The title is a global initiative, which encourages tourist towns and villages that conserve culture and natural heritage, tradition and diversity. The titles and labels were awarded at the 24th session of the AGM of the World Tourist Organisation (UNWTO), which took place on 2nd December in Madrid. Due to the ongoing pandemic, no representatives of the Municipality of Radovljica were present at the awards ceremony.
The Slovenian Tourist Assocation put together the call for applications at the start of this summer, then chose the finalists from among all the Slovenian applicants. The finalists then produced a more extensive application for the UNWTO, which wrote: ‘Best Tourism Villages by the UNWTO is a completely new initiative that seeks to develop tourism in rural areas and increase recognition of its importance as one of the key pillars for preserving traditional lifestyles, settlements and related cultural landscapes, natural and cultural diversity, local values and activities. At the same time, the UNWTO seeks to focus on innovative approaches that contribute to the growth of the three pillars of sustainability: economic, social and environmental, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals adopted by the World Tourism Organisation.”
Radovljica's application was prepared by the Radovljica Public Institute for Tourism and Culture, and the commission assessed several categories: cultural and natural heritage, conservation of cultural resources, economic, social and environmental sustainability, tourism management, infrastructure and health and safety concerns. Forty four towns and villages were selected, and in Slovenia, in addition to Radovljica, Solčava was also chosen.
