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.
- Pranpur:
- 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.