Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco – The Westin and Marriott resort hotels in Puerto Vallarta have successfully revalidated their Blue Flag certifications for the 2024-2025 season, marking the second consecutive year these hotels have earned this prestigious environmental recognition. Unfortunately, the city has seen a decline in the number of Blue Flag beaches, with several certifications lost due to the municipal government’s failure to meet necessary standards.
With this achievement, Puerto Vallarta now holds three Blue Flag certifications, all awarded to hotel properties, with the third belonging to the Sheraton Buganvilias.
The Blue Flag certification is an internationally recognized symbol of environmental responsibility and sustainable management. Awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), the distinction is given to beaches and marinas that meet strict criteria for water quality, environmental management, education, and safety. The certification program, active in 51 countries worldwide, plays a crucial role in promoting the sustainable preservation of coastal ecosystems and the responsible use of natural resources.
Commitment to Sustainability
The Westin and Marriott properties have reaffirmed their commitment to sustainability through continued efforts to reduce their environmental impact. By revalidating their Blue Flag certifications, these resorts underscore the importance of maintaining clean coastlines and implementing sustainable practices. Both hotels have also demonstrated their dedication to the conservation of marine life, notably through their sea turtle protection and release programs, which have become an essential part of their environmental and community outreach initiatives.
These programs aim to educate the public about the importance of marine conservation while actively contributing to the preservation of the endangered sea turtle population. This dual focus on conservation and education is a key aspect of the Blue Flag program, which emphasizes not only environmental protection but also the involvement of local communities in sustainability efforts.
A Global Standard
The Blue Flag certification, first established in 1987, has grown into a globally recognized standard for environmental excellence in coastal and marine areas. The certification is awarded only to locations that meet strict criteria across several categories, including water quality, environmental education, environmental management, safety, and services. To maintain the certification, recipients must undergo regular inspections and adhere to ongoing monitoring and verification processes to ensure compliance with the program’s high standards.
In Puerto Vallarta, the revalidation of the Blue Flag at the Westin, Marriott, and Sheraton Buganvilias serves as a testament to the efforts of these hotels to uphold the integrity of their natural surroundings. Their commitment to sustainable tourism sets an example for other businesses in the region, showing that economic growth and environmental protection can go hand in hand.
Puerto Vallarta’s Decline in Blue Flags
Puerto Vallarta once boasted eight Blue Flag-certified beaches in 2018, including Amapas, Camarones, Conchas Chinas I and II, Garza Blanca, Palmares, Playa de Oro, and Sheraton. However, over time, many of these certifications were lost, largely due to the failure of the municipal government to maintain the required standards. The loss of these Blue Flags represents a significant step backward for a destination that relies heavily on its natural beauty to attract tourists.
The Blue Flag program holds recipients to high standards, requiring continuous efforts in environmental management and community engagement. Unfortunately, the decline in Puerto Vallarta’s Blue Flag certifications highlights the need for greater coordination between local authorities and private businesses to ensure the sustainable management of the city’s beaches and natural resources.
A Call to Action
As Puerto Vallarta seeks to regain its standing as a leading destination for eco-conscious travelers, the efforts of hotels like the Westin, Marriott, and Sheraton Buganvilias are a reminder that sustainability should remain at the forefront of the tourism industry. The successful revalidation of the Blue Flag certification by these hotels demonstrates that with the right initiatives and commitment, it is possible to balance tourism with environmental stewardship.
The current situation also presents an opportunity for the municipal government to reevaluate its role in the preservation of the city’s natural assets. By working together with the private sector and local communities, Puerto Vallarta can strive to regain its lost Blue Flag certifications and position itself once again as a beacon of sustainable tourism in Mexico.
In the meantime, the Westin, Marriott, and Sheraton Buganvilias continue to lead by example, showing that through responsible management and a focus on sustainability, Puerto Vallarta’s coastal beauty can be preserved for future generations. These hotels’ continued success in maintaining their Blue Flag certifications should serve as a model for other businesses in the region and a call to action for local authorities to prioritize environmental conservation efforts across the destination.
Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco – The Westin and Marriott resort hotels in Puerto Vallarta have successfully revalidated their Blue Flag certifications for the 2024-2025 season, marking the second consecutive year these hotels have earned this prestigious environmental recognition. Unfortunately, the city has seen a decline in the number of Blue Flag beaches, with several certifications lost due to the municipal government's failure to meet necessary standards.
