By The Culture Vulture

Three remote Spanish communities have been named as among the best villages in the world for tourists – the most entries for a single country.

The United Nations World Tourism Organisation’s (UNWTO) list of 32 best places worldwide for small community tourism includes villages in 18 countries in Africa, Asia, Europe and South America.

For the 2022 awards, a total of 136 villages were put forward for consideration by 57 UNWTO member states (each could nominate up to three villages).

The nominated villages were evaluated by an independent advisory board, according to criteria including culture, natural resources and sustainability – whether economic, social or environmental.

All three of Spain’s nominations were accepted. They were the medieval village of Rupit in Catalunya; Alquézar, in the Sierra de Guara mountains in Aragón; and Guadalupe, famous for its monastery and its black virgin, in the Extremadura region.

Manuel Butler, director of the Spanish Tourist Office in London, said: “We are delighted that the UNWTO has placed Spain as the country with the most appearances in its list. We aim to promote community-led tourism across Spain and are thrilled at the international recognition.”

The other countries receiving awards were: Austria, Chile, China, Colombia, Ecuador, Ethopia, Georgia, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Mexico, Morocco, Peru, Portugal, South Korea, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Slovenia, Switzerland, Turkey and Vietnam.

The accolade recognises rural destinations that are embracing tourism as a driver of development and new opportunities for jobs and income, while preserving and promoting community values.

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

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

The awards ceremony will take place in Al’Ula, Saudi Arabia, in February 2023.

Spain should of course be proud of this recognition. As for the three choices, I only know one, Guadalupe. I’ve been there a few times, including just over a year ago.

It is indeed lovely, despite being unashamedly touristy. Whether it would be in my top three villages in Spain, I doubt. But then, my criteria are different to those of the UNWTO.

I adore Aragón and Catalunya, however, so both Alquézar and Rupit are on my To-Visit-List for 2023.

© The Culture Vulture

Source:

The Guardian UK

Tags: Africa, Alquézar, Aragón, Asia, Austria, Catalunya, Chile, China, Colombia, Ecuador, Ethopia, Europe, Extremadura, Georgia, Guadalupe, Israel, Italy, Jordan, London, Manuel Butler, Mexico, Morocco, Peru, Portugal, Romania, Rupit, Saudi Arabia, Sierra de Guara, Slovenia, South America, South Korea, Spanish Tourist Office, To-Visit-List, Switzerland, Turkey, United Nations World Tourism Organisation, UNWTO, Vietnam, world’s best tourist villages, Zurab Pololikashvili