The UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) has included Anogeia among the 55 Best Villages in the World for 2024, recognising it as an ‘Excellent Destination’ in the field of rural tourism, whilst also acknowledging the commitment of both the village and the local council to innovation and sustainability across the wider spheres of society, the economy and the environment.
As stated by the mayor of Anogeia and chair of the Committee for Mountainous Areas of Greece, Socrates Kefalogiannis, “The award is part of a global initiative that recognises villages where tourism does not hinder their cultures or traditions, whilst investing in sustainable development by creating opportunities and protecting biodiversity. Through this specific recognition that accompanies the award, the World Tourism Organisation is raising the profile of rural communities, including Anogeia, within the international tourism market; these communities are shaping and developing the future of sustainable travel.”.
From Caviahue-Copahue in Argentina to Tra Que Vegetable Village in Vietnam, there are 55 Best Tourist Villages that have demonstrated their commitment to preserving their identity, in accordance with the characteristics and criteria set by the UN World Tourism Organisation, through sustainable development, connecting local communities with responsible forms of tourism and promoting environmental protection.
More than 260 nominations from over 60 UN member states were examined by experts, whose assessment identified Anogeia in Crete, amongst the 55 villages, as a tourist destination that meets the requirements for the future of tourism in small communities. “The ‘Best Tourism Villages’ initiative, which forms part of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation’s Rural Development Programme, not only recognises the remarkable achievements of these villages, such as Anogeia, but also highlights the power of tourism and how it can influence the healthy development of areas such as small villages,” noted the mayor of Anogeia, Socrates Kefalogiannis.
The villages were assessed across nine key areas, namely: “Cultural and natural resources / promotion and preservation of cultural resources / economic viability / social viability / environmental sustainability / tourism development and value chain integration / tourism governance and prioritisation / infrastructure and connectivity / health and safety”. The UN Secretary-General for Tourism, Zurab Pololikashvili, described tourism as an essential tool for inclusion, empowering, as he put it, rural communities to protect and appreciate their rich cultural heritage, whilst leading to sustainable development.
Anogeia is now one of 254 villages that form part of the world’s largest community of rural destinations. The “Best Tourism Villages” initiative also highlights the development of small local villages and communities, based on their potential to promote economic development, local traditions and an improved quality of life for their residents. The mayor of Anogeia also stated that: “Anogeia was recognised because, whilst preserving its history and community spirit and always with future generations in mind, it has embraced tourism as a means of fostering community empowerment and prosperity, proving that sustainable practices can lead to a better future for all, particularly in rural areas, where landscapes, cultural diversity, local values and gastronomic traditions have not been overlooked.” The UN’s overall initiative, through both the “Best Tourism Villages” programme and the Network, pursues a further objective: combating desertification. With Anogeia’s award and recognition, the Network now provides an opportunity to participate in a forum for exchanging experiences, best practice, lessons learnt and opportunities. Among the members of the Network, there is an open channel of communication with experts and partners from the public and private sectors, who contribute to promoting tourism as a driver of rural development.
The call for the submission of evaluation files for the fifth edition of the Network will take place in early 2025, providing a new opportunity for rural destinations to share their inspiring initiatives and gain global recognition as champions of rural development. The mayor of Anogeia, Socrates Kefalogiannis, extends his thanks to the municipal executives and the team who worked diligently to put together a strong application and support it.
Source: protothema.gr