The United Nations World Tourism Organisation has just announced the 50 winners of the World’s Best Tourism Villages 2024, and one very special community in Bali has been featured on the list.
In fact, two tourist villages from Indonesia have made the top 50, and there is a lot to celebrate.
The Best Tourism Villages initiative is a program run by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation that has proven to be highly impactful in Indonesia, especially in Bali.
The program has also inspired Indonesia to operate its own nationwide best tourism villages awards, which help promote community-based tourism initiatives around the country that put cultural preservation and conservation front and center for curious and inspired travelers.
Penglipuran Village in Bangli has been a previous winner and the impacts of the win can still be seen today.
Now in its fourth edition, 55 villages have been marked as winners in 2024, with communities chosen from over 260 applications from over 60 UN Tourism Member States.
In a statement, UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili explained, “Tourism is a vital tool for inclusion, empowering rural communities to protect and value their rich cultural heritage while driving sustainable development.”
He added, “The Best Tourism Villages initiative not only recognizes the remarkable achievements of these villages but also highlights the transformative power of tourism. By leveraging their unique assets, these communities can foster economic growth, promote local traditions, and enhance the quality of life for their residents.”
Pololikashvili shared, “We celebrate the villages that have embraced tourism as a pathway to empowerment and community well-being, demonstrating that sustainable practices can lead to a brighter future for all.”
Tourism villages are evaluated based on nine key focus points, and Bali’s nominees scored highly on these.
These criteria are Cultural and Natural Resources, Promotion and Conservation of Cultural Resources, Economic Sustainability, Social Sustainability, Environmental Sustainability, Tourism Development and Value Chain Integration, Governance and Prioritization of Tourism, Infrastructure and Connectivity, and Health, Safety, and Security.
Indonesia’s winners in 2024 are none other than Jatiluwih in Tabanan Regency and Wukirsari in Yogyakarta.
The Operations Manager of Jatiluiwh Rice Terraces and Tourism Village, Ketut Purna, told reporters “Astungkara, this is an amazing award. Thanks to the support of all the people, Jatiluiwh Village received the award of one of the best villages in the world in 2024.”
Purna traveled to Colombia to be at the awards ceremony in person. He told reporters, “One of the concerns is the preservation of cultural heritage, preserving the environment, and the development of tourism with full responsibility.”
“Of course, this is not only because of us but also because of the people in Jatiluwih Village who are both committed and have put forward the Tri Hita Karana philosophy to receive this award.”
The Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism says of Jatiluwih that the “ecotourism initiatives empower local communities by involving them in the management of tourism activities.”
“Visitors have the opportunity to engage in traditional farming practices and learn about the significance of the Subak irrigation system, fostering a deeper appreciation for local culture and sustainability.”
“This approach not only enriches the tourist experience but also ensures the preservation of the Subak tradition for future generations.”
Jatiluwih is being developed into a Cultural Heritage Living Museum as one of the best examples of subak heritage in Bali.
The program will continue to build more elements into the interactive day visitor program that enables tourists to experience and learn about local customs and agricultural practices unique to Bali and the rice farming system, as well as the traditional rituals of the community.
Jatiluwih Rice Terraces are open to visitors seven days a week, and tickets can be purchased online or upon arrival.
Tickets for international adults cost IDR 50,000, and for children IDR 40,000, domestic adults pay IDR 15,000, and local children IDR 5,000.
Over the next few weeks, Jatiluwih Rice Terraces will also trial a laser light show that will be performed every night from 6 p.m.
The show is set to become a regular feature on the events schedule as of early December; during the train period, entry to the light show is free.
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