UN names world’s best tourism village in Cebu

MANILA, Philippines — A community in Cebu was named one of the world’s “Best Tourism Villages” by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the government revealed over the weekend.

In a statement, Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat celebrated the recognition given by the UNWTO to Barangay Bojo in Aloguinsan town, home of the world-renowned Bojo River in Cebu.

Tourism officer-in-charge Undersecretary Verna Buensuceso and Philippine Ambassador to Spain Philippe Jones Lhuiller received the award in Madrid last Dec. 2.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) said the award “recognizes the remarkable work of the local community in Bojo, through the Bojo Aloguinsan Ecotourism Association.”

“A local destination being inducted into the UNWTO Best Tourism Villages Program in its pilot year is a testament to the Philippines’ commitment to sustainable tourism development from the national level down to the grassroots,” Puyat said.

“The wealth of our natural resources and unmatched hospitality remains our key strength as we strive for the reopening of the industry to international travelers anchored on the principle of safe and sustainable tourism,” she added.

Barangay Bojo now joins 44 communities in 32 countries recognized by the UNWTO for the award.

A Best Tourism Village is judged by its natural and cultural resources as well as its innovative and transformative actions and commitment to tourism development in line with the sustainable development goals.

The UNWTO program was also launched to advance the role of tourism as a tool for rural development.