RIYADH: A landmark location in Saudi Arabia’s Asir region has been selected by UN Tourism as one if its best tourism villages 2024.
Abo Noghta and historic Tabab was chosen for its rich heritage, including ancient castles and forts.
The location was named alongside 54 other rural villages worldwide under the theme of “Rural Communities Shaping the Future of Sustainable Travel.”
In a statement, UN Tourism said that the Abo Noghta community has displayed a commitment to eco-friendly renovation techniques by recycling old materials, setting a remarkable standard for sustainable restoration across Asir.
This innovative approach has created new opportunities for the community to flourish, it added.
Zurab Pololikashvili, UN Tourism secretary-general, said that tourism can help rural communities to protect and value their rich cultural heritage while driving sustainable development.
“By leveraging their unique assets, these communities can foster economic growth, promote local traditions, and enhance the quality of life for their residents. We celebrate the villages that have embraced tourism as a pathway to empowerment and community well-being,” he said.
With a legacy of thousands of years in agriculture, Abo Noghta cultivates a diverse range of crops, from wheat and corn to fruit and vegetables. The community also excels in cattle rearing, making it a center for traditional and sustainable farming practices.
To preserve seeds for future planting, Abo Noghta employs a centuries-old technique that involves creating rock structures of varying depths known as “Al-mdafin.” These natural, cool storage spaces protect the seeds, ensuring they remain fresh and ready for the next season.
The best tourism village initiative resulted in 260 applications from more than 60 UN Tourism member states.
The initiative is part of UN Tourism’s rural development program aimed at encouraging development in rural areas, as well as combating depopulation and encouraging sustainable practices.
Previously, the villages were evaluated under nine key areas: 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.
