Tourism Highlighted as Driver of Structural Transformation at Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries

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Tourism was in the spotlight as a powerful lever for structural transformation at the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC3). Hosted by UN Tourism, the side event “Tourism: Driving Economic Diversification and Inclusion in LLDCs,” brought together government leaders, UN agencies, and bilateral development actors, to explore how sustainable and rural tourism…

How Community Tourism Can Support Rural Development

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Tourism is a multi-trillion-dollar industry, but many communities—especially those in rural areas—are often left out of its benefits. At Planeterra, we’re working to change that. As the leading non-profit organization using tourism to uplift communities, we’ve seen firsthand how community tourism can be a powerful driver of sustainable rural development. When done right, community tourism…

Cultivating Resilient Futures: Rural Tourism and Biodiversity in Saudi Arabia

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As Saudi Arabia continues its transformative journey under Vision 2030, rural tourism has emerged as a powerful catalyst for sustainable development, economic diversification, and cultural preservation. Across the Kingdom, from the Asir highlands to AlUla’s heritage-rich landscapes, rural communities are becoming vibrant destinations, offering authentic experiences deeply rooted in tradition, biodiversity, and local stewardship. Rural…

Indonesia’s Best Tourism Villages 2024 honoured at UN Tourism regional gathering in Jakarta

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Indonesia’s dedication to rural tourism received special attention at the 37th UN Tourism Joint Commission for East Asia and the Pacific (CAP) and South Asia (CSA), held in Jakarta recently. During the event, UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili took the opportunity to felicitate Indonesia’s two recognised villages under the Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism…

Heritage in action: How rural communities are keeping culture alive through tourism

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The inaugural session of Village Talks – Voices from the Ground opened a rich conversation on the evolving relationship between cultural heritage and rural tourism. With powerful examples from our Best Tourism Villages in Japan, Portugal, and Mauritius, the discussion explored how communities are actively preserving traditions while welcoming visitors into their cultural landscapes. The…