UNWTO published the 'Best Tourism Villages List for 2023': Dhordo from Gujarat awarded in this category

The Best Tourism Villages list for 2023 was released by the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO).

The world organisation stated in a statement posted on its official website that the award celebrates villages that are setting the standard for fostering rural areas and maintaining landscapes, cultural diversity, local values, and culinary traditions. This list of the top 54 tourist villages included the Indian town of Dhordo.

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Inaugural meeting of G20 Tourism working group held in Dhordo

Gujarat's Dhordo served as the venue for the inaugural G20 Tourism Working Group Meeting, which was held while India held the organization's presidency. According to the Madrid-based company, 54 villages from all around the world were chosen for this third edition from nearly 260 applications.

Tourism for Rural Development Programme

The Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO programme, launched in 2021, is a component of the UNWTO Tourism for Rural Development Programme. The plan promotes innovation and value chain integration through tourism, advances depopulation control, promotes sustainable practises, and fosters growth and inclusion in rural areas, according to a statement.

All 74 villages are now a part of the UNWTO Best Tourism Villages Network after an additional 20 villages joined the Upgrade Programme. Madla Village in India is a participant in the Upgrade Programme.

Program is taking place in Uzbekistan

During the UNWTO General Assembly, which is taking place this week in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, from October 16 to 20, the settlements were given names.

According to a comment from UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili in the release, tourism can be a potent driver for inclusivity, empowering local communities and dispersing benefits across areas.

The aim of this initiative honours villages that have used tourism as a driver of growth and prosperity.

Other towns on the list

Other places in the list with Dhordo include Barrancas in Chile, Biei in Japan, Cantavieja in Spain, Dahshour in Egypt, Dongbaek in the Republic of Korea, Douma in Lebanon, Ericeira in Portugal, and Filandia in Colombia, according to the statement.

This year's Upgrade Programme villages include Asuka in Japan, Baos de Montemayor in Spain, Bilebante in Indonesia, Civita di Bagnoregio in Italy, El Cisne in Ecuador, and Iza in Colombia, among others.

Evaluation using these nine standards

According to the statement, the villages were assessed in accordance with nine main categories, including development of tourism and economic, social, and environmental sustainability, promotion and conservation of cultural resources, and natural and cultural resources.

The Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO programme recognises outstanding rural tourist destinations with acknowledged cultural and natural riches, dedication to upholding traditional values, and a commitment to innovation and sustainability in all aspects of society, according to the organisation.

Best Tourism Villages by the UNWTO Upgrade Programme offers assistance to villages in regions that were found to have gaps during evaluation in order to help them satisfy recognition standards.

The fourth edition's call for entries will go out in the first few months of 2024, providing rural areas with a fresh chance to stand out in the international arena, according to the UNWTO.

PM Modi's great vision resulted into this big achievement

“It is a proud moment for Gujarat to share that Dhordo has been recognized as the Best Tourism Villages 2023 by UNWTO. Today’s Dhordo is carrying forward legacy of making Kutch a prosperous tourism economy by following the vision of Shri Narendra Modi, Hon’ble Prime Minister of India.

Given that economy of Dhordo thrives on tourism, local business, art & craft, travel & tourism throughout the year is growing fasters than any other small villages. Dhordo hosted the G20’s Tourism Working Group Meeting in 2023 which formed a great platform at a global level. With this recognition Dhordo set the outstanding example of a rural tourism destination” says Hon'ble Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel.

Dhordo has already made a distinctive mark on the world's tourism map thanks to its thriving tourism industry, rich culture, art, and heritage, which helped it be named one of the UNWTO's Best Tourism Villages for 2023.

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