UNWTO: New Tool to Promote Collaboration Among World’s Best Tourism Villages

Photo source: UNWTO

The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) on Monday announced the launch of the ‘TourismConnectsRural’ platform, a digital hub for communities focused on rural tourism.

The platform is expected to boost collaboration across the Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO Network, connecting around 200 rural destinations in every global region.

Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO was launched in 2021 as part of the organization’s work to make tourism a driver of rural development and wellbeing.

Empowering village connections

According to the UNWTO, the ‘TourismConnectsRural’ platform is designed to facilitate internal communication, allowing villages to exchange experiences and insights, and take part in masterclasses focused on growing tourism as a driver of rural development.

“UNWTO is empowering rural communities by providing a digital space where they can converse, collaborate, and collectively learn and contribute to the sustainable development of their regions,” said UNWTO Executive Director Zorista Urosevic.

Photo source: UNWTO.

Key features of the platform include:

– Experience Exchange: Villages can share their unique experiences, insights, and best practices through the platform, or work together on specific topics creating a dynamic ecosystem of knowledge.

– Masterclasses: A comprehensive bank of masterclasses will allow villages to enhance their skills and sustainable tourism practices.

– Interactive Communication: The platform enables real-time interaction, allowing villagers to engage in meaningful conversations, ask questions, and collaborate effortlessly.

– Event Hub: Villages can showcase their events and stay informed about special occasions, fostering a sense of community through the exchange of information.

“Communities in our Best Tourism Villages Network now have unprecedented access to a space where they can communicate, share, and learn from their counterparts globally,” Urosevic added.

Greece in 2021 won two important “Best Tourism Villages” distinctions. The Municipality of Soufli was granted the “Best Tourism Village” recognition for 2021 and the Municipality of Western Samos entered the initiative’s upgrade program.