Purple Flag Award

Torquay, is famous for being the 'Jewel in the crown' of the English Riviera and is among the cleanest beaches in England. This year Torbay received more Blue Flag awards for water quality and cleanliness than anywhere else in the UK. Torquay is also a vibrant and forward thinking resort attracting visitors of all interests, from Art and Culture aficionados to marine enthusiasts. Its famous seven hills provide the backdrop to a waterfront scene that matches anything you'll find on the French Riviera.

Tourism is one of the principal industries in Torbay. Across the Bay area it attracts 1.3 million staying visitors and a huge 2 million day trippers per year. Torquay has always been the main resort on the English Riviera and continues to be so it’s been the UK's top holiday destinations since Victorian Times. This era has left a fascinating and valuable architectural heritage which is protected at the same time as moving the resort forward as a modern destination of a cosmopolitan town with many contemporary attractions. It's a resort in the truest sense of the word, attracting visitors of all ages and interests throughout the year.

The Assessors and Panel were impressed with a host of strengths, including:

•Street Pastors were highly visible and were a very dedicated group who obviously take great pride and care in their role. The purpose made vehicle is well equipped and patrons of the area actively speak to and engage with the volunteers.
•The partnership have actively promoted Purple Flag and it is clear that throughout the partnership, businesses and police there is an immense amount of pride and drive into making Torbay more attractive to visitors.
•Torquay has many distinctive features and the illumination of the Rock Walk and the views of the marina added to the appeal.
•There is a considerable range of restaurants, fast food outlets and take away premises in Torquay. These ranged from up-market eating establishments to cheaper multinational outlets. The variety catered for all age ranges, families and budgets.
"This award shows the strides that have been made in Torquay in becoming safer, cleaner and more pleasant place to be after dark, by tackling antisocial behaviour and improving choice for visitors. I am confident that the businesses operating within Torquay’s nighttime economy will maximise opportunities that this accreditation brings to the town centre."
Ian Broadfoot, Chief Executive, Torbay Town Centres Company Ltd