As a year of travel that was marked largely by overtourism protests in Barcelona, Oaxaca and Venice draws to a close, the appeal of offbeat vacations continues to grow.

To wit, consider these spots you’ve likely never heard of: secluded Graciosa Island on the Azores, the remote fishing village Roches Noires in northeastern Mauritius, or mountainous Wukirsari, Indonesia, 270 miles east of Jakarta. They’re among the 55 small, rural escapes around the world that earned a spot in the 2024 edition of UN Tourism’s “Best Tourism Villages.” The list of winning destinations, previewed exclusively by Bloomberg News, was released on Nov. 14 at the organization’s Executive Council meeting in Cartagena, Colombia.

The initiative, started in 2021, aims to raise awareness of lesser-known places worth visiting—and also reward responsible tourism management. Put simply, these destinations are using visitation funds in a way that boosts their cultural practices, preserves biodiversity and improves quality of life for locals. Each village also counts fewer than 15,000 inhabitants and maintains traditional activities such as agriculture and fishing.

“The Best Tourism Villages initiative not only recognizes the remarkable achievements of these villages but also highlights the transformative power of tourism,” says UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili.

Among this year’s worthy escapes are rural villages in Panama and Guatemala, two countries appearing on the list for the first time. Panama’s historic northern port of Portobelo, for example, draws smaller crowds despite its tranquil Caribbean beaches and significant colonial past. But it also stood out because tourism there helps fund cultural heritage preservation activities for youth through the Bahía de Portobelo Foundation, as well as coral reef restoration projects.

Appearing on this coveted list can lead to increased visitation from higher-spending travelers, too. For instance, in Aragon, Spain, the village of Alquezar’s mountain trekking, canyoning and hiking used to draw mostly visitors from France and Spain, but since its win in 2022, international visitors from Japan and China have vacationed there, according to Alquezar Mayor Ana Blasco Castillo. Sandra Carvao, who helps develop rural tourism as a director at UN Tourism, sees this as one of the major pluses of the Best Tourism Villages initiative, in addition to diverting travelers from major hot spots. “It’s really to make sure that the sector can benefit places which wouldn’t necessarily be top of your mind,” she says.

This year’s winners were selected from 260 nominations that UN Tourism received from more than 60 member countries. We highlighted five that are easily accessible.

Splugen, Switzerland

Splugen, in the Swiss Alps near the Italian border, is smaller in size as a ski getaway than, say, the busier and glitzy St. Moritz just an hour-and-a-half scenic drive east. But that’s exactly the draw: It’s a quieter winter sports vacation destination that doubles as an under-the-radar spot in the spring and summer, with access to crystal clear lakes and Beverin Regional Nature Park. Splügen became part of this protected area in 2020, joining more than 10 communities living here who’ve committed to play a part in preserving it. Next year boutique property Speluca Brewery Hotel is set to open; its design makes use of formerly abandoned spaces on the village’s outskirts, including an old barn and a former hotel from the 1960s, plus new structures that will reflect the village’s traditional timber aesthetic. Splügen’s communities want to attract more year-round visitors as well, whom they expect once the future Rheinwald Resort AG project is completed, featuring a mix of rooms and a campsite for long-term stays.

San Rafael de la Laguna, Ecuador

San Rafael de la Laguna serves as a reminder of Ecuador’s outsize natural riches—sitting in the foothills of the Andes, just under a two-hour drive north of Quito. It’s close to Imbakucha, or the lake of the gods, also commonly known as Lago San Pablo. You can hop on guided tours to spot herons and ducks from traditional boats made from totora reeds, a local aquatic plant growing abundantly in the area. Cycling enthusiasts will find routes that traverse the Otavalo Valley, and the village also celebrates vibrant Indigenous rooted festivals. The Pawkar Raymi marks the start of the agricultural season in early March, in alignment with the spring equinox, and the Inti Raymi celebrates the winter solstice in the Southern Hemisphere. Expect plenty of community events for both, including traditional Andean music and dance. If you’re more into hands-on experiences, craft workshops teach you to make baskets, trays and hats out of totora reeds.

