China's Villages Win UNWTO 'Best Tourism Villages' Awards

Rural landscape celebrating tourism excellence.

Four villages from China have gained recognition in the prestigious 'Best Tourism Villages' initiative by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). The award ceremony took place on October 17 in Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, and was graced by several dignitaries, including Zurab Pololikashvili, the UNWTO Secretary-General, and Gao Zheng, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

The event attracted approximately 270 participants, featuring representatives from tourism authorities across 41 countries, alongside delegates from the selected villages. The recognition is a testament to the vibrant cultural heritage and sustainable practices in these rural communities.

A total of 52 villages from 29 countries were celebrated in this fifth edition of the initiative. Among them, four emerged from China: Digang Village in Zhejiang Province, Dongluo Village in Jiangsu Province, Huanggang Village in Guizhou Province, and Jiqiai Village in Sichuan Province.

Founded in 2021, the 'Best Tourism Villages' initiative aims to safeguard rural cultural heritage and promote sustainable development via tourism. It emphasizes tourism's critical role in enhancing rural revitalization and community welfare. To date, 236 villages across 57 countries have been recognized, with 19 of these selections hailing from China.

Additionally, the UNWTO used this opportunity to host the third annual meeting of the 'Best Tourism Villages,' further engaging global stakeholders in discussions around tourism and rural development.