Ukraine's Urych and Vorokhta earn spot in UN's Best Tourism Villages

The villages of Urych and Vorokhta, located in Lviv and Ivano-Frankivsk oblasts of Ukraine respectively, have been included in the Best Tourism Villages list by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO).

Source: Lviv Oblast Council

Details: The village of Urych is renowned for the Tustan fortress ruins, a unique site that attracts numerous visitors.

Quote: "Urych is also situated in the ethnographic region of Boykivshchyna, where traditional customs, dialects, and crafts are meticulously preserved. As a leader in heritage tourism, Urych not only showcases its historical and cultural treasures but also emphasises sustainable tourism practices, creating an immersive experience for visitors while ensuring the protection of its unique heritage."

Details: Experts highlighted Vorokhta's picturesque location in the Ukrainian Carpathians.

Quote: "Vorokhta is a picturesque mountain resort nestled in the Ukrainian Carpathians at an altitude of 850 metres above sea level. Located along the pristine Prut River and surrounded by majestic mountains and lush forests, this charming town offers a rich natural environment that promotes health and wellness, thanks to its vitamin D-rich climate. Vorokhta is not only a sanctuary for relaxation but also a vibrant hub for adventure, boasting a variety of accommodations, from hotels to guesthouses."

The winners were announced during the 122nd session of the UNWTO Executive Council in Cartagena, Colombia. The awards will be presented on 28 November at the Third National Tourism Summit in Lviv, as reported by the State Agency for Tourism Development of Ukraine.

Launched in 2021, the Best Tourism Villages initiative aims to boost rural tourism while preserving landscapes, cultural diversity, local values and culinary traditions. The network currently includes 254 villages worldwide.

Applications were assessed by the Advisory Board from a pool of 260 participants representing over 60 countries. The villages were evaluated based on nine criteria:

• Natural resources;
• Promotion and preservation of culture;
• Economic sustainability;
• Social sustainability;
• Ecology;
• Tourism development;
• Governance and prioritisation of tourism;
• Infrastructure;
• Health, safety and security.

The list includes villages from various countries, such as Spain, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Mexico and Panama.

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