3 Indian villages in “Best Tourism Villages” nomination list

Last Updated15/09/2021

Three Indian villages have entered the nominations for ‘Best Tourism Villages’ by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).
The World Tourism Organization has called for the best tourism villages, the applications for which will end on September 15, 2021.
UNWTO is recognizing villages across the world that are committed to the promotion and preservation of their cultural heritage and sustainable development through tourism.

World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is the United Nations specialized agency entrusted with the promotion of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism.
It was established in 1975 with its headquarters in Madrid, Spain.
It is the leading international organization in the field of tourism, which promotes tourism as a driver of economic growth.

A village that recognizes its cultural and natural assets, preserves and promotes rural and community-based values, products, lifestyle, and has committed to innovation and sustainability in all its aspects – economic, social, and environmental, will be chosen for the Best Tourism Village label.

Three Indian villages, namely Ladhpura Khas, Madhya Pradesh, Kongthong village, Meghalaya, and Pochampally village, Telangana made it to the list.

Madhya Pradesh is home to not just wildlife and forts, but is also known for its handicrafts, artwork, and other cultural traditions.
Ladhpura Khas village is situated near the town of Orchha Tehsil of Tikamgarh district in Madhya Pradesh.
One can experience the local, rural lifestyle along with visiting numerous monuments of Orchha, another tourist destination in the State.

Kongthong, also known as the whistling village, is famous for its unique tradition of assigning a tune when a child takes birth.
This unique Indian village composes tune for calling a person in the place of names.

Pochampally village in Telangana is known as the Ikkat capital of India.
It has a rich historic and cultural significance.
Located in the Yadadri-Bhuvanagiri district, Bhoodan Pochampally is known for its handloom work that includes the delicate hand-woven ikkat saree.
Pochampally sari also received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2005.
The place is also associated with history.
Acharya Vinoba Bhave started the Bhoodan movement from Pochampally Village asking wealthy land owners to give up land to landless people.
The place has kept its tradition intact, a requirement of the UNWTO for the best tourism village label.