According to the official statement announced that Dhordo village in Gujarat's Kutch district has received the prestigious "Best Tourism Village" title from the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). This recognition is a testament to Dhordo's remarkable contributions in the realms of sustainable tourism, cultural preservation, and rural development.

Dhordo is a calm village in the vast Great Rann of Kutch. It's famous for hosting the yearly Rann Utsav, a big cultural celebration. This award shows that Dhordo plays a vital role in promoting sustainable tourism, protecting culture, and helping rural areas grow.

The Rann Utsav, a vibrant cultural festival showcasing the traditional arts, music, and crafts of the region, took place in Dhordo. It drew visitors from around the world to immerse themselves in the local culture amidst the scenic backdrop of the Rann of Kutch.

Dhordo's recognition as the "Best Tourism Village" holds significant economic implications for the region. In the fiscal year 2022-23, the event generated impressive revenue of Rs 468 crore from GST. The festival's success was evident as it attracted over 98,000 Indian tourists and 7,400 international tourists, establishing itself as a prominent tourism destination.

The local community of Dhordo played a crucial role in the village's transformation. Their active involvement in preserving their culture, creating traditional handicrafts, and offering hospitality services ensured that tourists had an authentic experience while also contributing to the local economy.

Recognizing Dhordo's potential, the government of Gujarat initiated the annual Rann Utsav, which received praise from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He expressed his excitement about Dhordo's recognition by the UNWTO, celebrating the village's rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. He extended an invitation for people to share their experiences, aiming to inspire more individuals to visit this remarkable village.

The UNWTO's Best Tourism Village award is a prestigious recognition that honors villages for their exceptional achievements across various domains, including rural development, landscape preservation, cultural heritage promotion, and the safeguarding of local traditions. The evaluation process, based on nine key criteria related to economic, social, and environmental sustainability, cultural and natural resources, and value chain integration, identifies and celebrates these outstanding rural tourism destinations.

Image source: Times of India