Madrid, 6 December 2021 (TDI): The Best Tourism Villages 2021 is a worldwide initiative proposed by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). This promotes the tourism role in the preservation of culture, heritage, and natural diversity. Thus, key indicators within 9 areas of evaluation were incorporated into the program. All of them are in line with the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda.
The 24th General Assembly
On the celebration of the UNWTO General Assembly in Madrid, the Minister of Heritage and Tourism of Oman was present. The company that represents the village took the stage to receive the recognition of Misfat al Abriyyin.
This small town is located 1000 meters above sea level in the foothills of the mountains. Additionally, it represents an outstanding example of rural tourism that fosters community values. Therefore, Zurab Pololikashvili, director of the UNWTO, mentioned that “tourism can be an engine of cohesion and social inclusion thanks to the promotion of a fairer distribution of benefits throughout the territory and the empowerment of local communities”.
What is so attractive about Oman’s village?
Misfat Al Abriyeen is characterized as a quiet and unique destination in the Sultanate of Oman. It maintains the balance between nature and the activities of the rural population. In addition, the village “has incredible agricultural terraces, beautiful alleys and old houses built on solid rocks”. That is why Misfat Al Abriyeen is the only village in a Gulf country that scored more than 80 points out of 100 to be part of the Best Tourist Villages by UNWTO. Besides this, Oman shares the Podium with countries like Peru, Portugal, Austria, among others.
The village is approximately 6 km from Al Hamra through an uphill zigzagged road, which is paved all way to the village entrance. Al Hamra is about 200 km from Oman’s capital, Muscat. Likewise, it can be reached by following the main highway connecting Muscat to Al Dakhiliyah, and either continuing all the way to Al Hamra via Bahla or taking the side-road through Tanuf before the exit to Nizwa.
Arantza Renteria is a Peruvian third-year student of International Relations with a specialization in cooperation and development.
Her work experience mostly covers Middle Eastern affairs. Her area of expertise is the Levant. Among these countries, Lebanon, Iraq, and Palestine.
She has worked in intercultural governmental and non-governmental work environments, including the Embassy of Palestine in Lima.
Currently, she leads the Middle East and Gulf Research Desk at The Diplomatic Insight.
