Best Tourism Villages Award

• 09 Oct 2024

Why in News?

Recently, three villages in Madhya Pradesh were recognized for their sustainable tourism efforts on International Tourism Day (27^th September).

Key Points

• Awarded Villages:
  • Pranpur:
    • Category: Craft
    • Notable for its weaving tradition with 243 households involved in handloom production.
    • Artisans craft items from bamboo, wood, stone, jewelry, and clay.
    • Infrastructure improvements include locally sourced stones for visitor access.
    • Features a "Handloom Cafe" and an amphitheater for cultural performances.
  • Sabarvani:
    • Category: Responsible Tourism
    • Transformed into a tourism hub since 2019, hosting over 300 international tourists.
    • Offers cultural experiences like traditional cuisine and participation in local agricultural practices.
    • Attractions include Anhoni Hot Spring, Ghoghra Waterfall, and proximity to Satpura National Park.
    • Activities for tourists include bullock cart rides, cow milking, and trekking on Monakhedi Hill.
  • Ladpura Khas:
    • Category: Responsible Tourism.
    • Known for its community engagement and promotion of local traditions.
• Best Tourism Villages Competition 2024:
  • It was launched by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, to promote sustainable practices.
  • It aimed to identify villages preserving cultural and natural heritage.
  • A total of 36 villages recognized across eight categories.

International Tourism Day

• History: World Tourism Day was first celebrated in 1980 by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), and raises awareness about the social, cultural, and economic importance of tourism.
  • The day marks the adoption of UNWTO’s statutes in 1975, signifying its official establishment five years later.
  • UNWTO advocates for tourism as a driver of economic growth, inclusive development, and environmental sustainability while supporting the sector in advancing knowledge and policies worldwide.
    • UNWTO comprises 160 Member States (including India), 6 Associate Members, 2 Observers, and over 500 Affiliate Members.
    • Headquartered in Madrid, Spain.