UNWTO Best Tourism Villages 

24 Oct 2023 UNWTO Best Tourism Villages 

This article covers “Daily Current Affairs”, and the topic details “UNWTO Best Tourism Villages”. This topic has relevance in the “Current Events” section of the UPSC CSE exam.

For Prelims:

Which are Best Tourism Villages 2023?

What is the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)?

Why in the news?

Dhordo, a village located in Gujarat, has gained global acclaim by earning a spot in the roster of the top 54 tourism villages recognised by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

Best Tourism Villages

• The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) introduced this initiative as a component of its broader Tourism for Rural Development Programme. 
• The program’s primary mission is to promote development and inclusivity in rural regions, address depopulation challenges, promote innovation and the integration of value chains through tourism, and advocate for sustainable practices. 
• The recognition bestowed by this accolade is reserved for villages at the forefront of revitalising rural areas, safeguarding landscapes, preserving cultural diversity, upholding local values, and nurturing culinary traditions.
• UNWTO assesses the villages based on nine fundamental criteria, encompassing aspects such as 
  1. Cultural and Natural Resources
  2. Promotion and Conservation of Cultural Resources,
  3. Economic Sustainability,
  4. Social Sustainability,
  5. Environmental Sustainability,
  6. Tourism Development and Value Chain Integration,
  7. Governance and Prioritization of Tourism,
  8. Infrastructure and Connectivity,
  9. Health, Safety, and Security
• These criteria collectively guarantee that the recognised villages are picturesque destinations and places where the local culture and environment are safeguarded and where tourism contributes to the well-being of the entire community.

United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)

• The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is a specialised agency of the United Nations headquartered in Madrid, Spain. 
• Mission: To promote responsible, sustainable, and globally accessible tourism.
• UNWTO is an international platform where governments, tourism entities, and stakeholders convene to discuss and coordinate tourism-related policies and initiatives. 
• It is the primary international body dedicated to advancing tourism as a catalyst for economic growth, inclusive development, and environmental sustainability.

• The organisation’s key priorities include:

• • Integrating tourism into the global agenda
  • Advocating for sustainable tourism development
  • Nurturing knowledge, education, and capacity building
  • Enhancing competitiveness within the tourism sector
  • Amplifying tourism’s role in reducing poverty and fostering development
  • Establishing partnerships
• UNWTO comprises 159 Member States, 6 Associate Members, 2 Observers, and more than 500 Affiliate Members. 
• The General Assembly serves as the highest authority within the organisation.
• The Executive Council oversees the execution of decisions and recommendations made by the General Assembly.

• Publications

• • UNWTO Annual Report
  • UNWTO World Tourism Barometer
  • Knowledge Network Issues Paper Series
  • Visa Openness Report

Sources: As Gujarat’s Dhordo village gets UNWTO recognition, PM Modi says it showcases India’s tourism potential – The Hindu 

Q1. With reference to Best Tourism Villages, consider the following statements: 

1.  Best Tourism Villages are recognised by the UN World Tourism Organization.
2. Dhordo, which is a village located in Rajasthan, has been awarded the Best Tourism Village in India. 

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2  

(d) None 

Answer: (a) 

Q2. Consider the following with reference to the UN World Tourism Organization.

1. The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is a principal organ of the United Nations.
2. It is headquartered in Madrid, Spain.
3. It publishes the World Tourism Barometer and Visa Openness Report.

How many of the abovementioned statements are correct?

(a) Only one 

(b) Only two 

(c) All three 

(d) None

Answer: (b)

Gaurav N