UN selects Telangana’s Pochampally as one of world’s ‘best tourism villages’

NEW DELHI: Pochampally, a village in Telangana made famous by its eponymous handloom weaved ‘Ikat’ sarees, was on Tuesday declared by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) as one of the best tourism villages in the world.
Frequently referred to as the Silk City of India, the Pochampally Ikat received a Geographical Indicator status in 2004.
Union Culture, Tourism and DoNER minister G Kishan Reddy congratulated the people of Pochampally for the recognition, the award for which will be presented to the government at the UNWTO General Assembly on December 2 in Madrid, Spain.
Reddy said Pochampally’s unique weaving styles and patterns received special focus through Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s message of ‘Vocal for Local’ as part of the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ mission. “On behalf of the people of Pochampally in particular and the people of Telangana, I am grateful that this award has been bestowed on the village of Pochampally. I am also grateful to the ministry officials in presenting the case for Pochampally and other entries effectively,” the minister said.
The Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO Pilot initiative awards outstanding rural destinations that showcase good practices in line with specified evaluation areas and seeks to support villages in enhancing their rural tourism potential through training and access to opportunities for improvement.
The tourism ministry had recommended three villages for the UNWTO Best Tourism Village entry from India — Kongthong in Meghalaya, Ladhpura Khas in Madhya Pradesh and Pochampally in Telangana.
“The ministry has drafted a rural tourism policy which will not only promote tourism within our villages, but also revitalise local arts and crafts and promote rural economy. It will help redevelop and rebuild our villages and rural life and the residents of the villages will also get an opportunity to engage and interact with people from outside,” Reddy added.