UN announces best tourism villages, including a village in Uzbekistan

Omonkhona village in Boysun district of Surkhandarya region has been recognized as one of the winners of the “Best Tourism Villages” project organized by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). This was reported by the Tourism Committee.

According to the committee, the competition received over 270 nominations from 65 countries across Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Europe. Omonkhona village was included in the project’s Upgrade Programme. This global initiative aims to draw attention to tourism villages and to preserve the unique culture, traditions, and natural beauty of small villages.

Omonkhona village is renowned for its natural landscapes, healing springs, historical monuments, intangible cultural heritage, and hospitable population. It was officially granted the status of a tourism village in Uzbekistan in 2024.

For context, the UNWTO “Best Tourism Villages” competition has been held since 2021. The recognition is awarded to villages that demonstrate excellence in ecological and agrotourism, preserving cultural and natural values, organic food production, and traditional lifestyles, and are recognized as leading tourism villages globally.

Previously, Sentob village in Navoi region was also recognized under this project in 2023.

It is worth noting that the “CNN Travel” portal, popular among travel enthusiasts, recently presented a list of the world’s 50 best breads, which included Uzbek bread.