Rural Tourism Newsletter

Highlights

3rd Task Force Meeting for Rural Tourism

The 3rd meeting of the Task Force for Rural Tourism, chaired by the Secretary of Tourism, Government of India was convened on October 11, 2023. The agenda included confirming the 2nd meeting, an action taken report, and discussions on topics such as a national competition for the best tourism village and the development of a model rural tourism cluster in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand. Feedback from stakeholders included suggestions for women-led initiatives, AYUSH support, and guidelines for activities in tribal villages.

Experirance Sharing and Familiarization Visits to Gold Awardee Village

Ministry of Tourism, Government of India has selected 35 Best Tourism Villages across the states and union territories. As part of the 12 Action Plan, the first Fam Trip Fam Trip was conducted to Madla Village in Madhya Pradesh. The visit was conducted in collaboration with state tourism board and Ministry of Tourism Government of India. Over 30 representatives from Odisha, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Dadar Nagar Haveli, and Daman & Diu participated in the Fam Trip. Sessions on Best Practices, discussions with the local community and sharing experiences was undertaken during the trip.

State Nodal Officers Meeting

The Central Nodal Agency for Rural Tourism & Rural Homestay recently convened a pivotal state nodal officers meeting on November 23, 2023, attended by over 47 participants from various States/UTs. The meeting commenced with the screening of videos showcasing the Best Tourism Village and Best Rural Homestay Competitions. Discussion on the appointment of Nodal Officers at the state and district levels, etc took place.

Launch of Best Tourism Village Competition 2024 and Best Rural Homestay Competition 2024

Ministry of Tourism, Government of India has announced the launch of the Best Tourism Village Competition 2024 and Best Rural Homestay Competition 2024 through Central Nodal Agency Rural Tourism and Rural Homestay on the World Tourism day 2023 during the Global Launch of the Travel for LiFE Program. The applications for the competitions were opened from 15 November 2023.

Handholding Sessions with States

Ministry of Tourism, Government of India has launched the Best Tourism Village Competition 2024 and Best Rural Homestay Competition 2024 through Central Nodal Agency Rural Tourism and Rural Homestay. CNA – RT & RH has conducted more than 250 sessions for the States and UTs to provide hand holding for the Best Tourism Village Competition 2024 and Best Rural Homestay Competition 2024. The sessions consisted the in-depth understanding of the competitions along with the walkthrough to the process of application of the competitions.

UNWTO Best Tourism Villages 2023

Dhordo (Gujarat) be selected as one of the Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO on this 3rd edition of the initiative (2023). Dhordo got the recognized out of the 260 applications from 60 countries. Along with Dhordo, Madla Village form Madhya Pradesh got recognized under the UNWTO Upgrade Program. An official ceremony for the Best Tourism Villages 2023 was organized on 18 October 2023 in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. Smt. Manisha Saxena, Director General, Ministry of Tourism received the award from Mr. Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary General UNWTO.

UNWTO BTV Upgrade Follow-up & planning meeting

Central Nodal Agency Rural Tourism and Rural Homestay had a meeting with the UNWTO for the follow-up of the Upgrade Program of the village recognized under the Upgrade Program in 2022, Khonoma Nagaland. The meeting had a discussion of the visit of UNWTO Staff along with the expert appointed by UNWTO scheduled in February 2024 in the Khonoma Village for the Mentor Visit prior to the commencement of the Mentorship Programs.

UNWTO Recognized Villages

Dhordo, Gujarat

Dhordo is a small village located in the Kutch district of Gujarat, India, on the edge of the India-Pakistan border. It is about 86 kilometers from the city of Bhuj. The village is home to the annual three-month Rann Utsav festival, which celebrates the unique culture and landscape of the region. The Rann of Kutch is a vast salt marsh that is transformed into a white desert during the winter months. The festival offers visitors a variety of activities, including camel rides, cultural performances, and traditional food and shopping. Dhordo village is also home to a number of other attractions, including the Dhordo Tent City, which offers a variety of accommodation options, including traditional bhungas (mud huts). The village also has a number of restaurants, shops, and other amenities.

