Wukirsari Tourism Village Takes the Crown in Global Competition!
TEMPO.CO from Yogyakarta reports a delightful revelation that Wukirsari Tourism Village in Imogiri District, Bantul Regency, is now basking in the glory of being awarded the Best Tourism Village of 2024 by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). Yes, you heard that right! Wukirsari has risen to be one of the 55 best tourism villages on this globe!
The announcement, which was made in the picturesque Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, on Thursday, November 14, 2024, was streamed for your convenience on the official UNWTO YouTube channel. Forget Netflix—this is the kind of must-watch content we live for, folks! Wukirsari managed to upstage some rather famous competitors from various corners of the world, proving that great things come in small, picturesque packages.
Agus Budiraharja, the Bantul Regency Secretary, expressed sheer delight, saying, “This award is a global recognition of our tourism village.” Of course, he also sings the praises of their abundant heritage—who doesn’t love a bit of bragging when you hit the world stage, eh?
But don’t think it’s just about pretty views and a friendly neighborhood vibe. No, no, this award was based on a comprehensive evaluation that looked at natural and cultural resources, innovative actions, and the commitment to sustainable tourism development. Are we sure they weren’t judging on who could make the best satay? Hmm, that would have been a tough competition.
Wukirsari is no secret to local or international travelers. It’s home to the renowned Giriloyo batik—yes, the hand-drawn kind that’s been perfected over generations. To give credit where it’s due: you can’t serve just any batik on a plate; it seems only the finest will do! This area is also famed for its tatah sungging and keris crafts, along with royal tombs that are both exotic and historical. All this combined gives visitors an experience richer than your average five-star meal.
Now, Bahtiar, who manages Kampung Batik Giriloyo, is optimistic about the future glory of Wukirsari. He said, “We have two intangible cultural heritages: wayang (shadow puppetry) and batik.” Now I don’t know about you, but having a shadow puppet show while sipping locally brewed coffee seems like a dream scenario!
Curiously, for those aspiring villages aiming for world recognition, there are 300 indicators involved in the World Tourism Village Award process. Yes, you heard it right: 300! So if you thought your last job application was a complicated affair, try applying to be a world-class tourism village. You’d need legal documents, regulations, and a small army of enthusiastic braggarts—err, I mean advocates!
So there you have it! Wukirsari’s dedication to preserving its cultural heritage and sustainable practices proves that you don’t need to be a flashy city to shine on the world stage. Instead, you just need a bit of creativity, a splash of tradition, and perhaps a side of batik. Congratulations, Wukirsari—may your fame continue to spread like butter on a warm croissant!
Want more updates on world-class tourism destinations? Click here for the latest news from Tempo on Google News!
TEMPO.CO, Yogyakarta – Wukirsari Tourism Village, nestled in the picturesque Imogiri District of Bantul Regency, Yogyakarta, has proudly clinched the title of Best Tourism Village for 2024, awarded by the esteemed United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). This remarkable recognition places Wukirsari among the elite group of just 55 tourism villages recognized globally this year.
The significant announcement was made during a ceremony in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, on Thursday, November 14, 2024, and was broadcast live on the UNWTO’s official YouTube channel, showcasing Wukirsari’s exemplary achievements in the tourism sector. Competing against other notable villages from various countries, it emerged as a standout destination.
The evaluation process for this prestigious award took into account various factors, including natural and cultural resources, along with the innovative and transformative initiatives undertaken to align tourism development with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasizing sustainability and heritage preservation.
“This award is a global recognition of the tourism village in Bantul. There are many heritages there, and Wukirsari has managed to preserve these heritages, including a sustainable environment,” stated Agus Budiraharja, the Secretary of Bantul Regency, on Friday, November 15, 2024. His remarks highlighted the significance of heritage conservation in tourism development.
Agus further noted that the charm of Wukirsari is already well-known among both local and international tourists, largely due to the area’s rich tradition of hand-drawn batik from Giriloyo, which continues to flourish and attract visitors.
“The Giriloyo batik craft in Wukirsari Imogiri has been passed down through generations with the highest number of batik artisans. Then there are the crafts of tatah sungging and keris, as well as the royal tombs and exotic village scenes,” emphasized Agus, showcasing the unique cultural assets that enhance the village’s appeal.
Bahtiar, one of the managers of Kampung Batik Giriloyo within the Wukirsari Tourism Village, expressed optimism about Wukirsari’s recognition as one of the top 55 villages worldwide according to UNWTO. “Wukirsari has two intangible cultural heritage, namely wayang (shadow puppet) and batik,” he shared, highlighting the rich cultural tradition embedded within the village.
Bahtiar also elaborated that the selection process for the World Tourism Village Award involved assessing over 300 indicators, which encompass legal documents, regulations, and other necessary evidence, underscoring the rigorous evaluation criteria required for this accolade.
Editor’s Choice: New Capital Tourism: 6 Must-Visit Tourist Villages Near IKN
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
What are some key factors that contributed to Wukirsari Tourism Village winning the Best Tourism Village of 2024 award?
**Interview with Agus Budiraharja, Secretary of Bantul Regency**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Agus. Congratulations on Wukirsari Tourism Village being awarded the Best Tourism Village of 2024 by the UNWTO! How does it feel to receive this prestigious recognition?
**Agus Budiraharja:** Thank you very much. It’s an incredible honor for Wukirsari and our community. This award is not just recognition; it’s a testament to our dedication to preserving our heritage and promoting sustainable tourism. We’re thrilled to be acknowledged on a global platform.
**Editor:** Wukirsari managed to stand out among renowned competitors. What do you think sets your village apart?
**Agus Budiraharja:** Our village is rich in cultural and natural resources. We have unique crafts like Giriloyo batik, along with traditional practices such as wayang shadow puppetry. Our community is committed to sustainable practices, which resonate with travelers looking for authentic experiences. It’s about creating a connection between our visitors and our heritage.
**Editor:** The award was based on a comprehensive evaluation. Can you elaborate on some innovative initiatives that contributed to this success?
**Agus Budiraharja:** Absolutely! We have worked hard on various projects focused on eco-tourism, education, and community involvement. For instance, we’ve launched programs that educate visitors about our traditional crafts while engaging local artisans, ensuring that the benefits of tourism circulate within the community. This holistic approach has been crucial in aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals.
**Editor:** That’s impressive! For your future aspirations, how do you envision Wukirsari evolving post-award?
**Agus Budiraharja:** We see this as just the beginning. We aim to enhance infrastructure while keeping our cultural identity intact. We want to attract more visitors while ensuring that our community’s needs and environment are prioritized. Our vision is to become an example of sustainable tourism that can be replicated in other villages.
**Editor:** Sounds like an exciting journey ahead! What message would you like to convey to other aspiring tourism villages?
**Agus Budiraharja:** My message would be to embrace your heritage and focus on sustainability. Work closely with your community, innovate, and always look for ways to improve while staying true to your roots. Recognition will come with dedication and authenticity!
**Editor:** Thank you so much, Agus, for your insights. Congratulations once again to you and the Wukirsari community! We look forward to seeing your continued success.
**Agus Budiraharja:** Thank you for having me! We’re excited for the future!