Good evening, ladies and gentlemen! Or as they say in Yogyakarta, “Selamat sore!” Now, if you’re not familiar with Wukirsari, let me enlighten you—not because I’m an expert, but because I enjoy giving unsolicited lessons!
So, Wukirsari has just snagged an award from the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) for being one of the Best Tourism Villages of 2024. What a title! It’s like winning the “Best Supporting Actor” but, you know, for villages! And boy, let me tell you, they had some stiff competition. Picture all these charming villages showing up dressed to the nines like they’re at the Oscars—only instead of a red carpet, they have actual dirt paths, but hey, it’s sustainable!
And where was this illustrious announcement made, you ask? In Cartagena, Colombia, on November 14, 2024. No biggie, just a casual Thursday! The kind of Thursday that puts your average “what’s for dinner?” dilemma to shame. I mean, who wouldn’t want to be in a place like that while receiving accolades from globe-trotting tourism insiders? Here’s hoping they served popcorn at that event!
Now, what’s the secret sauce behind Wukirsari’s victory? Well, it’s all about showcasing natural and cultural resources, along with some stunning actions for tourism development. Think of it as competing in the Olympics, but instead of running, they’ve been preserving heritages and maintaining a sustainable environment. So, yes, they’re sweating—sweating because they’ve been engaging with the Sustainable Development Goals, but not sweating like I do when I see a spider!
Agus Budiraharja, the Bantul Regency Secretary, is basically bursting with pride over this achievement. He stated, “This award is a global recognition.” You can just hear the chest puffing up with that one! Can you blame him? Wukirsari is not just chirping birds and stunning vistas; it’s also home to the famed hand-drawn batik of Giriloyo! Now, if that’s not a reason to strut around town like a peacock, I don’t know what is!
Wukirsari is the sort of place where art forms meld together like a delightful mixture. You’ve got batik artisans—those talented folks who turn fabric into masterpieces—tata sungging (that’s wood carving, for those who didn’t spend their childhoods consuming art documentaries), and beautiful keris, which are basically the coolest swords ever. Imagine walking through Wukirsari and coming across royal tombs and exotic village scenes; it’s like stepping into an enchanting storybook that forgot to take its medicine and went a bit wild. But hey, who doesn’t enjoy a good trip to fantasyland now and then?
And it’s not just the hype! Bahtiar, one of the managers over at Kampung Batik Giriloyo, expressed optimism about their global status. He stated that Wukirsari owns not just a single intangible cultural heritage but two! We’re talking about wayang—shadow puppets that have entertained for generations—and, of course, batik. It’s a double whammy, folks! Try getting your village to have even one intangible culture. I’d be surprised if mine remembers how to properly sort the recycling!
Now, to get this prestigious title, they had to jump through a whopping 300 indicators—all sorts of legal documents and evidence Hollywood wish it had for its awards! I mean, when did being a village become a bureaucratic nightmare? What’s next? Annual reviews? “Well, Wukirsari, your tourism numbers are up, but I see you *still* haven’t fixed those pesky potholes!”
In conclusion, while many of us are still wondering how to make a decent cup of coffee in the mornings, Wukirsari is out there showing the world what sustainable tourism looks like. So, if you’re planning a trip, why not skip the crowded beaches of Bali and head to this quaint village where the artwork is as rich as their culture? Until next time, remember: sustainable tourism means you’ll have fewer selfies with trash in the background—now that’s something worth celebrating!
Feel free to mix and match the cheeky tone with sharp observations while keeping the essence and excitement of the article alive!
TEMPO.CO, Yogyakarta – The renowned Wukirsari Tourism Village, nestled in the picturesque Imogiri District of Bantul Regency, Yogyakarta, has achieved a remarkable milestone by being honored with the Best Tourism Village 2024 award, presented by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). This accolade places Wukirsari among the elite group of 55 exemplary tourism villages worldwide for the year 2024.
The prestigious announcement took place on Thursday, November 14, 2024, in the vibrant coastal city of Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, subsequently broadcast on the official UNWTO YouTube channel. Wukirsari Tourism Village triumphed over a range of renowned villages from various countries, highlighting its unique attributes and dedication to excellence in tourism.
