The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has distinguished the heritage group Historical Villages of Portugal as an example of good practice, this development association announced today.
“The Historical Villages of Portugal (AHP) are one of the six destinations on the planet recognized by the UNWTO as an inspiration and an example of good practice in the sector”, says AHP – Tourism Development Association (ADT) in a statement.
The work developed by the Historical Villages of Portugal network is distinguished by the UNWTO “alongside initiatives from Austria, Vietnam, Georgia, Lebanon, Andorra and Malaysia”.
This is “a new recognition by the institution”, after having awarded the Historical Village of Castelo Rodrigo (Guarda district) as one of the ‘Best Tourist Villages’ and having awarded the same award to the Historical Village of Castelo Novo (municipality of Fundão, Castelo Branco), in 2021 and 2022, respectively.
In its most recent study on tourism in rural areas, entitled ‘Tourism and Rural Development: A Policy Perspective’, the UNWTO makes “several considerations on the current panorama and the steps to follow” and it is in this context that the Historical Villages of Portugal appear “as an example of good practice”.
“In a chapter on the theme ‘How are countries taking advantage of the economic, social, cultural and environmental opportunities brought by tourism?’, AHP appears alongside six other examples that the institution chose [Austria, Vietnam, Georgia, Lebanon, Andorra and Malaysia], among the world panorama, and is the only project mentioned from our country “, according to the note.
In the initial phase, the Portuguese association “focused on infrastructure, the rehabilitation of Historic Villages and the development of economic activities linked to tourism”.
“Now – highlights the World Tourism Organization – the AHP have made an effort to strengthen areas such as communication, tourism animation and relations with public and private agents and local communities”.
The initiatives ‘Cycle 12 in Network’ and ‘Recipes that Tell Stories – Gastronomy and Wines of the Historical Villages of Portugal’ are some of the projects carried out “in order to promote gastronomy and local culture”.
“This is a recognition that demonstrates, once again, AHP – ADT’s commitment to sustainability, in line with the United Nations Agenda 2030 and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. A mission that aims to achieve that the Historical Villages of Portugal achieve carbon neutrality “, underlines the association.
Piódão, in the municipality of Arganil, district of Coimbra, is one of the 12 Historical Villages of Portugal, joined by Almeida, Belmonte, Castelo Mendo, Castelo Novo, Castelo Rodrigo, Idanha-a-Velha, Linhares da Beira, Marialva, Monsanto, Sortelha and Trancoso.
