The destinations of Chacas, Chavín de Huántar, Paucartambo, Pozuzo, and Taquile received recognition from the World Tourism Organization. Find out why.
Our country continues to be recognized worldwide. This time, the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) announced that the towns of Chacas and Chavín de Huántar (Ancash), Paucartambo (Cusco), Pozuzo (Pasco), and Taquile (Puno) were selected as the "Best Tourism Villages of the World" (BTV), in its 2023 edition.
The Peruvian towns were selected from among 260 nominations from more than 60 countries for promoting tourism as one of the engines of development and welfare of their communities. In addition to all their historical, cultural, and scenic splendor, these towns are also recognized for their commitment to sustainability from economic, social, and environmental aspects.
This award is not only a recognition of utmost importance at the international level but also positions these destinations as examples of rural tourism that preserve and promote their landscapes, knowledge, biological and cultural diversity, local values and activities, including their gastronomy, and that have a clear commitment to sustainability.
According to UNWTO, Peruvian destinations were recognized for:
Chacas: recognized for being an extraordinary town, full of history, nature, and artisan tradition, which keeps its customs alive.
Chavín de Huantar: known for its heritage and cultural value.
Paucartambo: known for its unique cultural mixture of Andean and Hispanic, represented in its dances and beliefs, such as "Virgen del Carmen" festivity in June.
Pozuzo: known for being the only Austro-German colony in the country where a balance is maintained between the legacy of the settlers, nature, communities, and biodiversity.
Taquile: pioneers of textile art, it is a town that keeps its ancestral customs and traditions alive. It also stands out for its cultural value.
The national villages passed a strict evaluation, which considered nine aspects: Cultural and natural resources, Promotion and conservation of cultural resources; economic sustainability, Social sustainability, Environmental sustainability; Tourism development and integration of the value chain, Tourism governance and prioritization; Infrastructure and connectivity; and Health and Safety.
The announcement was made within the framework of the XXV UNWTO General Assembly, which took place in the city of Samarkand (Uzbekistan).
Key facts:
The first destination to be awarded Best Tourist Village in the World was Ollantaytambo in December 2021. At the end of 2022, Lamas and Raqchi also received this distinction.
All the towns mentioned will be able to use the World's Best Tourist Villages logo in their different activities.
Sources: Mincetur
By Mauricio Huaman / Published: Oct 21, 2023