Ahmedabad, 20 October 2023: Dhordo in Gujarat has been awarded the Best Tourism Village award by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). The award was announced by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India on October 19.
The UNWTO Best Tourism Village award is given to villages that promote sustainable and universally accessible tourism. The villages are evaluated by an independent advisory board based on criteria covering nine areas, including cultural and natural resources, promotion and conservation of cultural resources, economic sustainability, social sustainability, environmental sustainability, tourism potential and development, and value chain integration.
Dhordo is located in the Rann of Kutch, a vast salt marsh in the westernmost corner of India. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India, known for its stunning scenery, rich culture, and vibrant festivals.
The Gujarat government has been working continuously to promote Dhordo as a global tourist destination. The state government organizes the annual Rann Utsav festival in Dhordo, which attracts millions of visitors from India and abroad.
The UNWTO Best Tourism Village award is a recognition of the Gujarat government's efforts to promote sustainable tourism in Dhordo. The award is also a boost for the tourism sector in Gujarat, and is expected to attract more investment and create more jobs.
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel welcomed the UNWTO award and said that it is a testament to the state's commitment to sustainable tourism. He said that the award will inspire the government to work even harder to develop Dhordo as a world-class tourist destination.
The UNWTO Best Tourism Village award is a prestigious recognition for Dhordo and its people. It is also a reminder of the importance of sustainable tourism in promoting rural development and preserving cultural heritage.
