CNN
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Tokyo? have been to. London? Has completed.
For travelers looking to visit small, authentic local destinations, the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has released this year’s list of the best tourist villages.
The international organization focused on sustainable tourism has certified 55 villages in 2023, up from 32 villages last year. The first class of villages was announced in 2021 when the program begins.
This list includes small towns and villages from places as diverse as Mexico, China, Ethiopia, and Italy. The villages are not ranked and are all listed in English alphabetical order.
UNWTO says it values ”regional tourism destinations with recognized cultural and natural assets, a commitment to preserving community-based values, and a clear commitment to innovation and sustainability.”
The program also says it includes reversing the trend of rural population decline and targeting the empowerment of women and children.
Dongbaek, located on Jeju Island in South Korea, is famous for its camellia flowers. Jeju Island itself Camellia sinensis – also known as tea – but Dongbaek focuses on flowers, organizing a cooperative where local residents sell camellia seeds to tourists and care for the island’s plants.
Another Asian village recognized by UNWTO is Shirakawa, Japan. This town, located north of Nagoya in Gifu Prefecture, is loved by its people in winter, when the peaked thatched roofs of the village houses are covered with snow, creating a beautiful scenery.
Four villages in China are on this year’s list, including Xiajiang village in eastern Zhejiang province, where local people keep alive by teaching visitors traditions such as tea-making and Peking Opera.
Dold, Kutch salt desert orchids, this year’s selected Indian village. UNWTO noted that although Dold was severely damaged by the 2001 earthquake, a thoughtful tourism strategy has allowed the town to grow and rebuild.
Europe’s selection on the UNWTO list represents a mix of cultural and environmental differences.
The Spanish village of Siguenza is a popular weekend getaway from the capital Madrid, with its 12th-century cathedral and easy access to the Barranco del Rio Dulce Natural Park.
Srni, Croatia, received high marks for maintaining eco-friendly walking trails and other travel infrastructure while preserving traditions such as local songs and dances.
Although the small landlocked principality of Andorra is not as famous as its neighboring countries, the village of Ordino was known for its agricultural history and two local festivals: Les Falls and the Festival of Sant Pere. UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage.
Peru Five villages have been evaluated and are at the top of the list. Although the country is famous for Machu Picchu, Peru is working to highlight other locations as a way to combat overtourism.
Yanque, about 560 miles southeast of Lima, is an access point to the fascinating but little-visited Uyo Uyo ruins and the hot springs area of the Colca Valley.
Meanwhile, another Peruvian village, Chacas, is the gateway to Huascaran National Park, a UNESCO-recognized biosphere reserve.
UNWTO’s list also includes Chile’s Caleta Tortel, a village of just 523 people where many buildings are made from locally grown cypress wood, and Argentina’s La Carolina, home of the famous gold rush. include.
• Al Sera, Jordan
• Barrancas, Chile
• Biei, Japan
• Caleta Tortel, Chile
• Cantavieja, Spain
• Chacas, Peru
• Chavin de Huantar, Peru
• Dahshor, Egypt
• Dold, India
• Dongbaek, South Korea
• Douma, Lebanon
• Ericeira, Portugal
• Filandia, Colombia
• Hakuba, Japan
• Higueras, Mexico
• Huangling City, China
• Harpa de Canovas, Mexico
• Khandovan, Iran
• La Carolina, Argentina
• Refis village, Ethiopia
• Lerici, Italy
• Manteigas, Portugal
• Morcote, Switzerland
• Mosan City, South Korea
• Okumatsushima, Japan
• Omitlan de Juarez, Mexico
• Oñati, Spain
• Andorra, Ordino
• Oyacachi, Ecuador
• Paucartambo, Peru
• Pengripuran, Indonesia
• Pisco Elqui, Chile
• Pozuzo, Peru
• Saint-Ursanne, Switzerland
• Sati, Kazakhstan
• Schladming, Austria
• Sehwa, South Korea
• Centob, Uzbekistan
• Shirakawa City, Japan
• Sigüenza, Spain
• Sirinche, Turkiye
• Siwa, Egypt
• Slunj, Croatia
• Soltera, Portugal
• Anton am Arlberg, Austria
• Thanh Hoa, Vietnam
• Taquile, Peru
• Tokaji, Hungary
• Varenj, Moldova
• Vila da Madalena, Portugal
• Xiajiang, China
• Zapatca, Colombia
• Zagana, China
• Zhujiawan, China