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By Author
Published on October 28, 2023
We have carefully curated this newsletter to ensure it becomes your go-to resource for all things hospitality-related. Whether you are an industry professional, an avid traveller, or simply passionate about the art of hospitality, this newsletter will be your gateway to a world of inspiration, knowledge and unforgettable experiences.
The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) recently unveiled its selection of the Best Tourism Villages for 2023. These accolades recognize the remarkable contributions of villages across the globe in nurturing rural landscapes, preserving cultural diversity, upholding local values, and safeguarding culinary traditions.
In its third edition, 54 villages were chosen out of nearly 260 applicants, with an additional 20 villages joining the Upgrade Programme. This combined total of 74 villages now comprises the UNWTO Best Tourism Villages Network. The announcement took place during the UNWTO General Assembly held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili emphasized the power of tourism in promoting inclusivity, empowering local communities, and spreading benefits across regions. He stated, "This initiative acknowledges villages that have leveraged tourism as a catalyst for their development and well-being."
Key Evaluation Areas:
The villages were evaluated in nine essential areas, including:
Cultural and Natural Resources
Promotion and Conservation of Cultural Resources
Economic Sustainability
Social Sustainability
Environmental Sustainability
Tourism Development and Value Chain Integration
Governance and Prioritization of Tourism
Infrastructure and Connectivity
Health, Safety, and Security
Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO: This category recognizes exceptional rural tourism destinations with accredited cultural and natural assets, a commitment to preserving community-based values, and a dedication to innovation and sustainability across economic, social, and environmental dimensions.
Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO Upgrade Programme: It offers vital support to villages in their journey to meet recognition criteria, addressing identified shortcomings during the evaluation process.
The Best Tourism Villages Network: This acts as a platform for sharing experiences, best practices, learning, and opportunities among its members. It welcomes contributions from experts and both public and private sector partners engaged in promoting tourism as a catalyst for rural development.
The network continues to expand every year, with the addition of these 74 new members, totaling 190 villages as part of this unique global rural network.
Peru boasts the most Best Tourism Villages on the list with five. Following closely are countries like Japan, Korea, Portugal, Mexico, China, and Spain, each having three or four entries. Additionally, Indonesia has three villages included in the upgrade program list, with Peru, Türkiye, and Italy following with two entries each.
Here is the list of Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO for 2023 (in alphabetical order):
Al Sela, Jordan
Barrancas, Chile
Biei, Japan
Caleta Tortel, Chile
Cantavieja, Spain
Chacas, Peru
Chavín de Huantar, Peru
Dahshour, Egypt
Dhordo, India
Dongbaek, Republic of Korea
Douma, Lebanon
Ericeira, Portugal
Filandia, Colombia
Hakuba, Japan
Higueras, Mexico
Huangling, China
Jalpa de Cánovas, Mexico
Kandovan, Iran
La Carolina, Argentina
Lephis Village, Ethiopia
Lerici, Italy
Manteigas, Portugal
Morcote, Switzerland
Mosan, Republic of Korea
Oku-Matsushima, Japan
Omitlán de Juárez, Mexico
Oñati, Spain
Ordino, Andorra
Oyacachi, Ecuador
Paucartambo, Peru
Penglipuran, Indonesia
Pisco Elqui, Chile
Pozuzo, Peru
Saint-Ursanne, Switzerland
Saty, Kazakhstan
Schladming, Austria
Sehwa, Republic of Korea
Sentob, Uzbekistan
Shirakawa, Japan
Sigüenza, Spain
Şirince, Türkiye
Siwa, Egypt
Slunj, Croatia
Sortelha, Portugal
St. Anton am Arlberg, Austria
Tân Hoá, Viet Nam
Taquile, Peru
Tokaj, Hungary
Văleni, Moldova
Vila da Madalena, Portugal
Xiajiang, China
Zapatoca, Colombia
Zhagana, China
Zhujiawan, China
The UNWTO Best Tourism Villages initiative, launched in 2021, plays a significant role in the UNWTO Tourism for Rural Development Programme. This program aims to foster development and inclusion in rural areas, combat depopulation, encourage innovation, integrate value chains through tourism, and promote sustainable practices.
The call for submissions for the fourth edition is expected to take place in the early months of 2024, offering new opportunities for rural destinations to shine on the global stage.
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By Nishang Narayan
Published on March 28, 2025
While traveling with loved ones can be an enriching experience, sometimes a solo adventure is just what you need to relax, recharge, and explore on your own terms. Whether it’s that long-awaited European escape or a tranquil retreat to refresh your spirit, solo travel offers the ideal opportunity for self-discovery and adventure.
If you’re considering a solo trip, planning is key for safety, comfort, and making the most of the experience. To simplify the process, we’ve compiled a list of the top travel platforms that will help you plan the ultimate solo getaway.
Yatra Online, Inc. is one of India’s leading travel service providers, offering:
With its user-friendly interface and extensive network, Yatra makes planning your solo adventure smooth and hassle-free.
If you're looking for a platform with great deals, EaseMyTrip is a fantastic choice! It offers:
Solo travelers can take advantage of special offers to make their trips more affordable and convenient.
