Dhudmaras of Chattisgarh has been selected by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) for its Best Tourism Village Upgrade programme.
- Recognized among 20 villages worldwide for support in improving tourism infrastructure and quality of life.
World Tourism Day
- Celebrated: Annually on 27th September since 1980.
- 2024 Host and Theme:
- Host: Georgia.
- Theme: “Tourism and Peace”.
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About Dhudmaras Village
- Location: Situated in the Kanger Valley National Park, Chhattisgarh’s Bastar district.
- Nestled in dense forests with the Kanger River flowing through it, creating an ideal eco-tourism destination.
- Local Tribal Involvement: Younger members of the Dhurwa Tribe (Part of Gond Tribe) trained to lead adventure activities.
- Cultural Richness: Rich in biodiversity, natural beauty, and traditional tribal lifestyles known for local cuisine and tribal handicrafts.
UNWTO’s Tourism for Rural Development Programme
- Aim: To empower rural communities through sustainable tourism.
- Focus: Develops rural tourism destinations and businesses.
- Strategies:
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- Capacity building and skills training for local communities.
- Product development and marketing of rural tourism offerings.
- Infrastructure development to improve accessibility and quality of services.
- Partnership building with the public and private sectors.
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About Best Tourism Villages Initiative
- It is Part of the UNWTO Tourism for Rural Development Programme, launched in 2021 by UNWTO.
- Objective: Recognize and promote outstanding rural destinations committed to sustainable tourism practices.
- Eligibility:
- Villages with a maximum of 15,000 inhabitants.
- Located in landscapes with traditional activities (agriculture, forestry, etc.).
- Strong community values and lifestyle.
- Applications submitted by UNWTO Member States.
- Selection Criteria For Best Tourism Village (9 areas):
- Rich cultural and natural resources.
- Preservation and promotion of cultural heritage.
- Economic sustainability through business development.
- Social inclusion and equality.
- Environmental protection and responsible tourism.
- Strong tourism development and value chain integration.
- Public-private partnerships and community engagement in tourism planning.
- Access and communication infrastructure.
- Health, safety, and security measures for residents and tourists.
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About UNWTO (United Nations World Tourism Organisation)
- It is the United Nations agency responsible for the promotion of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism.
- Established: 1975
- Headquarters: Madrid, Spain
- Membership:
- 160 Member States (including India)
- 6 Associate Members and 2 Observers
- Over 500 Affiliate Members (private sector, NGOs, educational institutions)
November 20, 2024