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Madla, Madhya Pradesh

Madla is recognized as a village in the Upgrade program of the UNWTO.

The natural scenic beauty with the river, mountains, and forest within just one km of the area, Madla is a rare village in India to have all three natural geography features in a kilometre. Asia's cleanest river Karnawati (Ken) flows through the village. The community's awareness of natural resources is incredible. Madla is just 10 km away from the Pandava Falls and Caves which is near the Panna National Park and Khajuraho - the UNESCO site is just 25 kilometres. Some intangible heritage of the village includes folk music & and dance, local festivals and Bundelkhand cuisine. The architecture of the houses still has the essence of the village. The paintings on the walls of the houses show the local culture and art of the village. The traditional games are still played in the homestays to provide the essence of the local community to tourists.

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Rural Tourism Trailblazer

Sandra Carvao,
Director of Market Intelligence and Competitiveness
UNWTO

1. What trends do you currently observe in the tourism industry, especially in the context of rural and village tourism?

According to the latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer, world destinations welcomed 22% more international tourists in the third quarter of 2023 compared to the same period last year, reflecting a strong summer season. International tourist arrivals hit 91% of pre-pandemic levels in the third quarter. Overall, tourism has recovered 87% of pre-pandemic levels in January-September 2023.

There has been a growing demand for experiential travel as well as for concerns over sustainability and the impact of travel on destinations and communities. Travellers are increasingly seeking authentic experiences in rural and village settings, contributing to the popularity of rural tourism. This includes the search for experiences in rural areas that connect travelers with nature, culture and local traditions including gastronomy as well as wellness and sports. The ‘Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO’ launched in2021 aims to advance the role of tourism in valuing and safeguarding rural villages and promote innovative and transformative approaches that contribute to the three pillars of sustainability – economic, social and environmental – in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Currently, the UNWTO Best Tourism Villages Network brings together 186 members globally, comprising 129 recognized as Best Tourism Villages and 57 villages taking part in the Upgrade Programme, representing overall 55 countries across five world regions. These villages prioritise community involvement, environmental protection and cultural preservation, promote the integration of various areas such as agriculture in the tourism value chain among other areas. . Supporting such initiatives, investing in green infrastructure, and promoting responsible travel are key steps to make tourism provide new opportunities for development in rural areas.

2. Can you share some best practices or successful strategies you've come across in promoting sustainable tourism in rural areas?

Successful strategies often involve community engagement, cultural preservation, and environmental conservation. For example- In one of our Best Tourism Villages from India, Dhordo, traditional circular mud huts called Bhungas are homes to locals and unique tourist lodgings. These resilient structures have existed here for a long time to withstand earthquakes, cyclonic winds, and sandstorms. By preserving Bhungas, the village fosters community engagement, promotes economic development, and offers tourists an intimate connection to the region's rich cultural and architectural heritage.

One of our other Best Tourism Villages, Birgi in Turkey has developed ‘The Efeler Trail’ to promote sustainable rural development. The 28-stage trail, spanning approximately 30 days, intricately connects villages, highlands, and hideouts representing the unique Efe/Zeybek culture, often likened to the swashbuckling genre. This initiative not only offers an engaging walking experience but also contributes to the region's socio-economic development while preserving its rich cultural heritage.

Another good example is the UNWTO Best Tourism Village in Biei, Japan, which has become a model of sustainable farming. The village has a unique approach to crop rotation on steep slopes to ensure fertile soil. This prevents continuous cropping challenges and promotes biodiversity. Specially equipped tractors navigate these hills, symbolizing Biei’s commitment to responsible agriculture.

3. In your experience, what are the key challenges faced in developing and promoting tourism in rural destinations?

According to the findings of the maiden UNWTO report on rural tourism titled “Tourism and Rural Development: A Policy Perspective - Results of the UNWTO Survey on Tourism for Rural Development to Member States” (please find link to the report below), the three biggest challenges for rural development through tourism are infrastructure gap in rural areas, depopulation and lack of education and training.

