Latest news with #BestTourismVillages
Trade Arabia
30-04-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Middle East embraces rural tourism with UN Initiative
The Middle East is emerging as a global leader in tourism recovery and transformation. According to the latest World Tourism Barometer from UN Tourism, the region welcomed 95 million international arrivals in 2024, marking a 32% increase compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019, and a 1% rise over 2023—making it the strongest-performing region in the world. While iconic cities and mega-events capture attention, a quieter transformation is underway in the region's rural heartlands. Through the Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism initiative, a dozen Middle Eastern villages are being celebrated for redefining tourism as a force for community empowerment, cultural preservation, and sustainability. The Best Tourism Villages initiative, launched by UN Tourism in 2021, identifies and supports rural destinations that exemplify tourism as a driver of economic opportunity, social inclusion, and environmental stewardship. Since its inception, the programme has received over 800 applications from more than 100 countries and today boasts a network of 254 villages from nearly 60 countries, including 12 from the Middle East. These include: Abo Noghta Castles & Historic Tabab, AlUla Old Town, and Rijal Alma'a in Saudi Arabia; Abu Ghosoun, Dahshour, Siwa, and Gharb Suhayl in Egypt; Umm Qais and Al Sela in Jordan; Douma and Bkassine in Lebanon; and Misfat Al Abriyeen in Oman. Together, they reflect the region's strategic pivot toward tourism diversification—unlocking the potential of lesser-known rural areas while creating jobs, preserving traditions, and promoting regional pride. Tourism That Builds Communities In Egypt, villages like Dashour, Siwa, Gharb Suhayl, and Abu Ghosoun are demonstrating how tourism can empower women, support artisanship, and revive endangered crafts. In Dashour, nearly 250 women produce eco-friendly goods using local palm and Halfa grass. In Siwa, women-led projects are transforming agricultural waste into contemporary crafts, rooted in oasis tradition. In Saudi Arabia, communities in Abo Noghta, Rijal Alma'a, and AlUla Old Town are reviving heritage architecture and fashion, blending storytelling with community-based hospitality. These destinations are bridging tradition with modern experiences—creating a blueprint for cultural tourism in the Kingdom. Jordan's Umm Qais and Al Sela are showcasing accessible, inclusive tourism through local kitchens, women's cooperatives, and education-focused heritage tours. In Lebanon, Bkassine and Douma are using tourism to restore historical infrastructure and support family-run businesses. In Oman, Misfat Al Abriyeen stands out as a model for agro-heritage tourism. Terraced farms, homestays, and local guides are bringing visitors closer to the soul of Omani rural life. A Vision for Sustainable Development Through the Best Tourism Villages initiative, UN Tourism supports participating villages with technical assistance, visibility, and knowledge-sharing. The initiative aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, especially Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and Goal 5 (Gender Equality).
Trade Arabia
30-04-2025
- Trade Arabia
Women are reshaping rural tourism in Mideast: UN Tourism
Across the Middle East, women in rural communities are at the forefront of shaping inclusive, sustainable, and locally rooted tourism. From reviving ancestral crafts to leading community kitchens and handicraft cooperatives, women in several recognised Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism are demonstrating that rural tourism is not just about place—it's about people. The Best Tourism Villages initiative, launched by UN Tourism, identifies rural destinations that are outstanding examples of sustainable tourism—places where tourism contributes to the well-being of local communities while preserving culture and protecting nature. Since its inception, the programme has received over 800 applications from more than 100 countries, and today boasts a global network of 254 villages from nearly 60 countries, including standout communities in the Middle East. In these villages, the initiative not only recognises local efforts but also facilitates access to international visibility, knowledge-sharing, technical support, and partnerships that help scale community-led solutions—particularly those led by women. Women Leading Rural Development in the Region Dashour, Egypt Near Cairo, Dashour's women are leading a revival of Egypt's traditional craft economy. Nearly 250 women have been trained under the Badara Project to transform palm fronds and Halfa grass into carpets, bags, and cloaks. Their eco-friendly products, now showcased at local and international exhibitions, reflect both environmental responsibility and economic opportunity. Siwa, Egypt In the remote western desert, the Baddara project—founded by local artisan Abeer Gedawi—has empowered women to turn agricultural waste into high-value crafts. With support from development programmes focused on sustainable livelihoods, the initiative has created jobs, revived traditional embroidery, and positioned Siwan women as cultural entrepreneurs. Abu Ghosoun, Egypt On the Red Sea coast, women from the Ababda tribe in Abu Ghosoun have established a vibrant handicrafts center supported by the local community and international organisations. Women here create and sell traditional crafts to visitors in Wadi El Gemal Reserve while participating in training in business and design—offering them stable income and cultural pride. Gharb Suhayl, Nubia – Egypt In the Nubian village of Gharb Suhayl, a revitalisation of traditional wicker and embroidery crafts has trained over 300 women. Through support from the EU and national entrepreneurship programmes, Nubian women are building viable craft-based enterprises, training the next generation, and marketing their products to both Egyptian and international visitors. Abo Noghta & Historic Tabab – Saudi Arabia In Saudi Arabia's mountainous Asir region, women are preserving and commercialising traditional Saudi garments, including abayas and headpieces. Their work is featured in exhibitions and cultural festivals, generating new revenue streams and ensuring the continuation of regional artisanal knowledge. Umm Qais – Jordan Situated near Jordan's northern archaeological treasures, the women of Umm Qais are reshaping local tourism through community kitchens, soap-making workshops, and handicraft production. Their initiatives also embrace inclusive tourism, with projects dedicated to accessibility and support for children with disabilities—ensuring that tourism benefits all. Supporting the Sustainable Development Goals The Best Tourism Villages initiative contributes directly to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly Goal 5 (Gender Equality) and Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). By recognising and supporting villages where women are leading rural innovation, the initiative strengthens not only the local tourism sector but also the fabric of rural life.
