The quintessential village of Dhordo in Gujarat has garnered international recognition after it secured a place on the list of the 54 best tourism villages announced by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), recently. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his delight at the recognition of Dhordo as the "best tourism village". He lauded the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of the village and emphasised its potentials to attract visitors from around the world. Union Home Minister Amit Shah celebrated the achievement, acknowledging the PM efforts to transform the area into a world-class tourism site.
Dhordo recently hosted the inaugural Tourism Working Group Meeting of the G20, during India's presidency of the influential group. The UNWTO's Best Tourism Villages 2023 accolade is a tribute to villages leading the way in nurturing rural regions, preserving landscapes, upholding cultural diversity, safeguarding local values, and celebrating culinary traditions.
Launched in 2021, the Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO initiative is a vital component of the UNWTO's Tourism for Rural Development programme to promote sustainable tourism practices. In its third edition, the UNWTO's initiative selected 54 villages from diverse regions out of nearly 260 applications.
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The announcement was made during the UNWTO General Assembly held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, from October 16 to 20. The initiative recognises villages that have harnessed tourism as a catalyst for their development and well-being. Apart from Dhordo, other villages that achieved recognition include Barrancas in Chile, Biei in Japan, Cantavieja in Spain, Dahshour in Egypt, Dongbaek in the Republic of Korea, Douma in Lebanon, Ericeira in Portugal, and Filandia in Colombia, as per the statement. Furthermore, villages newly participating in the Upgrade Program this year include Asuka in Japan, Baos de Montemayor in Spain, Bilebante in Indonesia, Civita di Bagnoregio in Italy, El Cisne in Ecuador, and Iza in Colombia, among others.
The villages are evaluated across nine key areas, including cultural and natural resources, the promotion and conservation of cultural resources, economic, social, and environmental sustainability, and tourism development.
The Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO recognises exceptional rural tourism destinations that boast accredited cultural and natural assets, a strong commitment to preserving community-based values, and a clear dedication to innovation and sustainability across economic, social, and environmental dimensions.
(Edited by : Jerome Anthony)
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