Infrastructure Gap: Rural areas face a significant deficiency in essential infrastructure, such as transportation, communication, and basic facilities, impeding the seamless development of tourism.
Depopulation: Rural communities are grappling with depopulation, leading to a diminished local workforce and a subsequent decline in economic opportunities, hindering the potential for tourism-driven growth.
Lack of Education and Training: The absence of adequate education and training opportunities in rural areas hampers the development of skilled professionals, limiting the ability to capitalize on the full potential of tourism for sustainable rural development.

4. How does the Best Tourism Villages Initiative contribute to the broader goals and initiatives of UNWTO in promoting rural tourism?

The Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO seeks to transform tourism into a catalyst for rural prosperity and wellbeing. The initiative takes a dual-pronged approach: valuing and preserving rural villages, their landscapes, cultural diversity, and knowledge systems, and advancing innovative strategies aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Moreover, the recognition bestowed upon villages through the Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO not only acknowledges their efforts but also positions them as exemplary models of sustainability for other rural destinations. These recognized villages serve as living examples, showcasing best practices in responsible tourism, community engagement,

and environmental conservation. Furthermore, the villages become part of the UNWTO Best Tourism Network which is the biggest global rural tourism community in which they share their good practices and also are provided with training by experts in several relevant areas.

5. What kind of support or policies do you think are crucial from governments to facilitate the growth of rural tourism?

Governments play a crucial role in facilitating rural tourism development through supportive policies, infrastructure development, and community empowerment. According to the UNWTO report on rural tourism mentioned above, countries are directing their efforts towards enhancing the competitiveness of rural destinations and enriching visitors' experiences. This involves diversifying the array of existing products and routes within rural areas. Notably, the report underscores the emergence of new market opportunities post the COVID-19 pandemic.

UNWTO Member State countries are actively involved in establishing and refining regulatory frameworks to effectively plan and manage the development of rural tourism. Additionally, there is a concerted focus on improving governance through the creation or strengthening of decentralized forms of administration. The report emphasizes the significance of augmenting collective and local modes of management and decision-making processes. Furthermore, there is a dedicated effort towards enhancing infrastructure, basic services, and accessibility in these rural areas.

6. For individuals or entrepreneurs looking to start rural homestays or tourism initiatives, what advice would you give them based on your experiences.

Based on our experiences, it is essential to prioritize understanding the market, promoting community involvement, sustainable practices, and authentic cultural experiences making the destination and experience valued by both residents and visitors. The Best Tourism Villages initiative celebrates destinations that embody these principles.

7. Does the UNWTO actively support and promote women entrepreneurs in the rural tourism sector, and if so, could you provide examples of successful initiatives?

Yes, the UNWTO Tourism for Rural Development Programme actively supports and promotes women entrepreneurs in the rural tourism

sector, with a dedicated focus on gender equality and women's empowerment. The commitment to this cause is evident in the UNWTO Tourism for Rural Development Programme, where Progress Gender Equality and Women’s and Youth Empowerment is outlined as one of the 12 main goals. In many of our Best Tourism Villages initiative, women take the lead, showcasing their invaluable contributions in various domains. For instance, in one of our Best Tourism Villages Pochampally in India, over 10,000 weaving families reside. Women are at the forefront of preserving the ancient art of Pochampally weaving in this silk village. The intricate Ikat weaving, involving an 18-step process, is meticulously executed by skilled women weavers known for their expertise in traditional and geometric patterns.

Similarly, the Best Tourism Village Chacas in Peru is part of the Lurawi Peru programme. Here, women play a pivotal role in ensuring equal opportunities and community development. The Rural Women’s Entrepreneurship Contest in Chacas empowers women to showcase their agricultural and beekeeping productions, contributing actively to the village's economic growth.

At Best Tourism Village of Dongbaek in Republic of Korea, women spearhead the operation of the Dongbaek Village Mill, specializing in camellia products and services. The Women’s Association and the Senior’s Association, with a significant female presence, actively engage in purchasing camellia seeds and organizing experience programs. The Dongbaek Town Preservation and Research Council, with ten female members, strategically plan and manage village tourism enterprises.

8. What are your thoughts on the initiative taken by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, in launching the Best Tourism Village Competition and Best Rural Homestay Competition?

