Delegates from around the world, government representatives, ambassadors, and tourism authorities met in March 2023 in Alula, Saudi Arabia, for the event themed ”Tourism that Changes Lives.”
In this meeting, Răşinari, one of the most attractive tourist villages in the world, officially received its title of ”Best Tourism Villages.”
The ceremony is held by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and hosted by the Government of Saudi Arabia.
The award was presented to the Mayor of Răşinari, Bogdan Bucur, and the Secretary of State in the Ministry of Entrepreneurship and Tourism (MAT), Cătălin Canciu, by the UNWTO Secretary-General and the Minister of Tourism of Saudi Arabia.
Răşinari is Romania’s grand winner in the ”Best Tourism Village 2022” competition launched by the UNWTO.
From Romania, three villages participated in the competition: Răşinari (Sibiu County), Biertan (Sibiu County), and Ciocăneşti (Suceava County), localities that obtained the highest scores in the national stage of the „Best Tourism Villages” competition run by MAT.
These localities are also included in the ”Route of Traditional Tourist Villages in Romania” developed by MAT.
The village of Răşinari was selected alongside 31 other villages from around the world, according to regulations, by a special committee formed within the UNWTO. 136 villages from 57 countries participated in the competition. Best Tourism Villages is a global UNWTO initiative launched in 2021 with the aim of highlighting those localities where tourism preserves cultures and traditions, celebrates diversity, provides opportunities, and protects biodiversity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Romanian village won the ‘Best Tourism Village’ title?
Rășinari, located in Sibiu County, was officially recognized as one of the world’s best tourism villages by the UNWTO.
What other Romanian villages participated in the global competition?
In addition to Rășinari, Biertan (Sibiu County) and Ciocănești (Suceava County) represented Romania in the international selection process.
What is the purpose of the ‘Best Tourism Villages’ initiative?
Launched in 2021, the UNWTO initiative aims to highlight rural destinations where tourism preserves cultural heritage, traditions, and biodiversity.