Author(s)

J. Butcher

Abstract

ENCAMS, which administers the Blue Flag Awards in the UK, commissioned independent research to ascertain: • Who visits the beach • Why they visit • Which factors influence their choice of beach • What deters people from beach visits • Levels of awareness and understanding of beach awards and flags for environmental quality The research compares what visitors expect from a UK beach with what they actually get. It also contrasts the experience of visiting UK beaches with beaches abroad. The results will help seaside resorts market themselves, attract visitors and provide the standards and facilities that people really want. The research examines the role of environmental standards and is being used to inform the future development of Blue Flag and other UK coastal awards. Keywords: ENCAMS, beaches, awards, Blue Flag, Seaside Awards, cleanliness, flags.

Keywords