The Pochampally village in the Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district of Telangana has been selected as one of the Best Tourism Villages by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).Â
Pochampally village located around 50 km away from Hyderabad which is well known for its handloom waved Ikat sarees is often referred to as the Silk City of India.Â
- The award will be presented during the 24th session of the UNWTO General Assembly which will be held in Madrid, Spain, from 30 November to 3 December 2021.
Note:
Three Indian villages, namely Ladhpura Khas, Madhya Pradesh; Kongthong village, Meghalaya; and Pochampally village, Telangana, were nominated for UNWTO’s “Best Tourism Villages.”
About Pochampally:
The Pochampally village of Telangana which has a rich historic and cultural significance is known as the Ikat capital of India.
Pochampally Ikat sarees:
i.In 2004, the Pochampally Ikat sarees was granted Geographical Indication (GI) status, giving it both protection and branding.
ii.Pochampally Ikat is the registered property of Pochampally Handloom Weavers’ Cooperative Society Ltd and the Pochampally Handloom Tie and Dye Silk Sarees Manufacturers Association.
Bhoodan Movement:
The Pochampally village is also known as Bhoodan Pochampally to commemorate the Bhoodan Movement that was launched by Acharya Vinobha Bhave from this village on 18th April 1951.
UNWTO’s Best Tourism Village pilot initiative:
i.The Best Tourism Village initiative advances the role of tourism in valuing and safeguarding rural villages along with their landscapes, knowledge systems, biological and cultural diversity, values and activities.
ii.This is in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
iii.The initiative includes three pillars:
- The ‘Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO’ Label:
- The ‘Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO’ Upgrade Programme:
- The ‘Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO’ Network
Aim: to make tourism a driver of rural development and wellbeing.
Areas of Evaluation:
- Cultural and Natural Resources
- Promotion and Conservation of Cultural Resources
- Economic Sustainability
- Social Sustainability
- Environmental Sustainability
- Tourism Potential and Development and Value Chain Integration
- Governance and Prioritization of Tourism
- Infrastructure and Connectivity
- Health, Safety and Security
Click here to know more about UNWTO Best Tourism Villages
About United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO):
UNWTO is responsible for the promotion of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism.
Secretary-General– Zurab Pololikashvili
Headquarters– Madrid, Spain