Gharb Suhayl, Egypt

If you’re set on visiting the Grand Egyptian Museum in 2025, it would be worth including a stop in Aswan, south of Giza. From there, hop on a 30-minute boat ride south to reach the peaceful, ancient Nubian village of Gharb Suhayl, set on the banks of the Nile. Beyond its brightly painted homes in blue, yellow and ocher, you’ll find striking art murals, said to give the area the feel of a living outdoor museum. You’re likely to be invited into a Nubian family’s home to learn about the way of life, and you could also spend time shopping in souks for crafts, jewelry and spices. A handful of luxury tour operators, such as Black Tomato, offer stops in Aswan, continuing down the Nile to Abu Simbel.

Pissouri, Cyprus

On Cyprus’ rugged southwestern coast, Pissouri offers a quieter alternative to resort town Limassol, which lies just a 30-minute drive east. You’ll have your pick of outdoor activities in Pissouri, including the Cape Astrot hiking trail, tucked along gigantic rock formations, for jaw-dropping vistas over a turquoise bay and its pebble sand beach. The agricultural village’s cobblestoned square is lined with local tavernas where you can dine on Cypriot meze—small plates of local cheeses, olives, seafood and grilled meats, as well as dips. For a deeper dive into Pissouri’s heritage, get a guided tour at G Theophamous Winery on the history of Pissouri’s Sultanina grape and winemaking traditions. To draw more visitors in the future, this small agricultural village is working on an accessible hiking trail for disabled travelers, as well as a House of Halloumi Museum— named after Cyprus’ signature cheese—that will showcase this region’s dairy products.

Uaxactún, Guatemala

Most people head to Tikal National Park and unknowingly bypass Uaxactún, an ancient Mayan historical site located just a 30-minute drive north. But it counts uncrowded forest trails where you can observe the area’s temples, including a ceremonial complex, stelae and an astronomy observatory that the Maya once used to mark celestial events. Uaxactún was at its peak from 600 A.D. to 900 A.D., when it was an important center for art and astronomy. In March the eponymous village celebrates the spring equinox festival through sacred ceremonies at the site that include chants, fires and drumming. Inquire about a craftmaking workshop with local women’s group Brisas de la Selva Maya, where you’ll learn to make necklaces and bracelets from forest-sourced elements such as seeds, mushrooms and flowers.

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A unique tourism experience is being introduced in Heilongjiang province, China, where tourists can walk the back-breaking difficult routes of former exiles while wearing handcuffs and prisoner uniforms, according to South China Morning Post.

In an effort to increase tourism and revenue, the project, which is scheduled to begin in December, has generated a lot of discussion on Chinese social media.It is hoped that this creative package will significantly boost tourism numbers and revenues.

According to SCMP, Mudanjiang city, located in the southeast of Heilongjiang, was home to Ningguta, an ancient military town and one of the most renowned locations for exile.Historical records indicate that over 1.5 million people were banished to Ningguta for serious crimes during the Qing dynasty (1644-1911).

Many prisoners faced long, gruelling journeys, with many perishing along the way, while survivors were often enslaved by local officials.Ningguta gained modern notoriety through the hit historical drama Empresses in the Palace, in which Emperor Yongzheng exiles his consort’s family there.

On mainland social media, this experience of ancient punishment has received a lot of attention.

“I can’t wait to go to Ningguta this winter and do a ‘prisoner’ hike,” one Weibo online observer wrote in anticipation. It sounds like a great way to relieve tension.

“It’s a creative way to promote local history and culture that appeals to young people,” said another.

There are conflicting views also: “Many intellectuals and patriots were forcibly exiled from Ningguta, which was a tragic location in ancient China.” This behaviour is insensitive to that traumatic past.

Japan:

Mount Fuji’s summer climbing season began on Monday with new crowd control measures to combat over-tourism on the Japanese volcano’s most popular trail.

An entry fee of 2,000 yen ($13) plus an optional donation is being charged for those taking on the Yoshida Trail, and numbers are capped at 4,000 per day.

Online reservations have also been introduced this year by authorities concerned about safety and environmental damage on Japan’s highest mountain.

“I really like the idea because if you respect the mountain, you have to limit the people,” hiker Chetna Joshi told AFP at the trail’s Fifth Station — a busy starting point for hikers that is reachable by car.

