's image and reputation."

Services that have been recognised include providing drinking water, footbaths, toilets, litter bins, walkways, ramps, first aid and beach surveillance, picnic zones, shaded areas and restaurants, as well as accessibility for people with reduced mobility.

The latest distinctions are in addition to the nine blue flags awarded at the beaches of Cala Cortina, Isla Plana, La Azohía-El Cuartel, La Chapineta, Levante-Cabo de Palos, San Ginés, Banco del Tabal-Calnegre, and the Real Club de Regatas and Yatch Port Cartagena.

Levante beaches in Cabo de Palos, Barco Pedido, Galúa, Cala Cortina, San Ginés, Cala del Pino, Cavanna, La Gola, Playa Honda, Paraíso, Islas Menores and Mar de Cristal also boat Q Quality flags.

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Image: Ayuntamiento de Cartagena