Ministry of Tourism has extended the deadline for islands with community-based tourism to submit expressions of interest to join the Best Tourism Villages 2023.
Best Tourism Villages is a programme launched by the United Nations Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) in 2021 to encourage the use of tourism as a key resource for growth, development and healthy living. The tourism ministry opened the opportunity for island councils to submit their expressions of interest in order to choose eight islands for the programme. The ministry has extended the deadline for submissions to April 25 to provide the opportunity for more local councils to submit their applications.
The ministry stated that eight of the best islands will be nominated for the programme based on the extent to which they have contributed to the expansion of tourism. The ministry will assist these islands in completing the required application form, candidacy document, video and general presentation.
So far, more than 70 islands in 40 countries have been identified under the programme, which is open to UNWTO member countries. The selected islands are recognised as outstanding examples of tourism development worldwide. In addition, the ministry stated that the selected islands have the opportunity to participate in the Best Tourism Village network and conduct tourism-related programmes with other countries in the network. It will help promote the island and its tourism worldwide.