TripXL is a travel marketplace that offers affordable and comfortable holiday experiences. It stands out for its:
Whether you’re dreaming of the beaches of Kerala or the snowy landscapes of Scotland, TripXL offers a range of custom travel plans to suit your needs.
Goibibo is one of India’s most trusted online travel booking platforms, offering:
With its easy-to-use interface and GoCash+ rewards program, Goibibo is perfect for solo travelers looking for budget-friendly yet quality travel options.
A household name in global travel, Booking.com helps solo travelers find:
Whether you’re looking for a cozy hostel in Bangkok, a luxury resort in Bali, or a charming homestay in Paris, Booking.com has something for every traveler.
What are you waiting for? Book that solo trip you’ve been dreaming of and choose the perfect platform to customize your itinerary. Whether you crave an adventure-filled backpacking trip or a relaxing retreat, these top travel websites make planning easier than ever.
Cheers to discovering new places—and yourself—on your solo journey!
Published on February 15, 2025
Kumbh Mela is a gathering like no other—an awe-inspiring confluence of spirituality, culture, and tradition. But as millions of pilgrims and visitors converge, the challenge is clear: how do we ensure that each person’s experience is safe, accessible, and stress-free? Well, that's where India Assist steps in, working in collaboration with the Uttar Pradesh Government to modernise travel assistance for Mahakumbh 2025. Through Tourist Information Centres (TICs) located at key places like the railway stations, airport, and within the Mahakumbh area, we're making the Kumbh experience smoother for everyone. Mr. Harish Khatri, Founder and MD at India Assist, shares valuable insights on enhancing travel experiences, as featured in our article on facilitating smooth travel and special needs at Kumbh.
These TICs are not your typical information desks. They’re lifelines for the millions attending the festival. Right from providing live updates on travel routes, assisting with local transportation, or guiding elderly pilgrims and those with disabilities, the TICs are designed to be accessible, responsive, and human-centered. When someone loses a belonging or needs help locating a loved one, TICs offer real-time assistance in locating them, ensuring that no pilgrim is left feeling lost or alone. The multilingual support ensures that visitors from across the globe feel heard and understood, breaking down language barriers and connecting them to the heart of the Kumbh experience.
Perhaps most importantly, TICs are equipped with a team of responsive on-ground staff that allows us to address health-related emergencies quickly. From directing pilgrims to the nearest medical station or coordinating emergency response, these centres act as the first point of contact for medical aid. In a sea of people, it’s critical that help can be found without delay. With a simple tap on our mobile application, followed by a quick phone call, we ensure that pilgrims receive the immediate assistance they need. India Assist’s involvement in large-scale events like MotoGP Bharat has given us valuable experience in managing complex logistics, tech integration, and crowd management. We've learned that the key to success is seamless coordination between technology and human touch & that’s exactly what we’re bringing to Mahakumbh 2025.
We are excited about the impact TICs will have at Kumbh. For millions of pilgrims, these centers are not just places to seek directions but also sources of care, comfort, and support. By combining technology with compassionate, on-the-ground expertise, we’re ensuring that every pilgrim’s journey remains focused on their spiritual experience, not the stress of hovering through a sea of people. As we move forward into this new era of tech-enabled religious tourism, we’re proud to play our part in making Mahakumbh 2025 safe, accessible, and unforgettable for all.
Published on January 18, 2025
OTM 2025, the premier travel trade show in India and Asia, is set to take place from January 30 to February 1, 2025, at Mumbai’s Jio World Convention Centre. With over 2,100 exhibitors, 40,000 buyers, and participation from 80+ countries, OTM promises to be a transformative event for the global travel and tourism industry.
This year’s edition will bring together a diverse mix of national tourism organizations, airlines, hotels, destination management companies, and travel tech innovators. Global VIPs, including Hon'ble Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Shri Omar Abdullah, and international leaders like H.E. Mr. Haim Katz (Minister of Tourism, Israel) and Mr. Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan (Deputy Minister of Tourism, Malaysia), will grace the event.
Key Highlights of OTM 2025:
Expressing his enthusiasm, Mr. Sanjiv Agarwal, Founder & CEO of Fairfest Media, shared, “India is emerging as the future growth engine for global tourism. OTM 2025 will bring unmatched opportunities for the Indian travel industry to connect with international destinations and foster collaborations.”
OTM’s strategic location in Mumbai, which contributes to over 60% of India’s outbound travel, makes it the perfect venue for this event. The city’s role as a departure point for travelers underlines its importance in shaping the future of tourism.
About OTM and Fairfest Media:
OTM Mumbai is Asia’s leading travel trade show, creating unparalleled opportunities for the Indian travel industry to engage with global markets. Organized by Fairfest Media, the event attracts Tourism Ministers, CEOs, and industry leaders from around the world. With a legacy of organizing TTF-branded travel shows in seven Indian cities, Fairfest Media continues to be a pioneer in shaping the travel ecosystem in the world’s fastest-growing market.
If you are in the travel business, mark your calendars—OTM 2025 is the event you cannot afford to miss!
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