Bojo gains international recognition by UNWTO

CEBU, Philippines —  Barangay Bojo, Aloguinsan in southern Cebu has gained another recognition, this time for being one of the 44 Best Tourism Villages in the World for 2021.

The recognition comes from the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), an international agency responsible for the “promotion of responsible, sustainable universally accessible tourism.”

Barangay Bojo was among the 44 villages that were given the prestigious recognition during the 24th session of UNWTO General Assembly in Madrid, Spain on December 2, 2021.

“This prestige international recognition is a clear manifestation that the collaborative efforts extended by the Local Government of Aloguinsan, Tourism Office, Bojo Aloguinsan Eco-Tourism Association (BAETAS), experts and consultants have been given outstanding values from the international community,” according to the Cebu Provincial Tourism Office.

Barangay Bojo was chosen for the recognition based on these criteria: cultural and natural resources, promotion and conservation of cultural resources, economic sustainability, social sustainability, environmental sustainability, tourism potential and development and value chain integration, governance and prioritization of tourism, infrastructure and connectivity and health, safety and security.

“Tourism can be a driver of social cohesion and inclusion by promoting a fairer distribution of benefits throughout the territory and empowering local communities. This initiative recognizes those villages committed to making tourism a strong driver of their development and wellbeing,” UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said on UNWTO website.

Bojo, where the renowned Bojo River Cruise is located, has received several local and international recognitions in the past years for its sustainable tourism. This destination is one of the best community-based ecotourism in Cebu. — GMR (FREEMAN)