Omonkhona Village Included in UNWTO Program for Developing Tourism Villages

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Omonkhona village in the Baysun district of Surkhandarya region has been recognized as one of the world’s leading tourism villages by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) under the “Best Tourism Villages” project.

This year, over 270 candidates from 65 countries across Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Europe participated in the competition. Omonkhona’s inclusion in the project’s Upgrade Programme marks yet another international acknowledgment of Uzbekistan’s achievements in tourism development.

Nestled in picturesque mountainous terrain, Omonkhona is renowned for its unique natural landscapes, healing springs, historical monuments, intangible cultural heritage, and hospitable local community.

In recent years, the village has been gradually developing its tourism infrastructure, including the construction of a tourism center and facilities to ensure a comfortable stay for visitors. In 2024, Omonkhona was officially granted the status of a tourism village in Uzbekistan.

Being included in the UNWTO Upgrade Programme will further enhance the village’s tourism potential through professional support, educational programs, technical consultations, and knowledge exchange with other countries.

UN experts will develop a strategic roadmap for infrastructure development, conduct training and advisory sessions, assist in improving management, service quality, and marketing systems, and integrate Omonkhona into the international Best Tourism Villages Network.

The UNWTO Best Tourism Villages initiative, launched in 2021, aims to support villages with high tourism potential, preserving cultural and natural assets, promoting ecotourism and agritourism, fostering organic agriculture, and sustaining traditional lifestyles.

In 2023, Sentob village in Navoi region received similar recognition.