Greece | Retaining World’s No.2 Ranking in 2026 Blue Flag Awards

Greece has once again secured second place globally in the prestigious Blue Flag Awards reaffirming its strong reputation for high - quality and sustainable coastal tourism. The country secured an  624 beaches, 17 marinas and 17 tourist boats awarded, an impressive haul represents roughly 14% of all awarded beaches, underscoring the nation’s commitment to outstanding water quality and sustainable coastal management.

The awards were announced on May 14 during a special ceremony in Paleo Faliro, Athens, attended by representatives from government, local authorities and the tourism sector. The International Blue Committee awarded a total of 4.378 beaches, 747 marinas and 158 boats globally.

Operated by the Copenhagen – based Foundation for Environnmental Education (FEE) the Blue Flag program is one of the world’s most recognized voluntary eco - labels, coordinated in Greece by the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature (EEPF) requires that awarded beaches maintain strict “Excellent” water quality among other strict environmental criteria.

Established in 1987, the Blue Flag label is recognized as a benchmark for environmental quality in the tourism sector. To qalifiy beaches must meet 33 criteria, including excellent water quality, environmental education, safety an accessibility. Marinas are assessed against 38 criteria, while sustainable boats must comply with 51.

For the fourth xconsecutive year, Greece ranked second behind Spain, reinforcing its position as one of the world’s leading sustainable coastal destinations. According to the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature (HSPN), Greece accounts for 14% of all awarded beaches worldwide among the 51 countries participating in the program.

Among Greek destinations, Halkidiki, a prominent peninsula in northern Greece, located just south of Thessaloniki, famed for its pine - forested landscapes and turquoise waters, ranked first nationwide with 93 awarded beaches, while the region of Crete maintained the leading position among regions with 154 Blue Flags.

Many of Greece’s world - famous shores made the list, including Koukounaries (Skiathos), Myrtos (Kefalonia), Golden Beach (Thassos), and Astir Beach Vouliagmenis (Athens).

In addition, honorary distinctions were awarded to 18 beaches recognized for 35 consecutive years of Blue Flag awards, alongside one marina with 28 consecutive years, and one tourist boat with nine years of continuous distinction.

Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature President Nikos Petrou said that the Blue Flag Program has served as an international benchmark for beach quality and safety for the past 40 years, reflecting the long - term commitment of local operators and managers.

According to HSPN President, the Blue Flag program will introduce a transitional two - year award system for 2026 - 2027 ahead of stricter environmental and operational criteria set to take effect in 2028.

While annual inspections and monitoring procedures will continue as normal, participating beach managers will submit simplified annual updates for 2027 as part of the transition process.

HSPN head stated that the transitional measure is intended to help operators adapt to revised standards and methodologies while preserving the program’s credibility and monitoring standards.

Link

https://news.gtp.gr/2026/05/15/greece-retains-worlds-no-2-ranking-in-2026-blue-flag-awards/

Tanzania | Signed Eight Agreements with Kenya to Deepen Regional Cooperation

Tanzania and Kenya have signed eight new cooperation agreements during the Tanzania - Kenya Business Forum 2026, held on May 4 at the Julius Nyerere International Conference Centre (JNICC) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. 

The agreements were signed by Kenyan President William Ruto’s state visit to Tanzania, who held talks with the Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, with the aim  to deepen regional cooperation renewing their pledge to cultivate closer ties and accelerate economic growth and integration within the East African Community. 

 The leaders of the two countries witnessed the signing of eight Memoranda of Understanding covering: 

•    Improvements in energy connectivity.  
•    Legal cooperation. 
•    Agriculture. 
•    Railway development including plans to revive the Voi – Taveta railway line. 
•    Public service capacity building. 
•    Maritime cooperation. 
•    Sefarer certification. 
•    Streamline certification standards between the two markets.

 The two African countries also committed to removing non - tariff trade barriers by June 2026 to improve the movement of goods and services across borders. 

 Leaders from both nations said the strengthened partnership is expected to support trade growth, investment and tourism across the region. 

Link 
https://atta.travel/resource/kenya-and-tanzania-sign-eight-agreements-to-deepen-regional-cooperation.html

Nicaragua | Emerging as One of the Fastest - Growing Tourist Destination in Central America

Nicaragua is emerging as one of the fastest – growing tourist destinations in Central America, drawing global attention for its blend of natural landscapes, adventure activities, and high - end eco lodges. 

The country is rapidly becoming a sought - after, budget – friiendly alternative to more crowded and expensive regional neighbours, also supported by leading international publications like Condé Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure that have spotlighted Nicaragua, praising its balance of natural beauty and authentic charm. 

The Central American country closed 2025 welcoming 1.2 million tourists, a figure that represents a growth of 10% compared to the previous year and positioning it among the most dynamic destinations in the region. 

According to the Pastrán Report Bulletin, a daily Nicaraguan news and analysis bulletin delivers economic, political, and social updates, Nicaruagua ranked as the second country with the highest relative growth in the region, only surpassed by Guatemala, which registered an increase of 11%.  

According to the publication, for Nicaragua, the growth recorded reflects the strengthening of the tourism offer based on nature, culture and authentic experiences.

Factors about Nicaragua emerging as one of the fastest – growing tourist destination in the region: 

•    Authentic Adventure: Untapped destinations like the Emerald Coast, San Juan del Sur, and the Corn Islands offer world - class surfing, diving, and nature excursions without the feel of mass tourism. 
•    High - End Eco - Tourism: Boutique, nature – focused accommodations, such as Jicaro Island Lodge on Lake Nicaragua and Morgan’s Rock Hacienda & Ecolodge, cater to travellers seeking sustainable luxury and wellness. 
•    Affordability: Nicaragua offers high – value travel experiences, stretching visitors’ budgets further compared to neighbouring countries. 
•    Grassroots Appeal: Despite utilizing less international marketing than regional competitors, Nicaragua has built a strong word – of – mouth reputation for safety, cultural immersion, and stunning landscapes. 

For travellers looking to explore this trending destination, resources like the Nicaragua Tourism Board provide detailed guides, entry requirements, and information on local attractions to help plan a trip. 

The publication, which cites data from the Central American Tourism Promotion Agency (CATA), points out that the region, including the Dominican Republic, received a total of 30.6 million international tourists, which represents an increase of 6% compared to the previous year. 

In the region the Dominican Republic led the arrival of visitors with 11.6 million, followed by El Salvador with 4.1 million, Guatemala with 3.3 million, Honduras with 3.02 million, Panama with 2.9 million and Costa Rica with 2.7 million. Belize registered 1.5 million tourists, while Nicaragua reached 1.2 million, consolidating its presence on the regional tourism map. 

In terms of growth, after Guatemala and Nicaragua, Honduras stood out with an increase of 8%, which shows a very positive trend in the isthmus. 

The Secretary General of CATA, Boris Iraheta, valued the joint performance of the Central American countries and stressed that the progress of each nation contributes to the positioning of the regional multi - destination, adding that this behaviour confirms that Central America is advancing as an increasingly solid tourism region.

CATA’s Secretary General explained that the regional approach has evolved towards a more strategic model, with an emphasis on connectivity, the development of authentic tourism products and the diversification of source markets. 

In this regard, the Secretary General of CATA highlighted the efforts to attract a great number of European visitors, as well as the consolidation of the flow from South America that according to the data already accounts for between 10% and 15% of arrivals in several countries in the region. 

Link 
https://infoturlatam.com/nicaragua-destaca-por-crecimiento-del-turismo-en-centroamerica/