The evaluation criteria for this esteemed title encompassed a thorough analysis of the village’s natural and cultural resources, alongside its innovative initiatives and commitments towards sustainable tourism development, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In a statement released on Friday, November 15, 2024, Bantul Regency Secretary Agus Budiraharja remarked, “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.” This acknowledgment not only celebrates Wukirsari’s heritage but also emphasizes its commitment to environmental sustainability.
Agus further emphasized Wukirsari’s popularity among both local and international tourists, owing to the renowned Giriloyo batik, a vibrant center for hand-drawn batik that continues to flourish and attract attention. “The Giriloyo batik craft in Wukirsari Imogiri has been passed down through generations, boasting the highest number of batik artisans. The area also features exquisite crafts such as tatah sungging and keris, alongside royal tombs and captivating village landscapes,” Agus elaborated.
Bahtiar, one of the passionate managers at Kampung Batik Giriloyo in Wukirsari Tourism Village, expressed his optimism for Wukirsari’s recognition as one of the world’s best villages as acknowledged by UNWTO. “Wukirsari has two intangible cultural heritage assets, namely wayang (shadow puppet) and batik,” he noted, reflecting on the cultural richness that the village offers.
He elaborated on the rigorous evaluation process, noting that the World Tourism Village Award encompasses 300 indicators. These criteria include essential legal documents, regulations, and other necessary evidence to validate the village’s status and achievements.
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What unique traditions or experiences can visitors expect when they explore Wukirsari, the award-winning tourism village?
**Interview with Agus Budiraharja, Bantul Regency Secretary – Celebrating Wukirsari’s Best Tourism Village 2024 Award**
**Interviewer:** Good evening, Agus! First off, let me say, “Selamat sore!” Congratulations to Wukirsari for being crowned one of the Best Tourism Villages of 2024 by the UNWTO! How does it feel to receive such a prestigious recognition?
**Agus Budiraharja:** Thank you so much! It’s truly a monumental achievement for us. Being recognized on a global stage is not just about pride; it’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of our community in preserving our cultural heritage and environment. We are bursting with pride!
**Interviewer:** Absolutely, you should be! Can you share with us what set Wukirsari apart from other contenders? It must have been quite the competition!
**Agus Budiraharja:** Indeed, it was fierce! Wukirsari’s unique blend of natural beauty, rich cultural resources, and commitment to sustainable development played a crucial role. Our artisans produce remarkable hand-drawn batik, engage in traditional wood carving, and create the celebrated keris swords. This awareness and celebration of our culture helped us stand out.
**Interviewer:** Speaking of culture, I hear you’re home to not just one, but two intangible cultural heritages! What can you tell us about them?
**Agus Budiraharja:** Yes! We proudly showcase wayang—our traditional shadow puppetry—and of course, our iconic batik craft. These art forms not only represent our history but also continue to engage and enlighten both locals and visitors alike. It’s an ongoing celebration of our identity!
**Interviewer:** Fantastic! I must ask, what challenges did Wukirsari face in obtaining this award? It’s quite a bureaucratic hurdle, isn’t it?
**Agus Budiraharja:** It was indeed a rigorous process, involving over 300 indicators covering everything from legal documentation to tourism development practices. It felt more like a marathon than a village competition! But we embraced it as a learning experience. We’re committed to continuous improvement and showcasing what sustainable tourism looks like.
**Interviewer:** With this recognition, how do you envision Wukirsari’s future in tourism?
**Agus Budiraharja:** We see great potential for growth while maintaining our sustainability principles. Our goal is to attract visitors who appreciate and respect our culture. We want them to experience Wukirsari not as mere tourists but as our guests who engage with our traditions and contribute to our community.
**Interviewer:** That sounds wonderful! Any parting words for potential visitors thinking about exploring Wukirsari?
**Agus Budiraharja:** Yes! Come for the breathtaking vistas and delightful art, but stay for the stories and the people. We promise an authentic experience where you can see firsthand how a village can thrive while preserving its heritage. Plus, you might just leave with a beautiful piece of batik as a memento!
**Interviewer:** Thank you so much, Agus! Here’s to a bright future for Wukirsari and a chance for many to enjoy its treasures.
**Agus Budiraharja:** Thank you! Looking forward to welcoming everyone to our beautiful village!