Ashraf AboArafe
The United Nations World Tourism Organization celebrates the best tourist villages in the world for the year 2022, during a ceremony it organizes in Al-Ula Governorate on March 12 and 13.
The “Best Tourist Villages” initiative falls within the framework of the Tourism for Rural Development Program according to the World Tourism Organization, which has issued since 2021 an annual list of destinations that highlight its commitment to sustainability in all its economic, social and environmental aspects.
Hosting the Al-Ula Governorate comes after choosing the “old town” in the governorate among the best tourist villages in the world for the year 2022, where global villages will be honored in the presence of a number of ministers from the winning countries.
The Tourism for Rural Development Program of the World Tourism Organization recognizes the importance of preserving and renovating heritage and tourist villages in the world, given that the program includes strategic objectives such as creating opportunities, generating jobs, and promoting and protecting cultural resources.
The program also seeks to preserve natural and cultural heritage around the world by empowering communities to develop tourism and governance aimed at reducing inequalities between regions, combating population decline and promoting gender equality.
Last December, the World Tourism Organization selected the best tourist villages 2022, and the villages were evaluated by an independent advisory board based on a set of criteria covering nine areas: cultural and natural resources, promotion and preservation of cultural resources, economic sustainability, social sustainability, environmental sustainability, Tourism development and value chain integration, tourism management and prioritization, infrastructure, connectivity, health and safety
The selected villages will receive support from the World Tourism Organization and its partners in improving the elements of the areas identified, and will provide space for the exchange of experiences, good practices, learning and opportunities.
