There are also the Tuscan island of Giglio and Sauris in Friuli Venezia Giulia among the "Best Tourism Villages" identified by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) which in this way rewards rural destinations that are embracing tourism as an engine of development and new job and income opportunities, while preserving and promoting community-based products and values.
The initiative also recognizes the villages' commitment to innovation and sustainability in all its aspects - economic, social and environmental - and attention to the development of tourism in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.
In the list there are 32 villages from 18 countries selected by an independent evaluation commission among 130 applications submitted by 57 participating countries.
"A news that once again makes us proud of our beautiful Italy. An international recognition to two villages that represent Italian tourist excellence and which are an opportunity to strengthen the country's promotion strategy starting from lesser-known places but which represent the most authentic Italy. Thanks to the UNWTO for this precious recognition", commented the minister of tourism Daniela Santanchè.
Confirming the quality of the three Italian nominations presented by the Ministry of Tourism, the village of Otricoli (Umbria) has been selected to participate in the "Best Tourism Village Upgrade Programme", a support program by the Organization which will accompany 20 of the candidate locations on a aimed at the full achievement of excellence.
The awarded villages will participate in the global network of Best Tourism Villages, being able to exchange experiences and good practices also with experts and partners from the public and private sectors.
The awards ceremony will be held on 27 and 28 February 2023 in Al-'Ula in Saudi Arabia.
This is the official list:
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, South 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
