CROATIAN COASTAL DESTINATIONS AWAIT BLUE FLAG AWARD

( Editorial: --> 2904 ) SPLIT, Aug 10 (Hina) - A member of the judging panel for the European Blue Flag Campaign - an award given to beaches and marinas with good environmental management - says she is impressed with her first visit to Croatia, and the country's Adriatic coastline had her enraptured. Alice Vavouris, who is also a member of the Foundation for Environmental Education in Europe's (FEEE) executive committee, told a press conference in Split on Monday about the impressions of her trip to analyse candidates for the Blue Flag award. My impression after touring the Croatian coast is that it is extraordinary, she said. Vavouris said Croatia received its first Blue Flag this year, when it was awarded to the Punat marina on the northern Adriatic island of Krk. Current Croatian candidates for the award are the beach in Baska on Krk, the beach in Crikvenica (northern Adriatic), the beach in Brela and the ACY marina in Split (both on the central Adriatic). Vavouris said these tourist destinations had already received certificates, which was the first step in receiving the Blue Flag. Croatia was admitted to the FEEE as an associate member last year, and this project includes 21 European countries. Merica Pletikosic, a member of the Croatian National Commission for the Blue Flag, said it was expected Croatia would have at least five Blue Flag awards next year. Blue Flags are exceptionally important for tourism promotion because they are entered into advertising material, as well as in the industry publications of international tourism organisations. When asked by reporters whether Croatia would have five Blue Flags by next year, Vavouris replied with a "we will see". (Hina) mbr /rml 102034 MET aug 98