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 (27th 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.