Two Indonesian villages, Jatiluwih in Bali and Wukirsari in Yogyakarta, recently achieved global recognition by being crowned World’s Best Tourism Villages 2024 by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).
The prestigious award ceremony, which took place in Colombia on November 15, 2024, celebrated Indonesia’s growing commitment to sustainable and community-based tourism.
This achievement underscores Indonesia’s efforts to promote clean, inclusive, and sustainable tourism practices, setting an example for other villages across the country.
Indonesia’s Minister of Tourism, Widiyanti Putri Wardhana, expressed her pride and optimism during this significant moment.
“I am very proud and optimistic that this award can serve as an inspiration for other tourism villages in Indonesia to continue optimizing their natural wealth, cultural heritage, and community empowerment towards more inclusive and sustainable tourism,” said Widiyanti, as reported by Kompas.com.
Sustainability and Heritage in the World’s Best Tourism Villages 2024
Jatiluwih and Wukirsari exemplify the values honored in the UN Tourism Award for the World’s Best Tourism Villages 2024, showcasing a perfect fusion of sustainability and cultural heritage.
Jatiluwih, located in the heart of Bali, is famous for its UNESCO-designated rice terraces that embody centuries-old sustainable farming methods.
On the other hand, Wukirsari, situated in Yogyakarta, emphasizes Indonesia’s vibrant cultural traditions through its flourishing batik sector and community-oriented tourism.
Both villages not only maintain their distinct identities but also empower local communities to reap the benefits of eco-friendly tourism initiatives.
By focusing on sustainability and tradition, Jatiluwih and Wukirsari set an example for villages globally, demonstrating how tourism can flourish while honoring cultural and environmental values.
This recognition demonstrates Indonesia’s rising prominence and growing leadership in the global movement toward sustainable travel.
What This Recognition Means for Indonesia’s Tourism Future
The recognition of Jatiluwih and Wukirsari as the World’s Best Tourism Villages 2024 has far-reaching implications for Indonesia’s tourism landscape.
This achievement is expected to drive a surge in international tourist interest, boosting local economies and creating new job opportunities in the tourism sector.
Reflecting on this milestone, Indonesia’s Minister of Tourism, Widiyanti Putri Wardhana, emphasized the need for continuous improvement.
“Of course, we must not become complacent with this achievement. The Ministry of Tourism will continue to strengthen the ecosystem of tourism villages through a collective commitment to advancing Indonesian tourism,” she added.
This forward-looking approach ensures that Indonesia remains a global leader in sustainable tourism while inspiring other villages to follow suit.
Looking Ahead: Sustaining Indonesia’s Tourism Excellence
Indonesia’s achievement is not just a milestone but a stepping stone toward sustained excellence in tourism.
Moving forward, the country must focus on scaling these successes by supporting other villages with similar potential.
By fostering collaboration between local communities, the government, and private sectors, Indonesia can ensure that tourism remains both inclusive and environmentally conscious.
Additionally, continuous innovation in cultural preservation and eco-tourism practices will strengthen its global standing.
This achievement is a reminder that sustainable tourism is not a one-time goal but an ongoing journey of growth, preservation, and shared prosperity.
Source: Kompas.com
Image: Getty Images
