Benefits of the ISO 13009 beach quality standard
Among the benefits associated with a Q certificate under the ISO 13009 standard for quality beach management, we highlight the following:
- It boosts economic activity. A high-quality beach service creates a positive experience for beach users, which in turn fosters customer loyalty. Quality management helps to drive economic growth in the destination.
- It enhances the tourist experience and user satisfaction. A positive experience enhances the destination’s reputation and increases visitor spending, thereby helping to improve the local economic and social fabric.
- Consistency and credibility in beach management. This involves managing the beach using quality indicators or KPIs that facilitate monitoring and evaluation. It entails minimising the risk of pollution, meeting users’ expectations and improving health and safety on the beach.
- Continuous improvement of beach management. ISO 13009 provides tools for the local council to ensure compliance with applicable legislation. This involves improving the quality of services and leisure activities on the beach.
- Environmental protection and social commitment regarding the beach, and a commitment to sustainability and sustainable development by providing information on environmental management at certified beaches.
ISO 13009 requirements for beach quality
The requirements of ISO 13009 are designed to assist in decision-making regarding beach management, with a view to adopting a more practice-based approach and ensuring continuous quality improvement.
The ISO 13009 standard on beach quality is based on the management of risks and hazards on the beach, identifying control measures to help reduce the probability, frequency or impact of such events.
Key requirements of the ISO 13009 standard on beach quality include:
- General requirements and guidance for beach management: Linking beach operations with risk management, ownership and legislation, planning (Beach Management Programme), communication with stakeholders, beach promotion, a set of indicators, as well as customer satisfaction and the collection of feedback.
- Infrastructure: Responsibilities and regulations, permanent and temporary infrastructure and facilities, as well as beach access.
- Service provision: Information services (signage, accessibility and zoning) and beach safety. Beach cleaning and waste removal, as well as commercial services. The ISO 13009 standard on beach quality is the benchmark used to obtain the Q mark for tourism quality. It can be integrated with other standards relating to environmental management, quality management or social responsibility.
ISO 13009 beach quality consultancy
ISO 13009 Q Quality Mark certification for beaches
ISO 13009 Q-mark certification for beach quality. We know how to achieve the ICE Q-mark in a way that is fully integrated with other standards such as EMAS and ISO 14001 for environmental management, ISO 9001 for quality, Responsible Biosphere Tourism and the Blue Flag. We use our Gesttic methodology to facilitate the implementation of a practical and flexible management system.