Moldovan villages can compete for title of "Best Tourism Villages"

Chisinau, April 25 /MOLDPRES/- The Ministry of Culture has launched the national selection of tourist villages aspiring to the title "Best Tourism Villages", the 3rd edition, under the international competition held by the World Tourism Organization (WTO) under the auspices of the UN, through which outstanding examples of rural destinations are identified annually. Proposals can be submitted by June 11.

"Best Tourism Villages" aims to recognize a village that is an outstanding example as a rural tourism destination with recognized cultural and natural attractions that preserves and promotes community-based values, products and lifestyle with the fundamental aim of making tourism one of the engines of positive transformation, rural development and community well-being.

Following the submission of applications and their evaluation, the Republic of Moldova will submit to the WTO no more than eight tourist village proposals, which will compete with other rural destinations from around the world. To be eligible, the village must have at most 15 thousand inhabitants, be located in a landscape with an important presence of traditional activities and share the values and lifestyle of the community.

Rural destinations from the Moldovan side, which will participate in the competition, will have the chance to be designated "Best Tourism Villages" or to be included in the Upgrade Program, through which they will benefit from support from the WTO and partners to improve their fields of activity. Villages recognized as "Best Tourism Villages", as well as those selected to participate in the Upgrade Program, will become members of a network that facilitates the exchange of information, experiences and best practices.