Bohinj among the Best tourism Villages by UNWTO

Published: 20.12.2022 More info

Back to news

Bohinj among the Best tourism Villages by UNWTO

Bohinj is the only Slovenian destination to be included in the UNWTO's Best Tourism Villages list, which includes 32 destinations from 18 countries around the world, selected from more than 130 entries from 57 countries. Bohinj's inclusion on the prestigious list confirms the outstanding values and performance of the region in the field of rural tourism.

Bohinj among the Best tourism Villages by UNWTO

Last year, for the first time, the World Tourism Organisation launched the Best Tourism Villages list, which rewards villages and rural destinations that contribute to the development of their region through their tourism activities, while preserving their rich natural and cultural heritage. The selection took place on a global scale. Last year, Solčava and Radovljica made it to the list, and this year Bohinj joined them. The inclusion of all three villages is a great recognition for Slovenian tourism. The listed villages and destinations become members of the BTV network, which facilitates the transfer of knowledge and good practices between rural tourism destinations, as well as providing professional training for members and promotional support from the UNWTO.

The Best Tourism Villages initiative includes three pillars: 

  1. The ‘Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO’: Recognizes villages that are an outstanding example of a rural tourism destination with accredited cultural and natural assets, that preserve and promote rural and community-based values, products, and lifestyle and have a clear commitment to innovation and sustainability in all its aspects – economic, social and environmental.
  2. The ‘Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO’ Upgrade Programme: The Upgrade Programme benefits a number of villages that do not fully meet the criteria to receive recognition. These villages receive support from UNWTO and its Partners in improving elements of the areas identified as gaps in the evaluation process.
  3. The ‘Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO’ Global Network: The Network provides a space for exchanging experiences and good practices, learnings, and opportunities. It includes experts and public and private sector partners engaged in the promotion of tourism for rural development, as well.

The Slovenian Tourist Board, in cooperation with the Ministry of Economic Development and Technology, launched a call for the second time in 2022 and selected three destinations to be nominated for UNWTO selection at international level. At the end of June 2022, the nominations of Bohinj, Podčetrtek and Moravske Toplice were submitted to the UNWTO. Out of the three Slovenian nominations, Bohinj has been recognised as the destination that best meets the criteria and has thus been awarded the title and the Best Tourism Village label. The nominated destinations were assessed on the basis of several categories: cultural and natural heritage, preservation of cultural resources, economic, social and environmental sustainability, tourism management, infrastructure and health and safety. The list includes 32 destinations from 18 countries around the world, selected from more than 130 entries from 57 countries. 

Destinations were eligible to apply if they meet the following conditions: they have a population of less than 15 000 inhabitants and a low population density, they are located in an environment where traditional industries such as agriculture, forestry, livestock farming or fishing still have a strong presence, and they maintain the way of life and values of a cohesive local community. 

Back to news

Contacts

Global public relations and Marketing
e-mail address: press(at)slovenia.info

Sign up for the Trade News

Be up to date about what’s happening in Slovenian tourism. By subscribing to our newsletter you will receive the latest trade news in the field of tourism and other current information on a monthly basis.

Share with friends