The picturesque village of Bkassine in South Lebanon has been recognized by UNWTO and named as one of the Best Tourism Villages in 2021.
Photo – Nadine Chemali
The UNWTO initiative was launched to advance the role of tourism in safeguarding rural villages, along with their landscapes, natural and cultural diversity and their local values and activities, including local gastronomy.
A total of 44 villages from 32 countries across the five world regions made it on the list. All of them stand out for their natural and cultural resources, as well as their innovative and transformative actions and commitment to the development of tourism in line with the sustainable development goals (SDGs).
The villages were evaluated by an independent advisory board based on a set of criteria covering nine areas:
- Cultural and natural resources
- Promotion and conservation of cultural resources
- Economic sustainability
- Social sustainability
- Environmental sustainability
- Tourism potential and development and value chain integration
- Governance and prioritization of tourism
- Infrastructure and connectivity
- Health, safety and security
All of the 44 villages scored a total of 80 or more points or more out of a possible 100.
List of Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO 2021:
- Bekhovo, Russian Federation
- Bkassine, Lebanon
- Bojo, Philippines
- Caspalá, Argentina
- Castelo Rodrigo, Portugal
- Cuetzalan del Progreso, Mexico
- Cumeada, Portugal
- Gruyères, Switzerland
- Batu Puteh , Malaysia
- Kaunertal, Austria
- Le Morne, Mauritius
- Lekunberri, Spain
- Maní, Mexico
- Misfat Al Abriyeen, Oman
- Miyama, Japan
- Mokra Gora, Serbia
- Morella, Spain
- Mustafapaşa, Turkey
- Nglanggeran, Indonesia
- Niseko, Japan
- Nkotsi Village, Rwanda
- Old Grand Port, Mauritius
- Olergesailie, Kenya
- Ollantaytambo, Peru
- Pano Lefkara, Cyprus
- Pica, Chile
- Pochampally, India
- Puerto Williams, Chile
- Radovljica, Slovenia
- Rijal Alma’a, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- Testo Alto, Brazil
- Saas Fee, Switzerland
- San Cosme y Damián, Paraguay
- San Ginesio, Italy
- Sidi Kaouki, Morocco
- Solčava, Slovenia
- Soufli, Greece
- Taraklı, Turkey
- The Purple Island, Republic of Korea
- Ungok Village, Republic of Korea
- Valposchiavo, Switzerland
- Wonchi, Ethiopia
- Xidi, China
- Yucun, China
The next edition will take place in February 2022.
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