In its 2023 edition, the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has unveiled its prestigious list of the 54 Best Tourism Villages for the year. These accolades are a testament to the dedication of villages worldwide in nurturing their rural landscapes, preserving cultural diversity, upholding local values, and safeguarding culinary traditions. Among these exceptional destinations, Dhordo in India shines as a true gem.
The Global Recognition for Dhordo
This year, UNWTO received nearly 260 applications from villages across the globe. From these, 54 outstanding villages were selected in the third edition of this recognition. Additionally, another 20 villages joined the Upgrade Programme. Now, a total of 74 villages have become part of the UNWTO Best Tourism Villages Network. The official announcement of these honorees took place during the UNWTO General Assembly, hosted in the historic city of Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
UNWTO Secretary-General, Zurab Pololikashvili, emphasized the importance of distributing benefits across regions. He stated, “This initiative acknowledges villages that have harnessed tourism as a catalyst for their development and well-being.”
A Global Network of Local Communities
Launched in 2021, the Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO initiative is a vital component of the UNWTO Tourism for Rural Development Programme. This program’s core mission is to foster development and inclusion in rural areas, combat depopulation, advance innovation, integrate value chains through tourism, and promote sustainable practices.
In the selection process, villages are evaluated under nine key areas:
- Cultural and Natural Resources
- Promotion and Conservation of Cultural Resources
- Economic Sustainability
- Social Sustainability
- Environmental Sustainability
- Tourism Development and Value Chain Integration
- Governance and Prioritization of Tourism
- Infrastructure and Connectivity
- Health, Safety, and Security
The Initiative’s Pillars
The Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO initiative comprises three pillars:
1. Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO: This recognizes outstanding rural tourism destinations that possess accredited cultural and natural assets. These villages are committed to preserving community-based values and are dedicated to innovation and sustainability across economic, social, and environmental dimensions.
2. Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO Upgrade Programme: This program supports villages on their journey to meet the recognition criteria. It offers assistance in areas identified as gaps during the evaluation process.
3. The Best Tourism Villages Network: This serves as a platform for exchanging experiences and best practices, fostering learning, and creating opportunities for members. It welcomes contributions from experts, and public and private sector partners engaged in promoting tourism as a driver for rural development.
The Network grows each year and aspires to become the largest global rural network. With the inclusion of these 74 new members, a total of 190 villages now belong to this unique Network.
Best Tourism Villages 2023
The list of Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO for 2023 is as follows (in alphabetical order):
- Al Sela, Jordan
- Barrancas, Chile
- Biei, Japan
- Caleta Tortel, Chile
- Cantavieja, Spain
- Chacas, Peru
- Chavín de Huantar, Peru
- Dahshour, Egypt
- Dhordo, India
- Dongbaek, Republic of Korea
- Douma, Lebanon
- Ericeira, Portugal
- Filandia, Colombia
- Hakuba, Japan
- Higueras, Mexico
- Huangling, China
- Jalpa de Cánovas, Mexico
- Kandovan, Iran
- La Carolina, Argentina
- Lephis Village, Ethiopia
- Lerici, Italy
- Manteigas, Portugal
- Morcote, Switzerland
- Mosan, Republic of Korea
- Oku-Matsushima, Japan
- Omitlán de Juárez, Mexico
- Oñati, Spain
- Ordino, Andorra
- Oyacachi, Ecuador
- Paucartambo, Peru
- Penglipuran, Indonesia
- Pisco Elqui, Chile
- Pozuzo, Peru
- Saint-Ursanne, Switzerland
- Saty, Kazakhstan
- Schladming, Austria
- Sehwa, Republic of Korea
- Sentob, Uzbekistan
- Shirakawa, Japan
- Sigüenza, Spain
- Şirince, Türkiye
- Siwa, Egypt
- Slunj, Croatia
- Sortelha, Portugal
- St. Anton am Arlberg, Austria
- Tân Hoá, Viet Nam
- Taquile, Peru
- Tokaj, Hungary
- Văleni, Moldova
- Vila da Madalena, Portugal
- Xiajiang, China
- Zapatoca, Colombia
- Zhagana, China
- Zhujiawan, China
The Upgrade Programme Participants
The villages selected to participate in the Upgrade Programme for this year are:
- Asuka, Japan
- Baños de Montemayor, Spain
- Bilebante, Indonesia
- Ciocănești, Romania
- Civita di Bagnoregio, Italy
- El Cisne, Ecuador
- Iza, Colombia
- Kale Üçağız, Türkiye
- Kemaliye, Türkiye
- Kfar Masaryk, Israel
- Madla, India
- Ounagha, Morocco
- Pela, Indonesia
- Puerto Octay, Chile
- Sabbioneta, Italy
- Saint Catherine, Egypt
- Sarhua, Peru
- Taro, Indonesia
- Vila de Frades, Portugal
- Yanque, Peru
The call for submissions for the fourth edition will take place in the first months of 2024, providing a fresh opportunity for rural destinations to showcase their excellence on the global stage.
Feature Image by: Meenakshi Gupta @tanhadil
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