Dubai: Villages with rich culture and traditions are being promoted as favourite tourist destinations around the world.
In a development signaling the widespread global interest in rural tourism, the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) has received an unprecedented surge of submissions for the esteemed 2024 edition of Best Tourism Villages.
With over 260 villages hailing from more than 60 nations spanning the five continents, this record-breaking influx surpasses all previous application numbers - and new heights are going to be achieved.
Best Tourism Village
The closure of submissions for the fourth iteration of Best Tourism Villages on May 8th marked a pivotal moment for communities worldwide, eager to spotlight their distinctive cultural and natural heritage, and their potential to utilize tourism as a driver for local development and societal well-being. Emphasizing continuity and the enduring success of the program, the current initiative aims to once again inspire and empower global communities to harness tourism as a catalyst for rural prosperity.
Village nominations
Under the auspices of the UNWTO, Member States were invited to nominate up to eight candidate villages through their respective National Tourism Administrations (NTAs). An external independent Advisory Board will meticulously assess the villages across nine fundamental dimensions, encompassing cultural and natural resources, economic and social sustainability, infrastructure, and safety.
Rural tourism
The anticipated announcement of the Best Tourism Villages and the selected participants for the Upgrade Programme is scheduled for the final quarter of the year, eagerly awaited by participants and stakeholders alike. Since the program's inception in January, UNWTO's Tourism for Rural Development Programme has facilitated a series of informative online sessions in multiple languages, garnering robust participation from 117 individuals. This robust engagement underscores the pervasive enthusiasm and dedication of UNWTO Member States towards advancing rural tourism.
BTV Network
The BTV Network, comprising 186 global consortium members, continues to broaden its scope and impact. Presently, the network proudly encompasses 129 villages recognized as Best Tourism Villages and 57 actively engaged in the Upgrade Programme, representing 55 nations. This collaborative platform serves as a beacon of shared experiences, knowledge exchange, and partnership building, catalyzing rural development endeavors worldwide through the transformative influence of tourism.