What is it?
UNI 11911 , "Beach establishments – Requirements and recommendations for carrying out the activity – Qualification elements", is the Italian standard that establishes the requirements for the qualification of the services, facilities and organisation of beach establishments .UNI 11911 meets the needs of the Italian regulatory framework, which is often inconsistent due to differing regional and municipal jurisdictions, offering a coherent basis for qualifying activities and optimizing plant organization.
It applies to bathing facilities located on public sea, lake, and river property, and can also be extended to other facilities where bathing is permitted, provided they comply with the relevant sector regulations.
However, it does not apply to swimming facilities intended solely for competitive activities.
Key points
- Structure in macro areas : the regulation is based on three macro areas, including the organization of reception services, safety for bathers, hygiene and health aspects, parking and the provision of food.
- Point-based qualification system : beach resorts must qualify by complying with the requirements through a star system, similar to other accommodation facilities such as hotels.
- Safety : the standard defines requirements for rescue, first aid and surveillance on the beach.
- Accessibility : includes the adaptation of facilities (walkways, restrooms, umbrellas) to ensure full usability for people with disabilities or reduced mobility.
- Sustainability : provides guidelines for the removal of architectural barriers and for the responsible and sustainable management of land resources.
- Checklist of 83 requirements: useful for self-assessments, internal audits, and for defining an improvement or adjustment plan.
- Certification : qualification must be obtained through an accredited third-party Certification Body, and can be obtained individually or integrated with ISO 13009 (management system for beach resorts).
Advantages
- Competitiveness in tenders : the regulation can offer a competitive advantage over competitors interested in participating in tenders for the assignment of beach concessions, given that certified companies rank first in tenders and concessions.
- Improving service quality : operators are supported in adopting behaviors and methods aimed at improving service quality, including beach safety.
- Sustainable management : Promotes sustainable management of places through sustainable infrastructure, as well as increased attention to cleanliness and waste management.
- Tourism sustainability : it fits into a context in which sustainable tourism has become much more than a simple trend, intercepting the new sensibilities of travellers.