Four Arab Villages Rank Among The Top Tourist Destinations In The World

Discover the world's finest tourist villages, including four in the Arab region - Egypt, Jordan, and Lebanon. As part of its sustainable tourism initiative for 2023, the United Nations World Tourism Organization has unveiled an expanded list of 55 tourist villages, which is a significant increase from last year's 32 tourist villages.

Recognizing rural gems on a global scale

As part of the program, the World Tourism Organization recognizes "rural tourism destinations with approved cultural and natural assets, preserving societal values, and promoting innovation and sustainability." Launched in 2021, the initiative seeks to counter rural population migration trends and empower women and children.

The hidden treasures of Egypt: Dahshur and Siwa Oases

An international organization recognized Dahshur, an Egyptian village based on agriculture and livestock. There are many unique features to Dahshur that continue to attract increasing numbers of tourists despite its largely concealed natural and cultural heritage. In 2002, the Siwa Oasis, spanning 7,800 square kilometers, was declared a national reserve for its cultural, biological, and environmental significance.

The Goods Village of Jordan: A natural haven

Jordan's Goods Village is known for its picturesque landscapes dotted with Roman olives and distinctive vegetation, an extension of WadiFaynan and Dana Nature Reserve's natural style.

Douma Village: A Lebanese Legacy

The rich history, stunning location at 1,200 meters above sea level, and agricultural character of Douma Village have been preserved over the years. The village proudly showcases numerous historical and cultural monuments.

Dongbaek and Shirakawa, Asia's floral wonders

Located on South Korea's Jeju Island, Dongbaek Village is renowned for its camellia flowers. It organizes cooperatives to sell seeds and care for the island's plants. In Japan, Shirakawa Village in Gifu Prefecture has become a winter favorite, offering a visually captivating scene with snow-covered thatched houses.

Chinese and Indian cultural havens

Four Chinese villages made the list, including Xijiang, where visitors can learn tea-making and Chinese opera. In India, the village of Dordu in the Rann of Kutch salt desert has successfully grown and rebuilt after the 2001 earthquake, thanks to a thoughtful tourism strategy.

Charms of Europe: Siguenza, Slunj, and Ordino

In Spain, Fuinza is a popular weekend getaway, known for its 12th-century cathedral and proximity to Barranco del Río Dulce Natural Park. Croatia’s Slunj receives acclaim for preserving traditions while developing an eco-friendly travel infrastructure. Andorra’s village of Ordino, despite being less famous, is celebrated for its agricultural history and two UNESCO-listed local festivals.

Peru's Quintet and More South American Treasures

In South America, Peru has five recognized villages. Yanque serves as the gateway to the little-visited ruins of OyuOyu and Colca Canyon’s hot springs. Chacas, another Peruvian village, is the entrance to Huascaran National Park, a UNESCO-recognized reserve. The UNWTO list extends to Caleta Tortel in Chile, a village with local cypress-built buildings, and La Carolina in Argentina, once part of the famous gold rush.

As part of its mission to promote sustainable tourism practices and cultural preservation, the United Nations World Tourism Organization celebrates the global diversity of tourist villages.

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