La Cruz de Huanaxaxtle, Mexico - As a Destination, the Riviera Nayarit always seeks to be on the cutting edge of everything environmental. The most recent proof can be found in La Cruz de Huanaxaxtle's Marina Riviera Nayarit, which will be the first to fly the Blue Flag in Mexico.

The Blue Flag is a voluntary eco-label awarded to more than 4000 beaches and marinas in 48 countries across Europe, South Africa, Morocco, Tunisia, New Zealand, Brazil, North America and the Caribbean.

"This will be the first Blue Flag marina in all of Mexico, which means the criteria they will form to certify other marinas will be established here. We must ensure that every operation is environmentally friendly," commented Rafael Alcántara, Harbor Master at the Marina Riviera Nayarit.

The Blue Flag International Jury accepted the Marina Riviera Nayarit's nomination and will grant this international award on June 25, 2015 during the XI National Clean Beaches Conference, which will take place in Cancun from June 24-27. The Blue Flag will be valid for one year from July 1, 2015.

"It's clear that today's tourist is looking for environmentally-friendly destinations. This is a vital element to take into consideration; therefore, the Destination's hotels are doing everything in their power to maintain the best environmental quality rankings possible. The sustainable operations at the Marina will, without a doubt, attract more tourism," said Fernando González Ortega, President of the Banderas Bay Hotel and Motel Association.

"We were aware that the possibility of obtaining a second Blue Flag for the Destination was very real, but the fact the Marina obtained this award is an even more positive indicator as it's not only modern but also ecological," stated Marc Murphy, Executive Director of the Riviera Nayarit Convention and Visitors Bureau.

The Blue Flag program is concerned with four main areas: environmental education and information; water quality; environmental management; and safety and service facilities. Thirty-two specific criteria are derived from these areas.

The Marina Riviera Nayarit's personnel — as well as the end users — must follow the program's guidelines closely in order to maintain this recognition, as surprise visits will take place in order to verify the environmental commitment is being met.