We are very happy to see that the UNWTO Best Tourism Villages Initiative has been an inspiration to progress rural tourism in India. The launch of the Best Tourism Village Competition and Best Rural Homestay Competition at national level by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, demonstrates a commendable commitment to promoting rural tourism. These initiatives align fully with UNWTO work, with global trends and contribute to the sustainable growth of the sector.

9. What opportunities do you see for the growth and expansion of rural tourism in India as a result of these competitions?

These competitions create important opportunities by showcasing India's rich cultural and natural heritage. Winning villages and homestays gain visibility, attracting more tourists and fostering economic development in rural areas. The competitions not only recognize the efforts of local communities but also provide valuable insights and inspiration to others, promote good examples for the global tourism community, contributing to the overall advancement of sustainable and responsible tourism practices worldwide.

10. How can the Central Nodal Agency for Rural Tourism and Rural Homestay (CNA-RT & RH) collaborate with UNWTO in coordinating these competitions and other assigned tasks of the Ministry of Tourism in the future?

It's worth noting that the Ministry of Tourism of India and UNWTO already enjoy an excellent level of cooperation. For instance, the Ministry plays a crucial role in the selection process of villages applying from India for the prestigious Best Tourism Villages recognition by UNWTO. This existing collaboration serves as a strong foundation for future endeavors, facilitating strengthened coordination between the CNA-RT & RH and UNWTO in promoting and advancing rural tourism initiatives. The shared commitment to recognizing and promoting exemplary rural destinations further strengthens the potential for fruitful collaboration between the two entities.

The Central Nodal Agency for Rural Tourism and Rural Homestay (CNA-RT & RH) can collaborate with UNWTO by sharing best practices, participating in knowledge-sharing events, and leveraging the expertise of both entities. This collaboration can further enhance the impact of the Best Tourism Villages initiative and other related tasks assigned by the Ministry of Tourism.

Please find links below to our Best Tourism Villages initiative and rural tourism reports :

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Rural Tourism Industry Initiative

Village Ways

Ms. Manisha Pande

Co-Founder and Managing Director
Village Ways

manisha.pande@villageways.com

1. What trends do you currently observe in the tourism industry, especially in the context of rural and village tourism?

Post Covid, tourism trends witnessed changes and there is a rise in domestic tourists travelling within India. There is an inclination to travel to off -beat locations and also a growing interest towards visiting and staying in villages to experience rural life. Pre Covid, the inbound market was seen as a more prominent source of bookings for rural tourism offerings and the dependency of tour operators and rural tourism companies, was mainly on international travellers. In the absence of international travellers visiting India, tour companies and operators focussed their efforts on domestic market, which also helped to create more marketing avenues within India. Also the efforts from few state governments like Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, have helped to promote the concept of Rural tourism. For international market to return, much efforts are required to reassure travellers of health care facilities especially around remote rural locations. Based on our experiences so far, inbound market has shown recovery from 2023.

4. How does the Village Ways contribute to the broader goals and initiatives of UNWTO in promoting rural tourism?

Village Ways concept is very much aligned to the goals of UNWTO. The aim of our projects is to build livelihood sources for the local communities through tourism. There is a fair distribution of work across the wider community with focus on participation by economically weaker section of the society. There is also a fixed percentage for women participation across all tourism committees, to ensure that they are part of decision making and all tourism activities. Trainings are provided in aspects of hospitality, Health and Hygiene, Language, Guiding etc. Again stress is that these trainings equip the communities with self- confidence and pride in their rich heritage and surrounding environment. We believe that tourism can be used for the holistic development of a rural area, if the ownership rests with the local communities and they work collectively for the development of their regions.

2. Can you share some best practices or successful strategies you've come across in promoting sustainable tourism in rural areas?

