All the beaches around Balaton which can fly the Blue Wave Flag for excellence were revealed at the BSZ Balaton Association's recent award ceremony.

Diási Játék Beach won the prize for best overall beach on the shores of the ‘Hungarian sea’ based on various key factors, such as parking conditions, state and cleanliness of restrooms, natural environment (inc. flowers and grass quality), and regarding play facilities for children.

Beachside catering establishments and the presence of local products also mattered. BSY also took into account sports facilities and other child-friendly aspects such as the presence of changing tables and family changing rooms.

46 beach operators entered the competition in 2024, including free beaches and some campsites. This year marks the 21st time the BSZ association, which comprises local municipalities, has organized the Blue Wave Flag beach quality certification, now a hallmark of the best beaches on Lake Balaton.

This year, the participating beaches were rated from one to five stars, indicating the quality and variety of the services provided. Among the participating beaches, 28 received five-star, 14 four-star, and 4 three-star Blue Wave Flag ratings.

Winners of Special Awards

Several special awards were presented, including the new 'Smart Destination' award, which looked at the digital aspects at the beaches. It was noted that many innovative solutions and ideas emerge each year at several beaches, which could be worth adopting by others.

Three beaches received a "Smart Beach" certificate, with a prize awarded to Vonyarcvashegy Lido Beach. 'Digital accessibility' will be a new criterion in the main BSZ rating system next year.

The family-friendly special award from the Hungarian Tourism Agency went to Balatonakali Mandulavirág Beach, featuring a baby-mother-friendly room, family changing rooms, restrooms, children's and sports animations, a lido section and adequate shade.

The Balaton Circle awarded its special prize to Balatonudvari Fövenyes Beach, recognizing it for its year-round quality offerings and the presence of local products.



The Balaton Tourism Association’s special award went to Siófok's Grand Beach, which also offers programs as an event venue.

The Balaton Uplands National Park awarded the "Green Leaf Award" to Balatonfüred Kisfaludy Beach for its outstanding green space considerations, biodiversity preservation, and climate change adaptation.

The "Green Frog Award" went to Szigliget Municipal Beach for its excellence in environmental education.

And finally, the "Green Nest Award" was given to Rigó Street Free Beach in Szántód for its outstanding natural habitat protection.

Winning the Blue Wave Flag has become a prestigious recognition, and the evaluation by the professional jury also serves as a guideline for future development directions, noted Gábor Lombár the president of the BSZ.

BSZ involved its partner organizations in the evaluation committee; the representatives of the Women for Balatonért Association, the Balaton Tourism Association, the Balaton Circle, the Balaton Uplands National Park, and the Hungarian Tourism Agency (MTÜ).

Source:
sokszinuvidek.24.hu

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