Lo Lo Chai Village In Tuyen Quang Hailed By UN Tourism As The Best Tourism Village In Sustainable Rural Tourism

The esteemed designation of one of the Best Tourism Villages in 2025 has been officially conferred upon Lo Lo Chai, a remarkable community nestled within Lung Cu commune, Tuyen Quang province, Vietnam. This significant recognition was granted by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UN Tourism), marking a pivotal moment for the nation’s commitment to responsible and culturally sensitive travel. The announcement was formally made on October 17, 2025, during a ceremony held in Huzhou City, Zhejiang province, China. This singular honor affirms that the comprehensive efforts invested in this specific region have successfully captured international attention, establishing a definitive benchmark for global rural tourism initiatives.

The meticulous selection process was administered by UN Tourism, and it has been established that Lo Lo Chai successfully navigated a competitive field that included a total of 270 applications, which had been submitted from 65 UN Tourism Member States across the world. The village’s exemplary model of integrated tourism management allowed it to advance to an exclusive list of only 52 winners, which hail from 29 different countries spanning all global regions, including Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. It must be noted that another locality from Vietnam, the Quynh Son Community-based Tourism Village in Lang Son province, was also recognized within this prestigious cohort. This dual achievement highlights the growing reputation of the country as a whole for its dedication to developing sustainable and high-quality tourism offerings. Further recognition was granted to villages such as Agaete of Spain, Asuka of Japan, Kandelous of Iran, Pont-Croix of France, and Yangsuri of the Republic of Korea, solidifying the highly diverse and rigorous nature of the global selection.

The Philosophy of Global Tourism Recognition

The foundation of the Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism initiative, which was initially launched in 2021 under the broader UN Tourism for Rural Development Programme, is centered on accelerating the pivotal role that tourism plays in fostering sustainable rural development. The program’s core mandate involves valuing and safeguarding rural areas, along with the associated natural landscapes, unique indigenous knowledge systems, rich biological diversity, and irreplaceable cultural heritage that defines them. The fundamental understanding is that tourism, when managed correctly, can serve as a powerful catalyst for positive change.

This guiding philosophy was eloquently underscored by UN Tourism Secretary General Zurab Pololikashvili in his address regarding the newly designated villages. It was clearly articulated that tourism can be utilized as a potent instrument to further shared prosperity, stimulate inclusive economic growth, and strengthen territorial cohesion specifically within rural areas. The villages that were recognized are deemed to be those communities actively engaged in the preservation of their deeply rooted cultural heritage and the careful safeguarding of their natural resources. Furthermore, these locations are demonstrably focused on creating substantial economic opportunities through the strategic development of their tourism sectors. The exemplary nature of these villages is held up as a demonstration that by thoughtfully embracing tourism, social inclusion can be promoted, and a future can be built where the foundational principle is that no individual or group is unintentionally left behind by progress.

Establishing a Paradigm for Sustainable Community Development

In the years leading up to this international commendation, a concentrated and sustained focus had been placed by the authorities of Tuyen Quang province on the deliberate development of Lo Lo Chai within Lung Cu commune. This initiative was strictly guided by the overarching principles of green and sustainable development, ensuring that expansion was managed responsibly. Significant efforts were systematically channeled into enhancing the fundamental environmental infrastructure of the village. This included the strategic improvement of waste collection and treatment systems, a conscious and proactive reduction in the utilization of single-use plastics, and a dedicated expansion of green spaces across the community. Moreover, access to reliable clean water and the provision of standard sanitation facilities for all visitors were non-negotiable standards that were ensured, reflecting a commitment to both public health and environmental integrity.

Empowering the Local Community and Enhancing Livelihoods

Beyond the physical enhancements to the village, considerable resources were allocated to fortify the local community’s foundational understanding of responsible tourism practices. This was achieved through the implementation of comprehensive training programmes. These sessions focused intensively on developing essential hospitality skills, mastering effective service management techniques, ensuring stringent food safety and hygiene protocols, and imparting critical knowledge regarding fire prevention and emergency response. Furthermore, these programmes stressed the absolute importance of proactive environmental protection and adherence to responsible tourism practices, embedding a culture of sustainability into every service interaction. Through this systematic investment in human capital, the capacity of local residents to manage and benefit from the burgeoning tourism sector was significantly amplified.

The Path Forward: Replication and Regional Integration

In order to strategically position the village within the broader global market, coordinated communication and promotional campaigns were systematically carried out across a multitude of platforms. These efforts were supplemented by proactive tour connection programmes, designed to effectively introduce the unique charm and sustainable practices of Lo Lo Chai to the international tourism market and, critically, to the extensive UN Tourism network. This intentional outreach ensures the village’s profile is elevated beyond regional interest to one of global significance.

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