We started our work in 2004, when there were very limited examples of rural tourism to refer to and learn from. Therefore, our concept started taking shape from our own research about what model of tourism will work for the benefit of the wider communities in rural areas and how we can minimize the negative impacts on social, cultural and environmental aspects. Overall the two strategies that worked in our projects, were first to bring the communities together to run a tourism enterprise thereby focussing on both shared benefits and shared responsibilities. The second strategy which is also very important, is to keep tourism as an additional source of income for the rural communities rather than it replacing the traditional practices such as farming or fishing etc. This principle helped the resilience of the communities during covid, when tourism activities completely stopped for over 2 years.

5. What kind of support or policies do you think are crucial from governments to facilitate the growth of rural tourism?

Government can support in scaling up good models of tourism, which are well tested on ground. Policies could also be reviewed from time to time , so that there is more practical application and good output of resources provided by the government. Government can also support for trainings and capacity building. Another very important aspect which could be facilitated by government , is tourism institution building at community level, its registration process and also some support for compliancesrelated to managingtourism institutions registered at village community level. Government can also assist on aspects like carrying capacity checksand use of alternate energy usage and encourage responsible tourism practices. Improving access and other basic facilities, will also help promote rural tourism.

3. In your experience, what are the key challenges faced in developing and promoting tourism in rural destinations?

In our experience, for developing a rural tourism destination, the first challenge is to find the resources to build the infrastructure and other facilities. The other challenge, is to bring the community together and convince them to get involved in a benefit sharing model of tourism with shared responsibilities. If the community members work only for their individual interests and benefits , then there is no collective responsibility taken to work towards overall positive development of their community and their village. Another major challenge is marketing especially if the villages are not around tourism zones. The promotions of rural tourism, needs very different strategy, with care to avoid over tourism or disbalance of expectations against realities. In the longer run, marketing can play a very important role to keep up the motivation of the communities and also for the impacts on the wider community and the villages. Also trainings are necessary for being able to professionally run the tourism enterprises and maintain standards of services and this aspect requires support.

6. In what ways do you see technology and innovation playing a role in the future of rural tourism development?

Through technology, there is a benefit for independent marketing avenues for Rural Tourism practitioners. Also, if there is better internet connectivity, then rural areas, can also offer digital payment options to guests, which is much preferred by travellers. Further this will reassure people especially travelling to remote regions of rural India for safety , if the connectivity is better. Innovations can help create build a network of village enterprises , which can support each other and also do cross marketing.
Overall technology and innovation can help to scale up the rural tourism activities, but there cannot be any replacement to human touch and therefore this aspect of personal touch is very important right from booking stage to the looking after of guests in the villages and that is what makes the rural tourism have its own identity.

7. For individuals or entrepreneurs looking to start rural homestays or tourism initiatives, what advice would you give them based on your experiences?

For those looking at starting a rural homestay, the first step is to assess the market potential, as nothing would work if there is no marketing linkages. It is important to set a basic standard list for the facilities you can comfortably provide and maintain, keeping the focus on hygiene and safety. It is always good to create your own benchmarks of standards and also have some basic principles, which you will follow and not change for any guests. This helps build your reputation and also brings a very positive long term impact on the village . It is also important that if there are other rural homestays in your village, you work together in close cooperation rather than competing with each other. If the area is away from tourism zones, then the best way would be to collaborate with responsible tour operators who also work on destination building and support you for marketing and also for maintaining necessary standards for guests.

8. Does the Village Ways actively support and promote women entrepreneurs in the rural tourism sector, and if so, could you provide examples of successful initiatives?

Village Ways supports participation of women at every level of work. With rural communities, there is a fixed percentage of women participation in all ‘Village Tourism committees’ where they are involved in decision making and get equal opportunities for participation in tourism related trainings and activities. We also offer women only tours for our guests which are led by women guides.

9. What are your thoughts on the initiative taken by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, in launching the Best Tourism Village Competition and Best Rural Homestay Competition?

These are very encouraging initiatives and will promote Rural Tourism Enterprises and if the selected villages are supported by the

government to progress and develop further, this will also motivate the development of the village in all aspects and will encourage others to also take part in such initiatives.

10. What opportunities do you see for the growth and expansion of rural tourism in India as a result of these competitions?

