Georgia's highland Mestia among UNWTO's best tourism villages

The United Nations World Tourism Organisation has named northern Georgia's highland town of Mestia among the winners of its ranking of Best Tourism Villages of the past year, the Georgian National Tourism Administration announced on Tuesday.

Mestia is a highland townlet in northwest Georgia, at an elevation of 1,500 metres in the Caucasus Mountains. Photo: Nino Alavidze/Agenda.ge

From Austria to Vietnam, a total of 32 villages across 18 countries and five world regions were awarded the recognition this year. The villages were evaluated by an independent advisory board based on a set of criteria covering nine areas:

1. Cultural and natural resources
2. Promotion and conservation of cultural resources
3. Economic sustainability
4. Social sustainability
5. Environmental sustainability
6. Tourism development and value chain integration
7. Governance and prioritisation of tourism
8. Infrastructure and connectivity
9. Health, safety, and security

Svan towers refers to the tower houses built as defensive dwellings in Svaneti. These towers were primarily built between the 9th and 12th centuries, during the Georgian Golden Age. However, the origins of the tower likely date back to prehistory. Photo: Nino Alavidze/Agenda.ge

A total of 136 villages were put forward for consideration by 57 UNWTO member states, where each could nominate a maximum of three locations. 

For rural communities everywhere, tourism can be a true game changer in providing jobs, supporting local businesses and keeping traditions alive", UNWTO Secretary General Zurab Pololikashvili said in comments on the reveal. 

Mount Ushba, standing 4,710m high, is one of the most notable peaks of the Caucasus mountain range. Photo: Nino Alavidze/Agenda.ge

Mestia is a popular destination for travellers for its picturesque nature and cultural monuments. White slopes of Tetnuldi, Mount Ushba and medieval tower houses are among the most impressive sightseeings of the location.