TourismConnectsRural: UNWTO unveils digital hub for rural tourism growth

Tuesday, January 16, 2024

UNWTO new ‘TourismConnectsRural’ hub links 200+ rural destinations, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing in the Best Tourism Villages Network.

The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has recently unveiled an extensive online platform dedicated to enhancing rural tourism communities worldwide. Named ‘TourismConnectsRural,’ this digital hub aims to foster greater cooperation among villages within the Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO Network, linking nearly 200 rural locales across various global regions.

Strengthening Rural Networks through Tourism

‘TourismConnectsRural’ is crafted to streamline communication within its network, enabling villages to exchange insights and experiences. Participants can also partake in specialized masterclasses aimed at expanding tourism as a key element in rural development. The platform’s main features include:

• Collaborative Learning: Villages can exchange distinctive experiences, insights, and successful strategies, or collaborate on specific subjects, thus forming a dynamic knowledge-sharing ecosystem.
• Educational Masterclasses: A vast array of masterclasses is available, assisting villages in honing their skills and adopting sustainable tourism practices.
• Live Interaction: The platform supports instant communication, allowing villagers to partake in productive discussions, pose questions, and collaborate seamlessly.
• Events Showcase: Villages have the opportunity to promote their local events and stay updated on notable happenings, encouraging community bonding through information sharing.

Zorista Urosevic, Executive Director at UNWTO, comments: “UNWTO is dedicated to empowering rural communities by establishing a digital arena for dialogue, collaboration, mutual education, and contribution towards sustainable regional development. The Best Tourism Villages Network communities now enjoy unparalleled access to a space where they can interact, exchange, and learn from peers worldwide.”

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