I feel that post covid, when tourism is reviving, this is a right timing for increasing awareness about the importance of conserving Rural India and fostering village life. These competitions are rightly timed to motivate and encourage communities to celebrate their traditional , cultural and environmental heritage and also offer a privileged opportunity to travellers to visit and stay in their villages. The growth and sustainability of Rural tourism depends mainly on what principles it has been developed and when communities are collectively working towards using tourism as a tool for overall development of their villages.

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Rural Tourism Abode

Gujarat's Pinnacle of Cultural Brilliance and Preferred Rural Tourism Heaven: Dhordo

Located along the expansive 1600-kilometre coastline of the western coast of India, Gujarat boasts numerous accolades, contributing to its national prestige. The birthplace of eminent leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Gujarat claims the visionary Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, among its distinguished natives. Over the years, Gujarat has evolved into a global tourist heaven, with locations like Rann of Kutch, Smriti Van in Bhuj, Gir National Park, Somnath, Dholavira, and Dhordo among others, gaining the stature of famous tourist spots in the region. Dhordo, known as the crown jewel of Kutch, was recently crowned as the Best Tourism Village of 2023 by the United Nations World Tourism Organization UNWTO.

Over the past decade, Rann Utsav has attracted around 25.70 lakh visitors. The total Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) contribution for the year 2022-23 stands at INR 468 crore. The government of Gujarat has played a pivotal role in advancing the development of the Dhordo region. The Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Limited (TCGL), serving as the nodal agency for the Government of Gujarat, has been instrumental in promoting tourism and has successfully organized Rann Utsav as an annual festival since 2005. Notably, Rann Utsav stands out as the primary economic driver, generating substantial revenue for the village.

Dhordo has evolved from the last frontier of Kutch to a vibrant centre of tradition, art, and eco-friendly living. Tucked away in the stunning landscape of the Great Rann of Kutch, this village emerges as a truly captivating global natural destination. The vast salt marsh, set against the backdrop of the Thar Desert, beckons travellers from both national and international spheres to indulge in its appeal. The vision to transform Dhordo into a thriving tourist destination was the brainchild of then Hon’ble Chief Minister of the State, and current Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi. In its initial stages, Rann Utsav was introduced as a 3-day festival in 2005. Over time, under the leadership of Shri Narendra Modi, it evolved into a month-long extravaganza in 2010-11 and has now expanded to a remarkable 100-day celebration. Taking place from November to February annually, Rann Utsav has become a key event renowned for its vibrant culture, showcasing the traditional art, music, and crafts of the region. Against all odds, particularly in the aftermath of the 2001 earthquake, Rann Utsav has propelled Dhordo tourism to unprecedented heights. Today, it st ands as the primary source of revenue for the village, symbolizing the success of this transformative initiative.

Dhordo - The Village of Brilliance & Radiance woven by Arts, Crafts, Handloom and Living

Being a kaleidoscope of colours, Dhordo vividly showcases its cultural richness through the traditional attire worn by its people. Against the Rann's pristine all-white backdrop, the village's colourful clothing creates a lively and captivating spectacle. The heritage-rich village boasts skilled artisans crafting intricate traditional garments. From Unique handicrafts to handwoven fabrics, and exquisite artwork- each piece narrates the history, people's passion for their land, and an enduring spirit. During the Kutch Festival, the entire village transforms into a live museum, showcasing incredible talent and centuries-old traditions preserved over generations.

The 'Bhunga,' a round-shaped mud hut, stands as a testament to the region's ingenious architectural wisdom, offering eco-friendly and earthquake-resistant housing. The lifestyle of Dhordo's residents serves as a living testament to age-old traditions and sustainable practices passed down through generations. The vivid culture finds expression not only in ceremonial attire but also in everyday clothing crafted from locally sourced materials. Grounded in harmonious coexistence with nature, this way of life has propelled Dhordo into the limelight for

sustainability, earning them prestigious accolades, including the esteemed UNWTO designation.

The World’s Best Tourism Village, Dhordo, is surrounded by remarkable neighbours like Nirona village, celebrated for its traditional Rogan Art, Ajrakhpur Village, known for Ajrakh Block Print Sarees, and Dholavira. Dhordo itself is renowned for its Mud Lippan Art. Additionally, the ‘Road Through Heaven’ linking Dholavira to Dhordo Rann of Kutch earned the prestigious designation of a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2021.

