The Blue Flag, awarded annually by the Turkish Environmental Education Foundation (TÜRÇEV) to ensure the protection of the coasts, was given to the world-famous Ilıca Public Beach for the 5th consecutive time this year. In addition to Ilıca Beach, 12 other beaches and 3 marinas also qualified for the Blue Flag.
The Turkish Environmental Education Foundation (TÜRÇEV) conducts regular inspections each year, awarding the Blue Flag to beaches that meet the criteria. Most recently, at a ceremony held in Çeşme, the world-famous Ilıca Beach, which has held the Blue Flag since 2020, was awarded the Blue Flag again this year after passing inspections. In addition to Ilıca Public Beach, the Blue Flag was also awarded to Tekke Public Beach, Dalyan Kocakarı Public Beach, 10 hotel beaches, and 3 marinas. The Blue Flags were hoisted again at a ceremony held at Ilıca Public Beach.
Çeşme District Governor Mehmet Maraşlı stated that there are 16 Blue Flag beaches and marinas in Çeşme. Çeşme Mayor Lal Denizli said, 'The Blue Flag award, which is the world's number one eco-label and the protector of the seas, was given to Ilıca Public Beach, one of our three Blue Flag public beaches in Çeşme. By receiving the 2024 Blue Flag Certificate, we have once again been deemed worthy of this prestigious award. This award shows that Çeşme is not only a tourism center but also a district with a high level of environmental awareness.'
The ceremony held at Ilıca Public Beach was also attended by Altan İnanç, Deputy Mayor of İzmir Metropolitan Municipality; Yavuz Yaşar, Çeşme District Gendarmerie Commander; Akın Satkan, Çeşme Coast Guard Station Commander; Fahrettin Kerem, Provincial Director of Culture and Tourism; Yetkin Karabinali, Deputy Coordinator for TÜRÇEV İzmir and Northern Aegean Provinces; Sait Kavasoğullar, Chairman of CHP Çeşme District, and his management; municipal council members; local headmen; and citizens.