Tourist Hotspots UNWTO: The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has unveiled its list of the best tourism villages for 2023, highlighting 55 destinations committed to sustainable tourism and community values. This marks an increase from 32 villages recognized in the previous year, emphasizing the global effort to preserve cultural and natural assets while fostering innovation and sustainability.
Best in Asia:
- Dongbaek, South Korea: Nestled on Jeju Island, known for its camellia flowers, Dongbaek promotes a cooperative where locals sell camellia seeds, nurturing the island’s unique flora.
- Shirakawa, Japan: Situated in Gifu prefecture, this village captivates visitors in winter with snow-covered, thatched roofs, creating a picturesque scene.
- Xiajiang, China: Located in Zhejiang province, Xiajiang preserves traditions like tea-making and Chinese opera, enriching visitors’ experiences.
- Dhordo, India: Overcoming damage from a 2001 earthquake, Dhordo in the Rann of Kutch salt desert has rebuilt and grown with a thoughtful tourism strategy.
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Highlights in Europe:
- Sigüenza, Spain: A popular weekend retreat from Madrid, Sigüenza boasts a 12th-century cathedral and easy access to Barranco del Río Dulce Natural Park.
- Slunj, Croatia: Recognized for preserving local traditions, Slunj integrates eco-friendly walking trails, contributing to sustainable tourism.
- Ordino, Andorra: Despite being less known, Ordino stands out for its agricultural history and hosts two UNESCO-listed festivals, Les Falles and the Feast of Sant Pere.
South American Stars:
- Yanque, Peru: Serving as the gateway to the lesser-visited Uyo Uyo ruins and Colca Canyon hot springs, Yanque combats overtourism.
- Chacas, Peru: Gateway to Huascaran National Park, Chacas is part of a UNESCO-recognized Biosphere Reserve.
- Caleta Tortel, Chile: A village with only 523 residents, Caleta Tortel features structures made of local cypress wood.
- La Carolina, Argentina: Once home to a famous gold rush, La Carolina showcases a unique historical legacy.
The full list of recognized villages spans diverse regions, emphasizing the importance of preserving local cultures and landscapes in the face of tourism challenges.
Our Reader’s Queries
What are the tourist regions of the UNWTO?
UNWTO is comprised of six regional commissions, each representing a different part of the world. These commissions include Africa, the Americas, East Asia and the Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, and South Asia. Each commission plays a vital role in promoting tourism and sustainable development within their respective regions. By working together, UNWTO and its regional commissions strive to create a more inclusive and responsible tourism industry worldwide.
How does UNWTO define a tourist?
Tourism, according to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), refers to individuals who travel to and reside in locations outside of their typical surroundings for leisure, business, or other reasons. For travel to be considered tourism under this definition, it must exceed 24 hours but not surpass one year. By this definition, tourism is a form of travel that involves an extended stay in a new environment.
Which is the best tourism village in the WTO?
The United Nations World Tourism Organization has released a fresh list of the world’s top tourism villages for 2023. This list showcases rural communities from around the world that are utilizing tourism to their advantage. Among the top villages are Hakuba in Japan, Lerici in Italy, Lephis in Ethiopia, Douma in Lebanon, and Zapatoca in Colombia. These villages are setting an example for others by demonstrating how tourism can be a positive force for economic growth and community development.
What is the tourism trend in the UNWTO?
According to the UNWTO Barometer, international tourist arrivals have made a strong comeback, reaching 84% of pre-pandemic levels by the end of July. The numbers are impressive, with 700 million tourists travelling internationally between January and July 2023, a 43% increase compared to the same period in 2022. This is a positive sign for the tourism industry, indicating that people are eager to explore the world once again.