The initiative, which was launched in 2021 and establishes
itself as the world’s leading network focused on tourism for rural development,
also promotes transformative approaches to the development of tourism in rural
destinations that contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Following from the success of pilot project in 2021, UNWTO
has announced the return of Best Tourism Villages for 2022. In 2021, over 40
villages from more than 30 countries across the five world regions from over
170 applications were recognised as Best Tourism Villages and a further 20
villages were selected to participate in the Upgrade Programme.
Now, UNWTO Members States are invited once again to present
candidacies through their National Tourism Administrations (NTAs). Applications
will be open until June 28, 2022, and the chosen villages will be announced at
the end of the year.
The ‘Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO’ recognises outstanding
examples of rural tourism destinations with recognised cultural and natural
assets, that preserve and promote rural and community-based values, products
and lifestyle and have a clear committed to innovation and sustainability in
all its aspects – economic, social and environmental. The recognition is based
on an evaluation of their resources and initiatives in nine areas covering the
three pillars of sustainable development.
The ‘Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO Upgrade Programme
assists a select number of villages among those that do not fully meet the
criteria to obtain the recognition. The villages receive support from UNWTO and
Partners in improving elements of the areas identified as gaps in the
evaluation process.
The Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO Network provides a space
for exchanging experiences and good practices. It includes representatives of
the villages recognised as ‘Best Tourism Village by UNWTO’ as well as those
participating in the Upgrade Programme and it will benefit from the
contributions of experts, public and private sector partners engaged in the
promotion of tourism for rural development. The Network also contributes to the
work of UNWTO in identifying good practices, developing guidelines and policy
recommendations as well as insights and knowledge.
Applications will be evaluated by an external independent
Advisory Board consisting of experts in the different fields based on the nine
evaluation areas covering natural and cultural resources as well as initiatives
in the three pillars of sustainability – economic, social and environmental.
Announcing the launch of the second edition on the occasion
of its 48th Commission meeting for the Middle East in Cairo, UNWTO
Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “Tourism brings immense
opportunities to communities around the world to build new businesses, promote
and protect their culture. I look forward to seeing examples of villages
working to realize tourism’s unique potential to foster sustainability and
create opportunities for all.”