The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (Minister Hwang Hee) and the Korea Tourism Organization (President Ahn Young-bae) announced that Sinan 'Purple Island' and Gochang 'Goindol and Ungok Wetland Village' were selected as the best tourist villages at the '1st UNWTO The Best Tourism Villages Pilot Initiative' awards ceremony held in Madrid, Spain on the 2nd (local time).
The Best Tourism Village Contest was held by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) from June to September to resolve regional imbalances and population decline in rural areas and to discover and promote tourism resources such as excellent cultural and natural assets in rural areas. The contest targets villages with a population of less than 15,000 based on agriculture, forestry, fish, and livestock, and the World Tourism Organization Advisory Committee selected 44 "best tourist villages" villages in 32 countries in consideration of nine areas of evaluation: culture, natural resources, tourism potential, economic, social and environmental sustainability, and local residents-centered tourism governance.
Up to three villages per country can apply for the contest, and a total of 174 villages from 75 countries around the world participated. Certificates (label) will be awarded to the selected best tourist village and Activities to spread best practices will also be supported.
In June, the Korea Tourism Organization selected three preliminary best tourism villages through public offerings for local governments and later conducted on-site inspections, in-depth interviews with local stakeholders, and professional consulting to establish entry strategies optimized for public offerings and develop differentiated content. Afterward, the Korea Tourism Organization plans to promote the development and promotion of various tourism products and viral marketing to foster the selected village as a sustainable tourist destination with an ecological environment and cultural heritage.
