Robet (Barcelona), Alquézar (Huesca) and Guadalupe (Cáceres) are the Spanish destinations awarded as ‘Best Tourist Villages’ for the year 2022, according to the second edition of the ‘Best Tourist Villages of the UNWTO’ initiative. tourism. (OMT).
As stated in a statement, 32 people from 18 countries across the five regions of the world received recognition this year from a total of 136 applicants from 57 UNWTO member countries.
Cities were evaluated by an independent advisory board based on a range of criteria such as cultural and natural resources, promotion and preservation of cultural resources, economic, social and environmental sustainability or infrastructure and connectivity, among others.
UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili emphasized that the initiative demonstrates the sector’s ability to promote economic diversification and create opportunities for everyone outside the big cities.
“In all rural communities, tourism can be a critical tool in creating jobs, helping local businesses and keeping traditions alive,” he added.
The other winners of this edition are Zell am See (Austria), Wagrain (Austria), Bukeldon (Chile), Dazai (China), Jingzhou (China), Chuache (Colombia), Agurico (Ecuador), Anguchagua. (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), Qasr al-Khirbat (Morocco), Moulay Bouzirkutun (Morocco), Lamas (Peru), Rakshi (Peru), Castelo Novo (Portugal), Pyeongsa-ri (Republic of Korea), Rasinari (Romania), the ancient city of Al-Ula (Saudi Arabia) Semi Arabia), Boeing (Slovenia), Morten (Switzerland), Andermatt (Switzerland), Bergi (Turkey) and Tai Hai (Vietnam).
The award ceremony will take place in Al-Ula (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) from 27 to 28 February 2023, in conjunction with the first live meeting of the “UNWTO Best Tourist Villages” network. The next issue will open its call in February 2023.