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Exploring Dhordo, A Hidden Village Treasure of Gujarat

Priti Palit

Exploring Dhordo

Gujarat Dhordo Village

Dhordo, an idyllic village nestled in the heart of Gujarat, has captured international attention by securing a coveted place on the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) list of the world’s 54 finest tourism villages. This recognition stands as a testament to Dhordo’s unique allure and cultural heritage that is captivating audiences around the world.

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Prime Minister Modi and Amit Shah Praise Dhordo’s Triumph

Hailing from Gujarat himself, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his delight at Dhordo’s distinction as the “best tourism village.” He applauded the village’s rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural beauty, highlighting its potential to attract visitors from all corners of the globe. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also commended this achievement, acknowledging the Prime Minister’s tireless efforts to elevate Dhordo into a world-class tourism destination.

Dhordo’s Remarkable Journey: Exploring Dhordo

Dhordo’s path to global recognition as a premier tourism destination has been nothing short of remarkable. In a recent milestone, the village hosted the inaugural Tourism Working Group Meeting of the G20 during India’s presidency of this influential group. This gathering of international leaders amidst Dhordo’s enchanting landscapes not only underscored the village’s capacity to host global events but also underscored its growing significance in the realm of tourism.

UNWTO’s Best Tourism Villages 2023 Award

The UNWTO’s Best Tourism Villages 2023 accolade is a tribute to villages that are at the forefront of nurturing rural regions, preserving landscapes, safeguarding cultural diversity, upholding local values, and celebrating culinary traditions. Launched in 2021, this initiative is a vital part of the UNWTO’s Tourism for Rural Development program, designed to promote sustainable tourism practices.

Selecting the Top Villages: UNWTO’s Third Edition Initiative

In its third edition, UNWTO’s initiative meticulously handpicked 54 villages from diverse regions, chosen from a pool of nearly 260 applicants. The announcement was made during the UNWTO General Assembly, held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, from October 16 to 20, where leaders and experts gathered to deliberate the future of global tourism.

Dhordo Joins Other Global Villages in Receiving Recognition

Dhordo is not alone in receiving acclaim; several other villages from around the world achieved similar honors. Among them are Barrancas in Chile, Biei in Japan, Cantavieja in Spain, Dahshour in Egypt, Dongbaek in the Republic of Korea, Douma in Lebanon, Ericeira in Portugal, and Filandia in Colombia, among others.

The Evaluation Process: Criteria for Village Recognition

UNWTO’s recognition process carefully evaluates villages across nine critical areas, including their cultural and natural resources, the promotion and preservation of cultural heritage, economic, social, and environmental sustainability, and tourism development. These criteria ensure that recognized villages are not merely attractive destinations but also places where local culture and the environment are conserved, and where tourism benefits the entire community.

The Essence of UNWTO’s Initiative

UNWTO’s initiative acknowledges villages that have harnessed tourism as a catalyst for their growth and well-being. Dhordo’s inclusion in this prestigious list signifies not only its natural beauty and cultural richness but also its dedication to sustainable tourism practices. Dhordo, with its distinctive fusion of tradition and modernity, showcases the immense potential villages have in enriching the global tourism landscape.

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