The United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) has named Dhordo, a village in Gujarat’s Kutch area, the Best Tourism Village 2023. The community is well-known for its cultural diversity, natural beauty, and the Rann Utsav festival, which takes place every year.
Updated Oct 21, 2023 | 04:21 PM IST
Dhordo Village in Gujarat awarded the Best Tourism Village 2023. Pic Credit: rannutsav.com
Dhordo is a village in the Kutch district of Gujarat. It is the entryway to the Great Rann of Kutch, a massive salt desert covering 27,454 square kilometres. Several semi-nomadic tribal clans have lived in the area for millennia, preserving their customs and values. Dhordo also hosts the Rann Utsav, a cultural event that celebrates the region’s art, music, cuisine, and handicrafts.
The UNWTO has awarded Dhordo the prestigious title of Best Tourism Village 2023. The prize was presented on October 19, 2023, in Uzbekistan’s historic city of Samarkand. Dhordo is one of 26 villages worldwide to achieve this honour for fostering rural areas and maintaining landscapes, cultural variety, local values, and culinary traditions.
The Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO program is part of the UNWTO Tourism for Rural Development Program. It promotes rural development and inclusion, combats depopulation, and promotes innovation and value chain integration through tourism. The selected villages are examined using a variety of factors, including cultural and natural resources, promotion and conservation of cultural resources, economic sustainability, social stability, environmental sustainability, tourism potential and development, and value chain integration.
Dhordo has something for everyone, be it trade fairs, scenic attractions and many more. Pic Credit: ruraltourism.gov.in
Dhordo has checked all the boxes and proven its tourism potential and growth. Every year, thousands of tourists visit the area, particularly during the Rann Utsav celebration. The event runs from October to February and provides guests with a variety of activities and experiences. Camel safaris, hot air balloon flights, cultural events, star gazing, folk music concerts, handicraft exhibitions, and local cuisine tasting are just a few of the activities available.
The town also provides travellers with nice lodging alternatives in the shape of tents and cottages. These are intended to fit in with the natural environment while providing a rustic yet elegant impression. Restaurants, stores, a spa, and medical services are all available in the area.
Dhordo is a community that has successfully used tourism to drive its development and well-being. It has shown the world its unique culture and legacy, earning the respect and admiration of many. The recognition of UNWTO’s Best Tourism Village 2023 attests to the beauty and richness of Dhordo and its inhabitants.
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