The 47-year-old from India compared the crowds seen at Fuji in recent years to the “traffic jam” of climbers at the peak of Mount Everest.

Although windy and drizzly weather on Monday prevented hikers from reaching the summit, Joshi said ascending part way was still a “great experience”.

“I love mountains. I think it is not giving me permission this time, that’s OK. I accept it,” she said.

Record tourist crowds are flocking to Japan post-pandemic, with many wanting to see or scale Mount Fuji.

The mountain is covered in snow most of the year but draws more than 220,000 visitors each July-September climbing period.

Many trudge through the night to see the sunrise from the 3,776-metre (12,388-foot) summit.

Some sleep on the trail or start fires for heat, while others attempt to complete the hike without breaks, becoming sick or injured as a result.

 ‘Crazy adventure’ 

The once-peaceful pilgrimage site has three other main routes that will remain free to climb.

But the Yoshida Trail — accessed from Tokyo relatively easily — is the preferred option for most holidaymakers, with around 60 per cent of climbers choosing that route.

Each summer, reports in Japanese media describe tourists climbing Mount Fuji with insufficient mountaineering equipment.

The new measures were introduced “first and foremost to protect lives”, governor Kotaro Nagasaki of Yamanashi prefecture has said.

In a reminder of the dangers, last week four bodies were found near the summit, according to local media reports.

“I personally feel like I’ve over-prepared,” Geoffrey Kula, a climber from the United States, told AFP.

“Having looked at the forecast, being ready to swap out multiple outfits if clothes get wet and things like that. Yeah, it just seems like another crazy adventure.”

Tourist hotspot 

Monthly visitors to Japan exceeded three million for the first time in March, and then again in April and May.

The tourism chief has deemed the country’s ambitious goal of attracting 60 million foreign tourists well within reach, having last year welcomed more than 25 million.

Mount Fuji is about two hours from central Tokyo by train and can be seen for miles around.

The mountain is a symbol of Japan that has been immortalised in countless artworks, including Hokusai’s “Great Wave”.

But as in other tourist hotspots, such as Venice — which recently launched a trial of entry fees for day visitors — the influx has not been universally welcomed.

In May, a town near Mount Fuji mounted a large barrier at a popular viewing spot for the volcano in an attempt to deter photo-taking by an ever-growing number of tourists.

Residents were fed up with streams of mostly foreign visitors littering, trespassing and breaking traffic rules in their hunt for a photo to share on social media.

Similar woes have befallen the country’s ancient capital of Kyoto, where locals have complained of tourists harassing the city’s famed geisha.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Srinagar:

Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, has been officially recognised as a ‘World Craft City’ by the World Crafts Council, an official spokesperson said here. The recognition would boost the handloom and handicraft sector, which will benefit tourism and infrastructure development, the spokesperson said.

“This prestigious honour underscores the city’s rich heritage and the exceptional skills of its artisans whose dedication and artistry have earned global acclaim,” the spokesperson said Sunday evening.

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said the recognition is a testament to the hard work and exceptional talent of artisans and it highlights the cultural richness of Srinagar.

“We are committed to supporting our artisans and ensuring that this accolade translates into tangible benefits for the community,” he said.

Mr Sinha said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has shown steadfast support for Jammu and Kashmir’s handicraft and handloom sector.

The recognition as a ‘World Craft City’ will have a transformative impact on the handloom and handicraft sector, fostering growth, sustainability, and innovation.

With increased global recognition, Srinagar’s crafts will gain enhanced visibility on the international stage, opening up new markets and opportunities for artisans, the spokesperson said.

The sector is likely to attract greater investment and funding, aiding in infrastructure development and introducing modern techniques while preserving traditional methods, he said.

“Artisans will have access to advanced training programmes and workshops, further honing their skills and fostering innovation in their craft. The increase in demand for Srinagar’s unique crafts is expected to boost production, leading to job creation and improved livelihoods for artisans and their families,” he said.

Tourism in Srinagar is also set to benefit significantly from this recognition. The city is expected to draw more tourists interested in cultural and craft heritage, providing them with immersive experiences of the vibrant artisan communities, the spokesperson said.

