AMMAN — Umm Qais, a village in northern Jordan, has been
named among the ‘Best Tourism Villages 2022’ by the World Tourism Organization
(UNWTO), as a recognition of its commitment to innovation and sustainability ,
according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra.
اضافة اعلان
Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Nayef Fayez, on Wednesday said that
putting the village of Umm Qais on the list is a push factor for tourism in
Jordan, and will contribute to empowering local communities, and increasing job
opportunities.
"This achievement comes within the ministry's vision, and in compliance
with its tourism development plan through the Jordan National Tourism Strategy
2021-2025, which places the tourism sector at the heart of Jordan's economy and
society," he added.
To celebrate the achievement, festivals, art exhibitions, forums, and showcases
of industries and handicrafts, will be held in the village.
Umm Qais and 135 villages were put forward for consideration by UNWTO Member
States based on a set of criteria covering cultural and natural resources,
promotion and conservation of cultural resources, economic sustainability,
social sustainability, environmental sustainability, tourism development,
governance and prioritization of tourism, infrastructure and connectivity, and
health, safety, and security.
The Best Tourism Villages initiative is the flagship project of the UNWTO
Tourism for Rural Development Program. It aims to ensure tourism contributes to
reducing regional inequalities in income and development, fighting
depopulation, progressing gender equality and women’s and youth empowerment,
and advancing innovation and digitalization.
It also focuses on improving connectivity, infrastructure, access to finance
and investment, innovating in product development and value chain integration,
promoting sustainable practices for more efficient use of resources and a
reduction of emissions and waste, and enhancing education and skills.
The village of Umm Qais lays in the northwestern corner of Jordan, on the hills
above the Jordan Valley. It was previously known as the Decapolis city of
Gadara, and is famous for its impressive colonnaded streets, vaulted terrace,
and the ruins of two theaters.
Read more National news
Jordan News
.jpg)
.jpg)
