Two Cypriot villages, Pissouri and Kalopanaiotis, have been named as the “Best Tourist Villages of 2024” by the United Nations Tourism Organization.

The awards, presented at the 122nd session of the United Nations Tourism Executive Board, were presented to 55 villages from 30 countries, selected from more than 260 applications from 60 member States.

The Global Recognition Program, which is in its fourth year, evaluates villages based on their implementation of the principles of sustainability and the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals. The winners included communities from Argentina to Vietnam, as well as from China, Saudi Arabia, Austria, Spain, Chile and Greece.

After this year’s additions, the network of “Best Tourist Villages” expanded to 254 participants, forming the world’s largest community of rural tourism destinations. The aim of the initiative is to showcase villages where tourism promotes cultural preservation, provides equal opportunities for development, and protects biodiversity.

Cyprus has previously achieved success in this program when the village of Lefkara was recognized in 2021. The Deputy Minister of Tourism representing Cyprus at the UN on Tourism said that the awards have brought significant international recognition to the country’s natural landscapes, culture and history.

During the selection process, communities are assessed on various sustainability indicators, including conservation of cultural and natural resources, economic viability, and environmental sustainability.

The winning villages gain access to a global network to share best practices and knowledge in rural tourism development.

A source:  kiprinform.com

https://russiancyprus.news/news/society/dve-kiprskie-derevni-nazvany-sredi-l/