He said the city’s cultural and craft heritage will attract tourists seeking authentic experiences, including visits to artisan workshops and cultural events showcasing Srinagar’s vibrant crafts.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Bangkok:

Thailand’s government said on Tuesday it had approved longer visa stay periods for tourists, postgraduate students and remote workers, and better visa conditions for retirees, in a move to boost its crucial tourism sector as its economy stutters.

Starting in June, Thailand will allow travelers from 93 countries to stay for periods of 60 days, up from the current 57 nations, while more will also be eligible for visas on arrival, government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke told reporters.

Foreign students will be permitted to stay for an additional year upon graduation, while insurance requirements for foreigners seeking to retire in Thailand will be relaxed, he added.

Tourism is a key driver of Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy and a big source of employment.

The new measures come as part of an effort to boost visitors, especially from its main and fastest-growing markets, by extending stay limits to 60 days from 30 days for on-arrival visas.

The validity of so-called “digital nomad” visas for self-employed, remote workers will be extended to five years, from 60 days presently, with each stay limited to 180 days.

Thailand recorded 14.3 million tourists in from January to May 26 this year and is targeting a record 40 million foreign arrivals for the full year, with revenue of 3.5 trillion baht ($95.73 billion).

In pre-pandemic 2019, Thailand welcomed a record 39.9 million arrivals, generating 1.91 trillion baht.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Spring is officially underway in North America and Europe, and crowds have rushed to dine out on terraces, bike along flowery meadows and boat in parks. It’s a window of pleasant weather that scientists predict will give way to another record-breaking scorcher of a summer.

If this window feels short-lived, there’s reason to believe it’s growing – at least in some parts of the world.

By the end of the century, residents of northern countries will generally see sunny, springlike balm appear earlier in the winter. Conversely, those in the south-including equatorial regions and extending into Southern Europe and the US-will for the most part enjoy fewer days of temperate weather year-round.

So concludes an innovative study out of Massachusetts Institute of Technology, published in the Journal of Climate in March, that predicts the long-term effects of climate change on specific destinations around the world. The research combines data from 50 climate models to chart the ways in which “outdoor days” will be numbered in various destinations by 2100.

The term refers to 24-hour windows in which temperatures are pleasant enough for most people to enjoy outdoor activities. (Winter sports don’t count.) The implications are enormous for quality of life, travel and tourism.

“Changes in the number of outdoor days will impact directly how people around the world feel climate change,” said MIT environmental engineering professor Elfatih Eltahir, who led the study, via email.

There are clear winners and losers.

“Russia, Canada and other Global North countries will get more outdoor days in the future,” says Yeonwoo Choi, a postdoctoral researcher at MIT and member of the research team. “On the other hand, developing countries such as Ivory Coast will get fewer outdoor days, so there is a clear disparity between the Global North and the Global South.”

The study’s findings align with the fact that the impacts of climate change will be more pronounced in the Global South, despite its countries having contributed fewer manmade greenhouse gas emissions.

While these changes will affect residents in such destinations far more profoundly than visitors, it’s worth considering how climate change will alter the places that tourists visit. It has implications for where people will go and when they will travel, as well as for the tourism economies of countries that rely on vacationers.

With this in mind, we used MIT’s data to create a scorecard showing how outdoor days will fluctuate in the world’s most visited tourist destinations-a ranking produced most recently by UN Tourism in 2022.

Extending beyond these most-visited countries, certain trends remain true.

The greatest impacts are expected in tropical destinations. The Dominican Republic, with 124 fewer outdoor days by 2100, will see a 50% drop in temperate climate year-round. Mexico, India, Thailand and Egypt, all in the Northern Hemisphere, will experience similar reductions, losing from 55 to 86 outdoor days a year. The United Arab Emirates will suffer, too; it’s expected to lose 85 days of good weather annually, not accounting for a possible uptick in the torrential rains that this month brought Dubai’s airport to an unprecedented standstill.

In contrast, France, the UK, Germany and Austria will gain from 18 to 60 outdoor days by 2100. This will be largely be due to warmer winters-unwelcome news for the ski industry. In the Mediterranean, Greece is estimated to lose more than 30 outdoor days by 2100 due to hot summer temperatures from May to September.

O’Shannon Burns, sustainable tourism consultant and program manager at Cornell University’s Center for Sustainable Global Enterprise, says this is the first time she has seen a study using outdoor days to highlight climate change impacts. “This really drives home how deeply the travel sector is going to be affected by climate change,” she says-“and the importance of climate action-planning at the destination level.”

