Gujarat’s Dhordo Village Among UNWTO’s Best Tourism Villages; Hosts G20 Working Group Meeting
Dhordo village in Gujarat has been recognized as one of the 54 best tourism villages by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). This prestigious accolade acknowledges villages that actively nurture rural areas, preserve landscapes, cultural diversity, local values, and culinary traditions. Dhordo, situated near Kutch, is renowned for its ‘Rann Utsav,’ where visitors can marvel at the ‘white desert’ of the region.
The UNWTO’s Best Tourism Villages initiative, launched in 2021, is part of the Tourism for Rural Development Programme, aimed at promoting development and inclusion in rural areas through sustainable tourism practices. In its third edition, 54 villages from various regions were selected from nearly 260 applications. Additionally, 20 villages joined the Upgrade Programme, and all 74 villages are now part of the UNWTO Best Tourism Villages Network. The announcement was made during the UNWTO General Assembly held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili emphasized the positive impact of tourism on inclusivity, community empowerment, and regional development. Apart from Dhordo, villages like Barrancas in Chile, Biei in Japan, Cantavieja in Spain, and Dahshour in Egypt were also recognized. The villages undergo evaluation in key areas such as cultural and natural resources, conservation efforts, economic and environmental sustainability, and tourism development. The Upgrade Programme aids villages in meeting recognition criteria and addressing gaps identified during evaluations.
The call for submissions for the fourth edition will open in the early months of 2024, providing rural destinations with an opportunity to showcase their unique offerings on the global stage.
