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Two Ukrainian Villages Among World’s Best in UN Rural Tourism Initiative

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Vlad Litnarovych
Vlad Litnarovych
Author
Two Ukrainian Villages Among World’s Best in UN Rural Tourism Initiative

The picturesque Ukrainian villages of Urych, in the Lviv region, and Vorokhta, in the Ivano-Frankivsk region, have been recognized as one of The Best Tourism Villages by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), reported Lviv region administration on November 15.

Urych is renowned for the remnants of the Tustan fortress, which attracts visitors eager to explore its rich history.

Remains of the Tustan fortress in fall. (Source: open source)
Remains of the Tustan fortress in fall. (Source: open source)

“Nestled in the stunning landscapes of the Lviv region, Urych is a charming village that epitomizes the rich cultural heritage of Ukraine. Surrounded by the majestic Carpathian Mountains and the lush forests of the Skolivski Beskydy National Nature Park, Urych offers visitors a unique glimpse into the past. The village is renowned for the remnants of the Tustan fortress, a remarkable wooden rock structure from the 13th to 16th centuries that serves as a testament to the region’s historical significance,” according to the Best Tourism Villages website.

Vorokhta, nestled in the heart of the Carpathian Mountains at 850 meters above sea level, was praised for its stunning natural surroundings.

Viaduct, located in Vorokhta. (Source: open source)
Viaduct, located in Vorokhta. (Source: open source)

“Located along the pristine Prut River and surrounded by majestic mountains and lush forests, this charming town offers a rich natural environment that promotes health and wellness, thanks to its vitamin D-rich climate. Vorokhta is not only a sanctuary for relaxation but also a vibrant hub for adventure, boasting a variety of accommodations, from hotels to guesthouses,” experts highlighted.

Tracks left by a vehicle in the snow run down a slope in Vorokhta, Carpathian Mountains, Ivano-Frankivsk Region, Ukraine. (Source: Getty Images)
Tracks left by a vehicle in the snow run down a slope in Vorokhta, Carpathian Mountains, Ivano-Frankivsk Region, Ukraine. (Source: Getty Images)

The winners were announced at the 122nd session of the UNWTO Executive Council in Cartagena, Colombia. The official awards ceremony is scheduled for November 28 at the Third National Tourism Summit in Lviv, as reported by Ukraine’s State Tourism Development Agency.

Launched in 2021, the Best Tourism Villages initiative promotes rural tourism while preserving landscapes, cultural diversity, local traditions, and culinary heritage. The network now includes 254 villages from around the world.

This year, 260 contenders from over 60 countries competed for the honor, with finalists chosen by an advisory board.

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