Tourexpi
The initiative is one
of the pillars of UNWTO Tourism for Rural Development Programme. Every
year, Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO recognizes destinations which stand
out for their commitment to sustainability in all its aspects - economic,
social and environmental - and the preservation and promotion of
community-based values.
Alongside the
ceremony itself, the First Annual Meeting of the Best Tourism Villages
Network, a platform for sharing of knowledge and experiences, was held. During
the meeting, the villages discussed their challenges and opportunities as well
as their workplan for the coming year.
"It is a great
honour that AlUla is among this year's award recipients. We look forward to
continuing to raise awareness about the transformative role of tourism through
our support for meaningful initiatives such as this," said H.H. Prince
Badr bin Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Farhan Al- Saud, Minister of Culture of
Saudi Arabia, Member of Board of Directors, and the Governor of the Royal
Commission for AlUla.
UNWTO
Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: "For rural communities
everywhere, tourism is a hugely powerful force for growth and opportunity.
With Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO, we recognize and celebrate those
destinations where this force is being truly embraced, whether it's creating
jobs and supporting businesses or preserving local heritage. We look forward to
keep growing with our Best Tourism Villages Network both in size and in
influence."
"We are
delighted to host the UNWTO Best Tourism Villages 2022 Ceremony in Saudi Arabia
this year. We look forward to sharing the rich history and heritage of the
Kingdom with event attendees and participants," said H.E. Ahmed Al
Khateeb, Minister of Tourism, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Image Credit: © UNWTO
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