The Best Tourism Villages: UN Recognises Two Ukrainian Villages Among the Best for Tourism
Urych and Vorokhta, located in the Lviv and Ivano-Frankivsk regions of Ukraine, respectively, were included in the list of The Best Tourism Villages of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation. This was reported on social media by the Lviv Regional Council.
Urych is known for the remains of the Tustan fortress. This is what attracts tourists. ‘Urych is located in the ethnographic region of Boikivshchyna, where customs, dialects and crafts are cherished.
‘As a leader in heritage tourism, Urych not only showcases its historical and cultural treasures, but also emphasises sustainable tourism practices, creating an immersive experience for visitors while protecting its unique heritage,’ says The Best Tourism Villages website.
As for Vorokhta, the experts noted the picturesque nature in which it is located.
‘A picturesque mountain resort in the Ukrainian Carpathians at an altitude of 850 metres above sea level. Situated along the pristine Prut River, surrounded by majestic mountains and lush forests, it offers a rich natural environment that promotes health and well-being thanks to its vitamin D-rich climate.
Vorokhta is not only a place to relax, but also a lively centre of adventure, boasting a variety of accommodation options for guests, from hotels to guesthouses,’ the experts said.
The winners were announced at the 122nd session of the UN Tourism Executive Board in Cartagena, Colombia. The awarding ceremony will take place on 28 November at the III National Tourism Summit in Lviv, according to the State Agency for Tourism Development of Ukraine.
The Best Tourism Villages initiative was launched in 2021 to boost tourism in rural areas, preserve landscapes, cultural diversity, local values and culinary traditions. The network currently includes 254 villages from around the world.
Applications were selected by the Advisory Board among 260 participants from more than 60 countries.
They were evaluated based on 9 criteria:
- natural resources
- promotion and preservation of culture;
- economic sustainability
- social sustainability
- ecology;
- tourism development;
- management and priority of tourism;
- infrastructure;
- health, safety and security.
The list includes villages from all over the world: Spain, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Mexico, Panama and others.