Sun, sand and standards: A new international standard for beaches

Whether it be the soft white sand or the call of the sea, beaches have an amazing ability to attract people from far and wide. Now they are even easier to keep beautiful with the publication of the first International Standard for beaches.

Not just for sunseeking tourists, beaches are an important part of our ecology, and keeping them clean, safe and sustainable is as essential for people as it is for our planet. ISO’s new standard for beaches,ISO13009 Beaches. Tourism and related services -- Requirements and recommendations for beach operation, provides robust internationally agreed guidelines for operators to make better decisions about managing their beaches.

In addition to general beach management, ISO 13009:2015 includes everything from beach and water safety, to cleaning, infrastructure, waste disposal, planning and promotion.

The standard is a useful tool to assist travel agents, hotel owners, property developers and local governments better manage their beaches. In addition, compliance with ISO 13009:2015 is also a valuable marketing tool to attract public funding for further improvements as well as investors and visitors that will aid commercial services in the area.

It also helps to ensure that entertainment activities in the area are conducted within a socially responsible framework, and provides guidance on safety and hygiene for visitors.

Article Reference: ISO org