Want to see how outdoor days will change in your state or country? Use this website to find out. Select “SSP1-2.6” for results that reflect a more optimistic climate change outlook and “SSP5-8.5” to explore a darker scenario. Customize the results further by using “Variable” to select the range of outdoor temperatures you find comfortable.

Bangkok:

Thailand will waive visa requirements for arrivals from India and Taiwan from next month to May 2024, a government official said on Tuesday, in a bid to draw in more tourists as the high season approaches.

Thailand in September scrapped visa requirements for Chinese tourists, the country’s top pre-pandemic tourism market with 11 million of the record 39 million arrivals in 2019.

From January to October 29, there were 22 million visitors to Thailand, generating 927.5 billion baht ($25.67 billion), according to the latest government data.

“Arrivals from India and Taiwan can enter Thailand for 30 days,” spokesperson Chai Wacharonke said.

India has been Thailand’s fourth largest source market for tourism so far this year with about 1.2 million arrivals after Malaysia, China and South Korea.

Inbound tourism from India showed signs of growth as more airlines and hospitality chains targeted that market.

Thailand is targeting about 28 million arrivals this year, with the new government hoping the travel sector can offset continued weak exports that have constrained economic growth.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

The Union Budget 2023 incentivised domestic tourism for the middle class, announcing sector-specific skilling and entrepreneurship development to achieve the objectives of the Dekho Apna Desh initiative. Image for representation purpose only.
| Photo Credit: H.S. Manjunath

Upto 50 new tourist destinations will be developed; an information-driven app will be created for tourists; and ‘’Unity Malls” will be set up in State capitals to showcase handicrafts and products with geographical indication (GI) status. These are among the slew of measures announced in the Union Budget for promotion of tourism that will go into “mission mode”, said Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, as she presented the Budget in Parliament on February 1.

There was, however, no increase in Budget allocation which remained at ₹2,400 crore as last year.

Explained | Budget 2023: How is money allocated and where does it come from?

These 50 destinations would be selected through a challenge, and developed as a complete package, using an integrated and innovative approach. The mobile app will provide tourist-friendly information like physical and virtual connectivity, and details on tourist guides, amongst other guidance. A high standard of street food would be ensured, to enhance the tourist experience, Ms Sitharaman said.

The Budget also incentivised domestic tourism for the middle class, announcing sector-specific skilling and entrepreneurship development to achieve the objectives of the Dekho Apna Desh initiative. The scheme was launched as an appeal to the middle class to pick domestic destinations over international ones.

Under another scheme, the Vibrant Villages Programme, tourism infrastructure and amenities will be facilitated in border villages.

The Finance Minister said states will be encouraged to set up a Unity Mall in their state capitals, or the most prominent tourism centre, or the financial capital. These malls would work towards the promotion and sale of each State’s own ODOP (one district, one product) and other handicrafts. They would also provide space for such products of all other States.

“The country offers immense attraction for domestic as well as foreign tourists. There is a large potential to be tapped in tourism. The sector holds huge opportunities for jobs and entrepreneurship for youth in particular. Promotion of tourism will be taken up on mission mode, with active participation of States, convergence of government programmes and public-private partnerships,” she said.

Stakeholders in the tourism sector, however, had mixed reactions.

“While we are thankful that the Finance Minister has touched upon developing tourism on a mission mode along with destination development, the Indian tourism, travel and hospitality industry was keenly looking forward to getting the vital infrastructure status, to be treated at par with merchandise exports and to have gotten enhanced support to tourism for global marketing,” Nakul Anand, Chairman, Federation of Associations in Indian Tourism and Hospitality (FAITH), said.

Rajiv Mehra, President, Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO), said measures like development of tourism infrastructure at border villages and the development of 50 tourist destinations was very encouraging, as these would help in the growth of domestic and international tourism in India. He, however added, “None of our demands like rationalization of GST [goods and services tax] on tourism industry, exemption of GST on foreign exchange earnings and refund of tax on shopping under Tax Refund to Tourist (TRT) Scheme on shopping, for which there is already a provision in the GST Act, have been considered”.

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