The fifth edition of the “Best Tourism Villages” initiative, promoted by the World Tourism Organization, a United Nations entity, distinguished Loriga, Mértola and Vila Nogueira de Azeitão with the “Best Tourist Village 2025” award.
The global organization, meeting in Huzhou, China, also selected Quintadona, in the municipality of Penafiel, to join the Upgrade Programme, aimed at territories that demonstrate high potential for sustainable tourism development. The distinctions were announced this Friday, October 17th, in an official ceremony.
Loriga
Currently, the “Best Tourism Villages” network brings together around two hundred destinations around the world, including Portuguese locations already recognized in previous editions. Castelo Novo, Castelo Rodrigo, Cumeada, Ericeira, Manteigas, Óbidos, Santa Cruz da Graciosa, Sortelha, Vila da Madalena, as well as Ferraria de São João and Vila de Frades, also included in the Upgrade Programme, are part of this list.
In addition to recognizing tourist excellence, the “Best Tourism Village” seal, valid for three years, helps to give visibility to local communities, increase the tourism potential of territories and promote the international sharing of good practices and experiences.
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“This recognition reflects the richness of our national assets”
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In reacting to these distinctions, Carlos Abade, President of Turismo de Portugal, highlights that “this recognition reflects the richness of our national assets and the importance of community dynamics, since tourism is only truly competitive when it contributes to balanced development in all regions. The decentralization and valorization of territories, promoting the diversification of the tourist offer and the creation of value throughout the country, is one of the objectives underlying the work that Turismo de Portugal develops. These awards, won by our towns and villages, by highlighting the effort and dedication of local communities in valuing their territories, are therefore always very significant and inspiring.”
Promoted by World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism), this initiative distinguishes, worldwide, rural destinations with greater tourism capabilities to assert themselves as engines of economic and social development, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Quintadona
CASAXINÉ, Association for the Promotion and Cultural Development of Quintandona