Kemiren Village, Banyuwangi, is included in the UN's Best Tourism Village network

Jakarta – Banyuwangi Regency has once again achieved success on the global stage. This time, the Osing Kemiren Banyuwangi Traditional Tourism Village is part of the world’s best tourism village network, The Best Tourism Villages Upgrade Program 2025, of the United Nations Tourism (UN Tourism) – the United Nations (UN) Tourism Agency. UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said tourism has proven to be a catalyst for inclusive and equitable development for rural communities. “Tourism can be a powerful tool to encourage shared prosperity, inclusive growth and regional equality. The Best Tourism Town 2025 shows how local communities preserve their cultural and natural heritage, while creating new economic opportunities. By exploiting the potential of tourism, they build a sustainable future without leaving anyone behind,” he said in a written statement, Sunday (1025/2010). PAGE TO CONTINUE CONTENT Meanwhile, Banyuwangi Regent Ipuk Fiestiandani said he was proud of the international achievements achieved by Kemiren Village. “This achievement is the result of the spirit of mutual cooperation and the strong commitment of the people of Banyuwangi, especially the people of Kemiren, in the preservation of culture and the development of sustainable tourism,” said Ipuk. According to Ipuk, this achievement is the result of the power of local culture and tourism development supporting the environment and local wisdom. “Kemiren has shown that a village with strong cultural roots can progress and become global without losing its identity. This is an encouragement for us to continue strengthening an inclusive, sustainable and culture-based tourism ecosystem,” he added. The Best Tourism Towns by UN Tourism 2025 assessment for determining the UN Best Tourism Towns network was conducted at the Best Tourism Towns by UN Tourism 2025 Ceremony and Third Annual Network Meeting, in Huzhou, China, on Friday (17/10). This year, more than 270 tourist villages from 65 UN Tourism Member States participated in the event, which were then selected through an assessment process by an independent expert board. An independent assessment board assesses candidates based on several key criteria. This includes the potential and conservation of natural and cultural resources. Then, economic, social and environmental sustainability. Furthermore tourism development and integration of local value chains. Then, management, infrastructure and security and safety of tourists. After the selection process, 72 towns were selected from Africa, America, Asia, Europe and the Middle East, which became part of the Best Tourism Town network. These villages consist of 52 best tourism villages and 20 best tourism villages update app. Meanwhile, Kemiren Village, Banyuwangi, is included in The Best Tourism Villages Upgrade Program 2025. With the selection of Kemiren Village, the village is included in the UN Tourism global rural destination network. Kemiren Village, Glagah District, Banyuwangi is a cultural tourism village rich in traditions and local wisdom. Kemiren Village is inhabited by the indigenous Osing tribe, namely the indigenous Banyuwangi tribe who still maintain their ancestral customs and culture. The uniqueness of Osing culture can be seen from the language, traditional house architecture, as well as various traditional rituals and ceremonies that are still performed today. Kemiren Village is also an ideal place to get to know Banyuwangi’s unique culture. This village is not only a tourist spot, but also a center for the preservation of Osing culture, which is increasingly rare in the midst of modernization. In this village there is a Gandrung dance studio, several traditional traditions such as Tumpeng Sewu, Barong Ider Bumi and mocoan Lontar Yusuf. For information, in this event, Banyuwangi was represented by the Deputy for Tourism Destination and Infrastructure Development of the Ministry of Tourism, Hariyanto, and the representative of Kemiren Village, Muhamad Nanda Al Hakim Akbar. Previously in 2016, Banyuwangi also won the UNWTO Awards for Excellence and Innovation in Tourism (now UN Tourism) in the “Innovation in Public Policy and Governance” category, beating nominees from Colombia, Kenya and Puerto Rico. (acn/ega)