These villages embrace tourism while preserving their environment

The Austrian village of Zell am See features in the UNWTO’s list of places that make the most of tourism while preserving their natural and cultural resources. (Unsplash pic)

PARIS:

Given that vacation choices can have a significant impact on the environment, the United Nations’ World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) recently published a list of villages that are developing tourism activities while preserving their natural and cultural resources, offering travellers some handy pointers as to where to visit in 2023.

Sustainable travel has been a subject of discussion for several years, and some travellers are now looking to choose hotels, destinations, and things to do that are more in line with their ecological convictions. And while it’s not always easy to get started, the UNWTO’s list of Best Tourism Villages can provide some guidance.

The list is not about celebrating destinations for their touristic appeal or popularity, but about highlighting places in the world that have learnt how to benefit from tourism revenue while developing environmentally friendly offerings.

Launched last year, this initiative promoting rural tourism took the form of a call for applications, following which 32 villages in 18 countries were recognised for their ability to preserve their cultural heritage and local populations.

“For rural communities everywhere, tourism can be a true game changer in providing jobs, supporting local businesses and keeping traditions alive,” UNWTO secretary-general Zurab Pololikashvili explained.

“The Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO showcase the power of the sector to drive economic diversification and create opportunities for all, outside of big cities.”

Notably, the United States is absent from the list, and Asia’s presence is also minimal. The selected villages largely offer an alternative view of Europe crisscrossing Austria, Switzerland, Italy and Spain, before heading further afield to South America and Morocco.

Thái Hải village is located in Vietnam, the only Southeast Asian country on the list. (Wikipedia pic)

Here is UNWTO’s list of Best Tourism Villages to visit this year:

Zell am See, Austria
Wagrain, Austria
Puqueldón, Chile
Dazhai, China
Jingzhu, China
Choachí, Colombia
Aguarico, Ecuador
Angochagua, Ecuador
Choke Mountains Ecovillage, Ethiopia
Mestia, Georgia
Kfar Kama, Israel
Sauris-Zahre, Italy
Isola del Giglio, Italy
Umm Qais, Jordan
Creel, Mexico
El Fuerte, Mexico
Ksar Elkhorbat, Morocco
Moulay Bouzerktoune, Morocco
Lamas, Peru
Raqchi, Peru
Castelo Novo, Portugal
Pyeongsa-ri, Republic of Korea
Rasinari, Romania
AlUla Old Town, Saudi Arabia
Bohinj, Slovenia
Rupit, Spain
Alquézar, Spain
Guadalupe, Spain
Murten, Switzerland
Andermatt, Switzerland
Birgi, Turkey
Thái Hải, Vietnam

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These villages embrace tourism while preserving their environment

These 32 tourist destinations have been recognised by the UN for their commitment to safeguarding their natural and cultural resources.