Thursday, December 29, 2022
The annual list of the best tourism villages across the globe was recently revealed by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). The list includes list of 32 best places worldwide for small community tourism.
Three remote Spanish regions have been named as among the best villages in the world for tourists – the most entries for a single country, the Guardian reported. Spain is represented with the medieval Catalan village of Rupit; Alquézar, in the Sierra de Guara mountains in Aragon; and Guadalupe, known for its monastery, in the Extremadura region.
Manuel Butler, director of the Spanish Tourist Office in London, expressed his delight saying, “We are delighted that the UNWTO has placed Spain as the country with the most appearances in its list. We aim to promote community-led tourism across Spain and are thrilled at the international recognition.”
Other countries whose destinations have found a place in the list include Austria, Vietnam, China, Israel and Italy among others. The 32 award-winning villages are in 18 countries in South America, Asia and Africa as well as Europe.
They were evaluated by an independent advisory board on criteria including culture, natural resources and sustainability – be that economic, social or environmental. The criteria for evaluation are those rural destinations that are embracing tourism as a driver of development and new opportunities for jobs and income, while preserving and promoting community values.
The UNWTO Best Tourism Villages list showcases the power of the sector to drive economic diversification and create opportunities for all outside big cities.
For the 2022 awards, a total of 136 villages were put forward for consideration by 57 UNWTO member states (each could nominate up to three villages). The awards ceremony will take place in Al’Ula, Saudi Arabia, in February.
Monday, September 25, 2023