Economic Impact through Tourism

Tourism, a key driver for economic growth, significantly impacts trade, job creation, investment, infrastructure development, and social inclusion. As one of the fastest-growing sectors, its labour-intensive nature has a substantial multiplier effect in allied industries. The promotion of Dhordo on the global tourism map, particularly through events like Rann Utsav, has led to holistic development in the region, aligning with sustainable development goals.

Sustainable Growth: Economy & Environment

The ethos of sustainability runs deep within the veins of Dhordo, exemplifying how living in harmony with nature not only preserves the environment but also propels economic growth. The recognition as the Best Tourism Village by UNWTO is a testament to Dhordo’s commitment to eco-conscious living and its contribution to promoting sustainable tourism. The influx of tourists, especially during the Rann Utsav, has significantly contributed to the economic upliftment of Dhordo, turning it into a model village for sustainable tourism.

Dhordo’s journey from a border village to a region with immense industrial growth, titled the ‘Best Tourism Village’ is nothing short of awe-inspiring. This transformation of Dhordo was made possible through the Gujarat government’s robust policy initiatives, including the Heritage Tourism Policy, promoting conservation through a Private-Public Partnership model, and the Gujarat Tourism Policy, incentivizing investors to construct Bhungas as lodgings. Dhordo’s international recognition is poised to attract more investments and foster employment generation for the state.

Holistic Development of the Dhordo

Tourism in Dhordo has catalyzed impactful changes. The development of the rural economy is evident through enhanced livelihoods, empowering women and youth, and promoting rural transformation. Cultural conservation has seen the establishment of over 20 private resorts and the concept of Home Stay. Overall economic growth is reflected in income generation, agro-based activities, and employment opportunities. Youth and gender empowerment initiatives have encouraged local artisans and supported community bonds. In terms of education, the village has witnessed increased enrollment, especially for girls, under schemes like Kanya Kelvani. Physical infrastructure development includes digital payment accessibility, healthcare, and Swachh Bharat Abhiyan contributions. The 2023 G20 TWG Meeting further showcased Dhordo on a global platform, highlighting its sustainable progress.

Rural Tourism Abode

Dhordo Village

Dhordo village, nestled in the heart of the Great Rann of Kutch in Gujarat, India, is a place where tradition dances with the rhythm of modern development. Recently crowned the Best Tourism Village of 2023 by the UNWTO, Dhordo has transformed from a humble border settlement into a vibrant hub of culture, art, and eco-friendly living. Dhordo is a small village located in the Kutch district of Gujarat, India, on the edge of the India-Pakistan border. It is about 86 kilometers from the city of Bhuj.

The village is home to the annual four-month Rann Utsav festival, which celebrates the unique culture and landscape of the region. The Rann of Kutch is a vast salt marsh that is transformed into a white desert during the winter months. The festival offers visitors a variety of activities, including camel rides, cultural performances, and traditional food and shopping. Dhordo village is also home to a number of other attractions, including the Dhordo Tent City, which offers a variety of accommodation options, including traditional bhungas (mud huts).

The village also has a number of restaurants, shops, and other amenities.Dhordo, located in the Rann of Kutch in Western India, has transformed from a humble marshland into a prominent destination, symbolizing the development in the state of Gujarat. Tourism has played a pivotal role in elevating this once-obscure village to international recognition. Despite facing significant environmental and geographical challenges, including the devastating Bhuj earthquake in 2001, Dhordo has achieved commendable progress.The strategic use of tourism as a tool to showcase the region's potential has yielded remarkable results. The introduction of Rann Utsav, a four-month festival that features a specially

constructed tent city in the desert landscape equipped with all necessary amenities, has been instrumental. During these four months, the village comes alive, showcasing its natural and cultural treasures to visitors. The local economy is thriving as these products gain national and international promotion, attracting consumers who are eager to engage with these resources and learn about their creation.Recognizing the significance of the region's natural and cultural assets, both the local

community and the government have taken proactive measures to conserve and sustainably utilize these limited resources. The government has introduced policies like the Heritage Tourism Policy, which encourages the preservation of old properties through public-private partnerships, and the Gujarat Tourism Policy, which offers financial incentives to investors for the construction of traditional Bhungas as accommodations.

