UNWTO names Rijal Almaa as one of ‘best tourism villages’ worldwide

UNWTO names Rijal Almaa as one of ‘best tourism villages’ worldwide

Saudi Gazette report MADRID — The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has recognized Rijal Almaa, in Saudi Arabia’s Asir region, as one of the best tourism villages in the world, at a ceremony during the organization's General Assembly in Madrid, Spain. The UNWTO's Best Villages Program which was announced at the Tourism Recovery Summit, held in Riyadh in May this year, aims to celebrate and recognize outstanding examples of rural tourism that combine cultural and natural assets, preserve and promote community-based values and sustain traditional lifestyles and production techniques. The Best Villages Program builds on the AlUla Framework for Inclusive Community Development through tourism which was launched during Saudi Arabia's presidency of the G20, last year. The program celebrates a commitment to sustainability and the use of tourism as a force for positive change within communities. Rijal Almaa was selected from among 175 nominations from 75 countries. The village, which is 45 kilometres west of Abha, in the mountainous Asir region is a unique example of Saudi Arabia's diverse heritage and culture. The village consists of 60 multistory palaces built of natural stone clay and wood. The village stands at the heart of ancient trade networks linking Yemen, the