In a remarkable recognition of Egypt’s traditional heritage and natural treasures, the West Suhail Village in Aswan and the Abu Ghosoun Village in the Red Sea governorate were early last week named among the Best Tourism Villages for 2024 by United Nations Tourism (UN Tourism), carving out a place for these two destinations on the global tourism map. 

The prestigious award places these two villages among 55 global rural destinations celebrated for their commitment to tourism excellence, sustainable development, and cultural preservation.

The announcement came during the 122nd session of the UN Tourism Executive Council held in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, where Egypt’s delegation highlighted the country’s strides in rural tourism development.

West Suhail is nestled on the west bank of the Nile in Aswan and is a vibrant testament to Nubian culture. Renowned for its colourful homes, warm hospitality, and authentic cultural experiences, the village attracts visitors seeking a deeper connection with Egypt’s heritage. 

Tourists flock to explore its artisanal crafts, traditional Nubian music, and the tranquil beauty of the Nile.

Abu Ghosoun is a serene coastal village in the Red Sea governorate known for its pristine beaches and thriving marine biodiversity. It offers eco-tourism experiences including snorkelling and diving in untouched coral reefs, and it has also embraced sustainable tourism practices, making it a model for balancing development and environmental preservation.

UN Tourism’s Best Tourism Villages initiative evaluates rural destinations based on their commitment to sustainable tourism, cultural preservation, and community engagement. The recognition not only highlights the unique charm of the West Suhail and Abu Ghosoun villages but also underscores Egypt’s efforts in promoting such rural gems.

Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathi celebrated the achievement, describing it as a “culmination of significant efforts to elevate Egypt’s rural tourism profile”. He expressed his gratitude to all those involved in the meticulous preparation of the nomination files for the award, which showcased the distinct cultural and ecological assets of both villages.

Adel Al-Gendi, director of strategic management at the Ministry of Tourism who received the award, pointed out that with this recognition Egypt now has four villages celebrated in the Best Tourism Villages programme: West Suhail in Aswan, Abu Ghosoun in the Red Sea, Dahshur in Giza, and Siwa in Matrouh. 

The village of Fuwa in Kafr Al-Sheikh and Saint Catherine in South Sinai have been placed on the Upgrade Programme, which supports villages in meeting UN Tourism’s high standards for future inclusion.

Al-Gendi said that the ministry has been actively promoting rural tourism and supporting local communities. The efforts have included upgrading the villages’ infrastructure, offering training programmes for residents, and organising workshops on sustainable tourism practices, visitor interaction, and environmental management.

“Egypt’s success in this initiative reflects its broader commitment to sustainable tourism. By investing in rural communities, preserving cultural heritage, and promoting eco-friendly practices, the country is aligning with global trends that prioritise meaningful travel experiences and environmental stewardship,” Al-Gendi said.

The inclusion of West Suhail and Abu Ghosoun in the prestigious UN list is not just a recognition of the past but also a promise for the future. The villages are poised to become models for sustainable rural tourism, drawing international visitors while preserving their unique identity and traditions.

As Egypt continues to unveil the beauty of its lesser-known destinations, the world is taking note, reaffirming the country’s place as a leader in the global tourism landscape.

“The Best Tourism Villages initiative celebrates not just the remarkable achievements of these destinations but also the transformative power of tourism,” said UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili.

He highlighted that tourism can serve as a vital tool for inclusion, empowering rural communities to safeguard and value their rich cultural heritage while advancing sustainable development. By leveraging their unique assets, such villages can drive economic growth, preserve local traditions, and improve the quality of life of their residents.

“We celebrate the villages that have embraced tourism as a pathway to empowerment and community well-being, demonstrating that sustainable practices can lead to a brighter future for all,” Pololikashvili said.

According to the UN Tourism website, the Best Tourism Villages initiative, launched in 2021, aims to highlight the role of tourism in rural development. It focuses on preserving landscapes, cultural diversity, local traditions, and culinary heritage. With the addition of 75 new members this year, the Best Tourism Villages Network has grown to include 254 villages, making it the largest global community of rural tourism destinations.

The initiative is part of UN Tourism’s Rural Development Programme, which promotes growth and inclusion in rural areas. By fostering innovation, integrating value chains, and advancing sustainable practices, the programme aims to combat depopulation, empower communities, and leverage tourism as a tool for lasting development.

The villages looked at were evaluated under nine key areas including cultural and natural resources, promotion and conservation of cultural resources, economic, social and environmental sustainability, tourism development and value chain integration, governance and the prioritisation of tourism, infrastructure and connectivity, and health, safety, and security.

The initiative comprises three pillars. Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism recognises outstanding rural tourism destinations with accredited cultural and natural assets, a commitment to preserving community-based values, and a clear commitment to innovation and sustainability across economic, social, and environmental dimensions.

Best Tourism Villages by the UN Tourism Upgrade Programme supports villages on their journey to meet the recognition criteria, helping them improve in areas identified as weaknesses during the evaluation.

The Best Tourism Villages Network is a space for exchanging experiences and good practices, learning, and opportunities among its members, and it is open to contributions from experts and public and private-sector partners engaged in the promotion of tourism as a driver for rural development.

In addition to the 55 named best villages, this year another seven villages from the Best Tourism Villages Upgrade Programme achieved recognition as Best Tourism Villages. Through the upgrade programme, these villages received mentorship to improve their lowest-scored areas of evaluation and were able to apply through a fast-track process and qualify for Best Tourism Village recognition.

Rural tourism holds significant potential to drive local economic growth and foster social transformation. It complements other economic activities, contributes to GDP and job creation, and helps mitigate seasonality by spreading tourist demand across different times and regions.

According to UN Tourism, rural tourism is defined as “a type of tourism activity where the visitor’s experience involves a diverse range of products, typically linked to nature-based activities, agriculture, rural culture and lifestyle, angling, and sightseeing.”

These activities take place in rural areas characterised by low population density, landscapes and land use predominantly shaped by agriculture and forestry, and traditional social structures and lifestyles.

Rural tourism not only showcases the unique charm of such regions but also serves as a catalyst for sustainable development and cultural preservation.

* A version of this article appears in print in the 21 November, 2024 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly under the title: Egyptian villages best for tourism