(TITC) - The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has just announced a list of 32 destinations worldwide to become "Best Tourism Villages in 2022". In which, the Thai Hai Reserve Area of Ecological Houses-on-Stilts Village was named in this list.
Thai Hai Reserve Area of Ecological Houses-on-Stilts Village (Photo: thaihai.vn)
Accordingly, the award recognises rural destinations that are embracing tourism as a driving force of development and new opportunities to create jobs and incomes, while preserving and promoting community-based values and products. This accolade also honours villages that are committed to innovation and sustainable development orientation in economic, social and environmental aspects and focus on developing tourism in accordance with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In 2022, a total of 32 tourist villages from 18 countries around the world have been recognized and awarded. Villages were evaluated by an Independent Advisory Board based on a set of criteria on:
1. Cultural and Natural Resources
2. Promotion and Conservation of Cultural Resources
3. Economic Sustainability
4. Social Sustainability
5. Environmental Sustainability
6. Tourism Development and Value Chain Integration
7. Governance and Prioritization of Tourism
8. Infrastructure and Connectivity
9. Health, Safety, and Security
Mr. Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General of UNWTO stated, for rural communities everywhere, tourism can be a gamechanger in transforming lives in a holistic way, especially in providing jobs, supporting local businesses and protecting the environment and maintaining traditional values. UNWTO's Best Tourism Villages demonstrate the industry's strength in promoting economic diversification and creating opportunities for people in rural areas.
International visitors participating in daily activities of Thai Hai Village (Photo: thaihai.vn)
Along with 32 Best Tourism Villages, 20 additional villages will join in the Upgrade Programme. All 52 villages will become a part of the UNWTO's Global Network of Best Tourism Villages (established in 2021, which has brought together 115 villages from five continents to date). The network offers a number of benefits including on-site and online training, experience sharing, and increased international brand awareness and recognition.
According to UNWTO, the Award Ceremony will take place in AlUla, Saudi Arabia on 27-28 February 2023.
Thai Hai Reserve Area of Ecological Houses-on-Stilts Village is a conservation area in the style of stilt houses imbued with the culture of the Nung and Tay ethnic groups in Thai Nguyen. Thai Hai owns a scale of up to 25 hectares with mountains, trees, flowers and large lakes, especially 30 stilt houses with hundreds of years of age. These stilt houses were brought from ATK Dinh Hoa Thai Nguyen and have been restored in Thai Hai Village. Surrounding the stilt houses is a hilly landscape on all sides, green space with a peaceful atmosphere.
Tourism Information Technology Center