Ukrainian villages Urych and Vorokhta recognized among UN’s “Best Tourism Villages”

The villages of Urych in the Lviv region and Vorokhta in the Ivano-Frankivsk region have been included in the UN World Tourism Organization's prestigious list of "The Best Tourism Villages."

This recognition was announced by the Lviv Regional Council, as reported by Rubryka.

Urych is renowned for the remains of the historic Tustan fortress, a major attraction for visitors.

"Urych is located in the ethnographic region of Boykivshchyna, where traditions, dialects, and crafts are preserved. As a leader in heritage tourism, Urych not only highlights its historical and cultural treasures but also emphasizes sustainable tourism practices. It creates an immersive experience for visitors while protecting its unique heritage," states the Best Tourism Villages website.

Vorokhta, on the other hand, was recognized for its stunning natural surroundings.

"A picturesque mountain resort in the Ukrainian Carpathians, situated 850 meters above sea level along the pristine Prut River, Vorokhta is surrounded by majestic mountains and lush forests. Its rich natural environment promotes health and well-being, thanks to a climate abundant in vitamin D.

Vorokhta is not just a destination for relaxation but a vibrant hub for adventure tourism. It offers a range of accommodation options, from hotels to guest houses," experts noted.

The winners were announced during the 122nd session of the UN Tourism Executive Board in Cartagena, Colombia.

According to the State Tourism Development Agency of Ukraine, the award ceremony is scheduled for November 28 at the 3rd National Tourism Summit in Lviv.

Reference

The Best Tourism Villages initiative was launched in 2021 with the aim of increasing tourism in rural areas, preserving landscapes, cultural diversity, local values ​​and culinary traditions. Currently, the network includes 254 villages from all over the world.

The applications from the contestants were selected by the representatives of the Advisory Council from among 260 participants from over 60 countries of the world.

They were evaluated according to 9 criteria:

• natural resources;
• promotion and preservation of culture;
• economic sustainability;
• social sustainability;
• ecology;
• development of tourism;
• management and prioritization of tourism;
• infrastructure;
• health, safety and security.

The list includes villages from different parts of the world: Spain, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Mexico, Panama and others.

As a reminder, a new 42-kilometer long tourist route is planned to be introduced in the Lviv region, which will begin in the village of Sianky and end at Mount Pikui: it can be completed within two days.

In addition, new tourist facilities for people with disabilities have appeared in the territory of the historical and cultural reserve "Tustan" in the Lviv region. They will promote inclusive tourism.