As the number of tourists increases worldwide, the negative environmental impacts of over-tourism increase, from depletion of natural resources, rising sea levels and pollution. The tourism sector is now responsible for about 5% of global emissions, and therefore interest in the concept of sustainable tourism and establishing its principles worldwide has recently increased as a form of positive confrontation and environmental preservation.
Sustainable tourism is based on three main pillars: respecting nature, supporting the culture of the local community on the one hand, and providing an enjoyable and purposeful experience for the tourist on the other.
Rural Destinations for Sustainable Development
In this context, the UN for tourism announces annually for the best touristic village in the world to enhance the role of sustainable tourism in rural areas and the importance of preserving natural scenes, cultural diversity, local values and food traditions.
The best touristic villages list this year included 55 villages from all over the world, including three Arab villages. They are Abu Ghusun and Gharb Suhail in Egypt, and Abu Nuqta castles in the historic village of Tabb in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
According to the official website of the United Nations Tourism Organization, these villages have been able to transform into distinct rural tourist destinations with unique cultural and natural assets, while preserving local values and achieving standards of innovation and economic, social and environmental sustainability.
Abu Nuqta Castles
Located in the historic town of Tabuk, the capital of the Asir region in the southwest of the Kingdom, it stands as a unique testament to heritage preservation and environmental practices. The historic town is renowned for the local community’s commitment to an innovative and sustainable approach to architecture and agriculture, preserving the history and traditions of the region, a nod to their rich past while focusing on achieving a greener future.
Preserving heritage in a sustainable way
Locals preserve the monuments and architecture without harming nature, carefully using recycled materials to restore their castles and forts, instead of cutting down trees and using timber, creating a model of sustainable renewal that has been adopted throughout the Asir region.
The Saudi village also features traditional sustainable agricultural practices; by adopting an innovative technique for storing seeds inside rock structures at varying depths, known as “burial mounds”. This technique, which dates back centuries, provides natural, cool storage spaces to protect seeds and ensure they remain fresh and ready for planting in the following seasons.
Gharb Suhail village
Located on the banks of the Nile River near Aswan, southern Egypt, the Nubian village of Gharb Sohail invites tourists to enter the world of ancient Nubia, as part of the enchanting Egyptian civilization.
The village participates in tourism initiatives that work to enhance the role of ecotourism in natural and protected sites in Egypt, with an interest in biodiversity and raising awareness of sustainability and environmental protection.
The village also cares about preserving the Nubian cultural heritage through sustainable practices, supporting local community participation in green economy projects and promoting environmental livelihoods. In addition to cultural and historical tourism, Gharb Suhail village offers desert adventures and medical tourism.
Gharb Sohail Village has managed to harness its potential from Nubian architecture and distinctive colorful houses to vibrant music and traditional celebrations such as local weddings, and has transformed all these unique heritage assets into diverse experiences for its visitors until it has become a sustainable tourist destination that celebrates its heritage while embracing modernity.
Abu Ghusoun village
Located in the picturesque Wadi El Gemal Reserve, Abu Ghosoun Village is the oldest village in the Marsa Alam area, at the southern tip of Egypt’s Red Sea coast. Known for its rugged mountainous terrain, medicinal plants, rich wildlife and natural springs, it captivates visitors with safari adventures, mountain climbing and crystal clear diving spots.
Empowering the local community through the green economy
This vibrant village offers a model for local development, supporting sustainable tourism and innovative initiatives that celebrate the area’s natural and cultural heritage, through small businesses, handicraft training, and social development, improving the quality of life and standard of living for residents.
Sustainable community-led initiatives create local art markets where Abu Ghosoun artisans showcase their traditional arts to tourists, with the aim of preserving the region’s craft heritage, introducing local talent to global markets, and providing a vital income for residents.
