Three Barcelo Hotels & Resorts properties in the Dominican Republic have recently been honored as Blue Flag certified beaches thanks to the hotelier’s continued dedication to the preservation of the Caribbean coast. The Blue Flag distinction is given to beaches worldwide that meet high environmental standards for water quality, environmental management, safety and services, and environmental education and information.

Owned and operated by the non-government, non-profit organization the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Blue Flag is an eco-label awarded to beaches and marinas in 46 countries around the world. Only 15 beaches in the Dominican Republic are qualified for this unique honor and Barcelo Hotels & Resorts is home to three.

“We’re delighted to see our resort beaches recognized among the world’s most beautiful eco-friendly beaches,” says Claudio A. Zboznovits, Barcelo’s vice president of sales and marketing in the U.S. "A commitment to sustainability is a valued company practice for Barcelo Hotels & Resorts. Our hotel beaches are proud to be recognized for our green efforts as we continue to provide a quality experience for guests while protecting our surrounding environment."

Barcelo Hotels & Resorts’ properties in the Dominican Republic that host to Blue Flag-winning beaches include:
- Barcelo Bavaro Beach Resort: Highlights of this newly renovated, all-inclusive resort include a championship 18-hole golf course designed by legend, P.B. Dye, multiple bars, a 16-store shopping promenade, world-class spa, Vegas-style theater, vivacious nightclub, and 24-hour sports bar and casino. Bavaro Beach is the adult-only component in the Bavaro Beach Resort complex that also includes the adjacent, family-friendly Barcelo Bavaro Palace Deluxe. Together, the resorts line nearly two miles of white-sand Caribbean beach.
- Barcelo Punta Cana: Barcelo Punta Cana boasts a coveted locale beside a long stretch of pearl-white soft sand on Playa Arena Gorda where families can play both day and night. Whitewashed buildings blanketed by red-tiled roofs exude Spanish charm at this resort offering 798 guestrooms with breathtaking views of the tranquil ocean, lush landscape or pool. This all-inclusive resort welcomes guests with plush accommodations, seven restaurants, pizzeria, casino, world-class spa, kid’s club and relaxing pools surrounded by tropical gardens. Barcelo Punta Cana was also named one of top five green resorts by Travel Agent Magazine for superior eco-friendliness.
- Barcelo Puerto Plata: Nestled on the soft sands of Golden Beach, guests can relax at this all-inclusive paradise by lounging at one of three pools surrounded by magnificent ocean views. Golden Beach provides an unmatched setting for activities like beach volleyball, diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, kayaking or just relaxing on the beach. This resort is particularly popular among golf lovers because it intertwines with the 18-hole Robert Trent Jones designed course. Vacationers can dine at eight delicious restaurants, grab a drink at five different bars, or dance the night away at the nightclub.