Mukim Tanjong Maya in Tutong District and Mukim Amo in Temburong District have successfully submitted their applications for the prestigious Best Tourism Villages award, organised by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).
The Tourism Development Department, under the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism, announced the villages’ participation yesterday. The Best Tourism Villages initiative, launched by the UNWTO in 2021, aims to harness the potential of tourism for rural development and well-being.
Independent experts in various fields, including cultural and natural resource preservation, sustainability, and tourism product development, evaluate the applications based on sustainability, infrastructure, connectivity, and tourism value chain integration.
The winners of the Best Tourism Villages award will be unveiled during UNWTO’s 25th General Assembly from October 16 to 20, 2023, in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
The UNWTO’s Best Tourism Villages programme strives to elevate the role of tourism in appreciating and safeguarding rural communities, their associated landscapes, knowledge systems, biodiversity, cultural heritage, local activities, and values.
The Tourism Development Department collaborated with the Ministry of Home Affairs and the District Offices to identify tourism-related offerings in line with the nine areas of evaluation, including cultural and natural resources, economic sustainability, and health and safety to prepare their applications.
Mukim Tanjong Maya in Tutong District and Mukim Amo in Temburong District were selected exemplifying the Sultanate’s commitment to preserving its rich cultural heritage and pristine natural environments.
The villages offer visitors an opportunity to immerse themselves in local traditions, experience authentic cultural encounters, and contribute to the sustainable socio-economic development of the communities.
The nomination underscores Brunei Darussalam’s dedication to promoting innovative and transformative approaches to rural tourism development, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the three pillars of sustainability: economic, social, and environmental.
By participating in the initiative, the Sultanate aims to showcase the diverse tapestry and unique qualities of its villages, gain international recognition, and attract a greater number of visitors. – James Kon