Rural Tourism Routes

Itinerary Dhordo

Dhordo, nestled in the heart of the Great Rann of Kutch, offers various travel options to suit your preferences and budget.Bhuj Airport (BHJ) is the closest domestic airport, approximately 85 km from Dhordo. Bhuj Railway Station is the nearest railway station to this village and Dhordo is well connected by road.

DAY 1

Arrival at Dhordo from Bhuj
12:30 PM - Onwards Welcome & Check–in
12:30 PM to 02:30 PM - Enjoy delicious Lunch.
02:30 PM to 04:00 PM - Indulge yourself in the exciting range of activities.
04:00 PM to 05:00 PM - Hi-Tea
05:00 PM to 05:30 PM - Visit to The White Rann to witness the grandeur of sunset.
07:30 PM to 10:00 PM - Enjoy a scrumptious Dinner.
09:00 PM to 10:30 PM - Enjoy the Culture of Kutch along with entertaining activities at the Cultural Activity Area.

DAY 2

06:30 AM to 07:30 AM - Visit to the White Rann to witness the grandeur of the sunrise.
07:30 AM to 10:00 AM - Breakfast.
10:00 AM to 12:30 PM - Indulge yourself in the exciting range of activities.
12:30 PM to 02:30 PM - Enjoy delicious Lunch.
03:00 PM to 07:30 PM - Tour to Kala Dungar (Black Hill) - the highest point of Kutch. On the route visit to handicraft village "Gandhi nu Gaam".
07:30 PM to 10:00 PM - Enjoy a scrumptious dinner.

DAY 3

06:00 AM to 06:30 AM - Morning Tea
07:30 AM to 09:30 AM - Breakfast
09:30 AM - Check-out

Experience Sharing and Familiarization Trip to Madla, Madhya Pradesh

The Ministry of Tourism (MoT) has identified 35 villages as the Best Tourism Villages in 2023, categorizing them into Gold, Bronze, and Silver. Madla is among the five villages honored in the Gold Category. As part of the 12 action plans outlined by the MoT to enhance these villages, Familiarization visit was organized to Madla village by the Central Nodal Agency Rural Tourism and Rural Homestay (CNA RT & RH) in collaboration with the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board. Representatives from villages and state tourism boards of Jharkhand, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, Maharashtra, and Odisha participated in the Familiarization visit.

The primary goals of the visit were to exchange ideas and share best practices among the states and villages that have been employed by them to boost tourism and hospitality. This initiative, supported by the state tourism board, allowed participating states to learn from Madla village's experiences and identify areas for improvement. Interaction with the local community and homestay owner to discuss practices adopted by the homestay owner and community to increase tourism in the village and the unique experience homestays provide to their guests that make tourists feel more connected to the village and rural life was also organized.

Another workshop covered topics like village organizations, involvement of the community and stakeholders, and sharing of experiences. The CNA RT discussed about the important role of women in improving rural tourism, discussed safety measures for women, and highlighted the BTV and BRH competitions.
A visit to the responsible souvenir center, an interaction session on the solid waste management project supported by Coca Cola foundation under CSR was conducted with the rural women working in the center. Participants learn different approaches of the NGO “Pashoopakshi” and Coca Cola development of Responsible souvenir center and to encourage local women to take part elevate their earnings and learn new skills.

Madla promotes community development at every stage of tourism activity, it provides a platform for the locals to present their art and help in preserving the cultural assets. The establishment of rural homestays provided employment opportunities to the local community.

MPTB identified local Project Support Organizations (PSO) for the on-ground operations involved in promoting and developing Rural Tourism products in the village.

The development of Madla as a tourism village is the result of the convergence of the various government departments including the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Government of India, Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India, Rural Development Department Government of Madhya Pradesh and Rural Development Department Government of India, Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India.

Rural Tourism Trivia