The environmentally-friendly Blue Flag award has been given to three Barcelo Hotels & Resorts properties in the Dominican Republic.
The prestigious eco-label was awarded to the three properties for the groups commitment to preserving the Caribbean coast and providing safe and clean beaches and ocean waters for tourists concerned about the preservation of the environment and seeking eco-friendly Dominican Republic holidays.
Blue Flag is operated by the non-profit organisation, the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), and the distinction is awarded to beaches and marinas in 46 countries across the world that meet high environmental standards across many areas including water quality, safety and services, environmental management and environmental education and information.
The three Dominican Republic hotels that were awarded the prestigious Blue Flag award were Barcelo Puerto Plata, Barcelo Bavaro Beach Resort and Barcelo Punta Cana.
Claudio A. Zboznovits, the vice president of sales and marketing for Barcelo in the United States, commented on the awards: Were delighted to see our resort beaches recognised among the worlds most beautiful eco-friendly beaches.
“A commitment to sustainability is a valued company practice for Barcelo Hotels & Resorts. Our hotel beaches are proud to be recognised for our green efforts as we continue to provide a quality experience for guests while protecting our surrounding environment.”
Barcelo Hotels & Resorts is a Spanish family-owned company with a portfolio of over 160 hotels and resorts throughout 17 countries across the world.
The group owns and operates several hotels in the Dominican Republic in the popular tourist areas of Punta Cana, Puerto Plata, Juan Dolio and Santo Domingo.
The Blue Flag-awarded hotels are among the leading properties providing all inclusive Dominican Republic holidays with luxury accommodation and facilities for guests of all ages.
The Barcelo Punta Cana is located on the beautiful stretch of white sand Playa Arena Gorda beach which is close to the Bvaro Lagoon and the tropical East National Park.
The resort features Spanish-influenced architecture and design and 798 guest rooms that boast beautiful views of the ocean and beach. During Punta Cana holidays, guests can enjoy facilities including seven gourmet restaurants, a casino, a full-service spa, a kids club and several swimming pools. The hotel was also ranked among the top five green resorts by Travel Agent Magazine for its eco-friendliness.
Barcelo Bavaro Beach Resort is an adults-only Dominican Republic hotel that is located next to the family-friendly Barcelo Bavaro Palace Deluxe. Bavaro Beach has a P.B Dye-designed 18-hole golf course, a full service spa, a Vegas-style theatre, a nightclub, a 24-hour sports bar and casino, several bars and restaurants, and a small shopping promenade with 16 shops. The two resorts are situated on nearly two miles of pristine soft sandy beach.
Barcelo Puerto Plata is located on the soft sands of Playa Doradas Golden Beach. The resort has 585 guest rooms and suites and during holidays in the Dominican Republic, tourists can enjoy beach volleyball, windsurfing, snorkelling, kayaking, and scuba diving. Facilities include eight restaurants, five bars, a nightclub, and an 18-hole Trend Jones-designed golf course.