By Geovanna Robayo Guerra, Ms. In Sustainable Tourism Management The path towards sustainability presents opportunities and challenges for the people in villages undergoing the Upgrade Villages Programme by UN Tourism. This initiative addresses challenges and seizes opportunities to create actions that appeal to tourists who value culture and nature. Within the Upgrade programme, enchanting…
UN Tourism has opened applications for the 2024 edition of its Best Tourism Villages initiative. Over the past three editions, UN Tourism – the new name of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) – received almost 600 applications from nearly 100 countries. Currently, the UN Tourism Best Tourism Villages Network brings together 186 members globally, comprising…
UNWTO has launched the world’s biggest digital hub for communities focused on rural tourism. The ‘TourismConnectsRural’ platform will boost collaboration across the Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO Network, connecting around 200 rural destinations in every global region. Empowering Village Connections TourismConnectsRural is designed to facilitate internal communication, allowing villages to exchange experiences and insights, and…
The UNWTO’s Tourism for Rural Development Programme recently organized a workshop, titled “Reimagine Rural,” at the UN Youth Cafe in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Held at the UNWTO premises, the event brought together over 70 young minds to explore innovative ways of advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through tourism in a Saudi-inspired countryside. During the…
In a concerted effort to disseminate crucial insights, the Tourism Market Intelligence and Competitiveness Department (TMIC) recently organized a Spanish-language webinar to present the findings of the Member States Survey Results report. This illuminating session, with representatives from Peru and Ecuador, marked a continuation of the dialogue initiated earlier in an English-language webinar conducted in…
The Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO Network recently played host to a riveting Masterclass – “Adventure Travel Prospects for Rural! Tips and Tricks!” The virtual gathering unfolded a trove of insights aimed at enriching the experiences and opportunities for rural destinations. Gergana Nikolova took center stage, bringing a wealth of expertise as the Regional Director…
DashourEGYPTDashourEgyptDashourEGYPT DASHOUR EGYPT 2023 Contact Dahshour, Giza, Egypt Dashour village presents a traditional lifestyle where the livelihoods are based on crops and livestock farming. The rich natural and cultural heritage has remained largely hidden; however, the village has many key features which are attracting more and more tourists. Dashour has lush rural landscapes, seasonal marshland…
Mosan REPUBLIC OF KOREAMosan REPUBLIC OF KOREAMosan REPUBLIC OF KOREA MOSAN REPUBLIC OF KOREA 2023 Contact Mosan, Dogok-myeon, Hwasun-gun, Jeollanam-do, South Korea The old village of Mosan, with its history and culture is striving to build a sustainable community. The village’s cultural resources have helped to transform the village into a tourist destination. Mosan village…
Dongbaek REPUBLIC OF KOREADongbaek REPUBLIC OF KOREADongbaek REPUBLIC OF KOREA DONGBAEK REPUBLIC OF KOREA 2023 Contact Dongbaek, South of Jeju island, South Korea The Dongbaek Town Preservation and Research Council is incorporated to play an essential part in village businesses. It is not a farming association, but a non-profit that returns all profits to the…
BieiJAPANBieiJAPANBieiJAPAN BIEI JAPAN 2023 Contact Biei, Kamikawa Subprefecture, Hokkaido, Japan biei-hokkaido Nestled in the heart of Hokkaido, Japan, the charming village of Biei remains a well-kept secret, celebrated for its enchanting landscapes that beckon to photography enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. As a proud member of the Union of the Most Beautiful Villages in…