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Gujarat’s Dhordo Village Claims Global Fame as UNWTO Names it Among the Best Tourism Villages
Gujarat’s Village Garners International Recognition as a Top Tourism Destination
A picturesque village in Gujarat has earned global acclaim after being named one of the best tourism villages by a United Nations specialized agency. The accolade affirms the village’s immense potential as a premier tourism hub drawing visitors from around the world.
Overview
| Sections | Details |
|---|---|
| UNWTO’s Best Tourism Villages Initiative |
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| Dhordo Village |
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| Selection Process |
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| Significance of Award |
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UN Agency’s Initiative Spotlights Sustainable Rural Tourism
The village was recognized by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), a UN agency mandated to promote sustainable and universal tourism across the globe. Through its Best Tourism Villages initiative launched in 2021, the UNWTO identifies rural destinations that are leading the way in areas like environmental conservation, preservation of cultural heritage and local values, and inclusive community growth.
The initiative is part of the UNWTO’s larger Tourism for Rural Development programme. By spotlighting villages that have successfully leveraged tourism for holistic progress, the project aims to promote sustainable models of rural tourism worldwide. It also intends to enhance the visibility of rural destinations and support their tourism potential.
UNWTO Overview:
| UNWTO | |
|---|---|
| Full Form | United Nations World Tourism Organization |
| Formation | 1946 |
| Headquarters | Madrid, Spain |
| Membership | 159 countries |
| Key Functions | Global tourism policy forum, promotes sustainable tourism, implements Global Code of Ethics for Tourism |
| Governing Bodies | General Assembly, Executive Council |
| General Assembly | Meets every 2 years, composed of full and associate members |
| Executive Council | 35 members, meets at least twice a year |
| Official Languages | Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, Spanish |
Gujarat Village Bags Coveted UNWTO Award
A village tucked in the heartlands of Gujarat recently earned a coveted spot on the UNWTO’s list of the top 54 Best Tourism Villages for 2023. Its selection demonstrates the village’s stellar record in nurturing its natural and cultural heritage while boosting community welfare through tourism.
The village has steadily transformed into a rising tourism hotspot, as affirmed by its hosting of a high-profile G20 meet on tourism earlier this year. The gathering of global leaders amidst the village’s idyllic settings spotlighted its expanding prominence as a tourism destination.
Milestone for Village’s Tourism Journey
The UNWTO recognition represents a significant milestone in the village’s journey to become a world-class tourism site. Home to rich architectural heritage and vibrant local crafts, the village is renowned for its unique cultural fabric sustained over centuries. Its vast stretches of lush wetlands and striking landscapes also make it a visual delight.
The award celebrates the village’s success in leveraging these assets for sustainable tourism while retaining its essence and local ethos. It further validates the village’s endeavours to boost prosperity and well-being through tourism. Local leaders expressed delight at the village earning global acknowledgement for blending economic growth and heritage conservation.
Rigorous UNWTO Selection Process
The village was selected by the UNWTO from nearly 260 applications across the world. An extensive evaluation framework assessed applicants across nine key parameters essential for sustainable rural tourism. This framework gauged villages on strengths like natural and cultural preservation, community participation, environmental practices and tourism infrastructure.
The village successfully fulfilled the stringent criteria. Its rich heritage and ecology, community-centered tourism model and promotion of local skills and culture proved instrumental in securing the UNWTO recognition. The award also acknowledges the inclusive tourism practices adopted by the village.
Among an Elite Group of Global Villages
Through the award, the Gujarat village has joined an elite network of rural destinations honored for sustainable tourism. Other winners include villages from Chile, Egypt, Lebanon, Portugal, Korea, Spain and Japan. The diverse awardees demonstrate the widespread global emphasis on tourism as a means for rural advancement.
As one of the few Asian villages bagging the UNWTO award this year, the Gujarat village has also emerged as a leading example from the region. Its success underlines the opportunities for Indian villages to harness tourism for sustainable growth while preserving heritage.
Boost to Wider Efforts to Develop Rural Tourism
Experts observe that the UNWTO recognition for the Gujarat village will encourage holistic rural tourism initiatives in India. It underscores the need for villages to balance economic expansion with ecological conservation and community welfare for successful tourism.
The award also sets a positive precedent for other Indian villages to actively leverage their cultural and natural bounty for tourism in a sustainable manner. It is a shot in the arm for India’s wider efforts to promote rural tourism as a means of economic prosperity and heritage preservation across its villages.
