A partial view of Khonoma village. (Morung File Photo)
Morung Express News
Dimapur | December 28
Khonoma village in Kohima district is among the 20 villages across the globe that was selected for the United Nations’ World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) ‘Upgrade Programme.’ Notably, it is also the only village India to make the list this year.
According to the UNWTO, the Upgrade Programme is part of its larger ‘Best Tourism Villages’ initiative that recognises rural destinations that are embracing tourism as a driver of development and new opportunities for jobs and income, while preserving and promoting community-based values and products. While the villages selected for the Upgrade Programme do not fully meet the criteria to receive recognition as a Best Tourism Village, they are eligible to receive the necessary support from UNWTO and its partners in order to improve elements of the areas identified as gaps in the evaluation process.
With this, Khonoma will also be included in the ‘Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO’ Global Network which will include 51 other villages— 32 that were recognized as Best Tourism Villages and 19 that were identified for the Upgrade Programme. The Network provides a space for exchanging experiences and good practices, learning, and opportunities. It includes experts and public and private sector partners engaged in the promotion of tourism for rural development, as well, according to the UNWTO.
