The World Tourism Organisation (UN Tourism) distinguished Loriga, Mértola and Vila Nogueira de Azeitão in the 5th edition of Best Tourism Villages. UN Tourism also selected Quintadona, in the municipality of Penafiel, to be part of its Upgrade Programme, aimed at territories that demonstrate high potential for sustainable tourism development. The awards were announced today, 17 October, at the official ceremony held in Huzhou, China.
The Best Tourism Villages network currently includes around two hundred destinations around the world, including several Portuguese destinations that have already been recognised in previous editions, such as Castelo Novo, Castelo Rodrigo, Cumeada, Ericeira, Manteigas, Óbidos, Santa Cruz da Graciosa, Sortelha, Vila da Madalena, as well as Ferraria de São João and Vila de Frades, which are also part of the Upgrade Programme.
Promoted by the World Tourism Organisation (UN Tourism), this initiative distinguishes, worldwide, rural destinations with the greatest tourism capacity to assert themselves as drivers of economic and social development, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
As well as recognising tourism excellence, the Best Tourism Village label, which is valid for three years, helps to raise the profile of local communities, increase the tourism potential of territories and promote the international sharing of good practices and experiences.
