This year the Fee (Environmental education foundation) has awarded 96 Blue Flags to as many Italian bathing resorts, 6 more than last year. Even the number of harbours deserving merit has risen from 52 to 54. Thanks to these achievements, Italy is in the top ten in the Mediterranean basin. Tuscany has been awarded the biggest number of flags with 15 villages. It is followed by Liguria (13), Marche and Abruzzo (12), recommended for their high quality sea, clean beaches, tourist facilities and services provided. The increase in the number of blue flags has shown an encouraging rising care with environmental matters and sustainable tourism, basic requirements to turn Italy into a competitive tourist destination.