Tourexpi
The UN Tourism Self-assessment Tool to Assist Rural
Destinations, STAR, allows local public authorities in rural destinations to
self-evaluate and measure their level of tourism development. It also provides
tailored recommendations, benchmarking different destinations and generating
valuable data and insights for Member States to enhance sustainable and
inclusive tourism policies.
Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General of UN
Tourism, says: "The UN Tourism Self-assessment Tool is a game-changer for
rural destinations. It empowers local authorities with a tool that allows them
to self-evaluate their policies and actions, providing actionable insights
fostering sustainable tourism development, and contributing to the overall
growth of rural communities."
STAR available to all rural destinations
The tool is available for all rural destinations in
UN Tourism Member States. It is open to local authorities interested in
measuring their tourism development and getting a tailored recommendation guide
to implement a sustainable, inclusive, and smart tourism model for their
destinations. The key features of STAR include:
Self-Assessment: Rural destinations can
self-evaluate their policies and initiatives through a set of indicators
covering five areas - Tourism Governance; Economic, Social, and Cultural
Sustainability; Environmental Sustainability; Tourism Development; and
Infrastructure. This self-assessment tool enables stakeholders to focus on
strategic planning, marketing and promotion, training and education,
policy-making, diversification of products and services, infrastructure,
environmental and cultural preservation, collaboration with local actors,
access to financing, data, or measurement of results, among other aspects.
Tailored Recommendations: The tool delivers a
customized recommendations guide to users with recommendations aligned with UN
Tourism standards, considering the unique features of rural destinations.
Benchmarking Excellence: Supporting local
authorities in benchmarking policies and practices, the tool facilitates the
evaluation of destinations across various components.
Data and Insights: Providing a wealth of data for
Member States, the digital tool enables in-depth analytics on destinations
taking the assessment. It sheds light on the strengths and weaknesses of local
governments in tourism policies, strategies, and interventions, laying the
groundwork for enhancements by local, regional, and national authorities in
rural areas.
STAR is part of the work of Tourism for Rural
Development by UN Tourism. The Programme envisions tourism as a driver of rural
development and well-being, valuing and safeguarding rural villages,
landscapes, knowledge systems, and cultural diversity. It aligns with the
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by promoting innovative and transformative
approaches to tourism development in rural destinations.
Image
Credit: © UN Tourism
The most interesting news
World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism Heads to Bahrain to Focus on Economic Diversification
The 9th UN Tourism World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism will take place in Manama, Bahrain, on 18-19 November, with the theme “Gastronomy Tourism: A Driver of Economic Diversification and Inclusion.”
Post-pandemic travel boom, driven by youth, brings to light new global trends
Young travelers exploring lesser-known destinations, event-driven trips like concerts growing, says CEO of Trip.com
Cruise Saudi to enter Mediterranean with first tailor-made Arabian excursion
Aroya Cruise to set sail with unique focus on Arabian market, marking significant step in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 tourism strategy, CEO Lars Clasen tells Anadolu.
Embark on a Journey of Holistic Wellbeing at Banyan Tree Dubai's Brand-New Spa
Offering seven private ensuite treatment rooms featuring jacuzzis and showers, the spa provides the ideal retreat to unwind, complemented by vitality pools, heated loungers, and the signature Rainforest experience.
Lufthansa Group awarded ‘Best Airline App 2024’ worldwide
The Lufthansa Group has been awarded the prize for the world's best airline app 2024 at the World Aviation Festival (WAF).
Seabourn Unveils New 2026 Voyages With Over 200 Destinations In Nearly 40 Countries
Now open for sale: The ultra-luxury cruise line unveils voyages to the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Alaska, Japan, and Canada and New England between March and December 2026.
Indigenous Tourism to Inject $67BN USD into Global Economy Says WTTC Report
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) launched a landmark report at its Global Summit in Perth, Western Australia, highlighting how Indigenous tourism is projected to contribute $67BN USD to the global economy by 2034.
Six Senses Awarded MICHELIN Keys in Europe and Asia
The MICHELIN Guide’s inaugural hotel recognition program, MICHELIN Keys, has awarded Two Keys to Six Senses Yao Noi and Six Senses Samui in Thailand and One Key to Six Senses Rome and Six Senses Kyoto.
Holland America Line's 2026 Canada and New England Season Features More Cruises
Two ships offer extended season from April through October; New Legendary Voyage showcases natural grandeur of Canada, New England and Iceland.
The Destination by Hyatt Brand Reaches New Peaks with Cheyenne Mountain Resort in Colorado Springs
The mountainside resort will complement the diverse collection of Destination by Hyatt hotels through immersive year-round guest experiences amidst breathtaking landscapes.
Middle East resilience, adaptability to drive tourism recovery
Experts highlight strength of regional tourism, ability of airlines to adapt, keep industry afloat despite regional conflict.
Younger generations drive record cruise growth globally
Millennials, Gen X now make up nearly half of cruise passengers while industry sees surge in first-time travelers, multi-generational family trips, head of top sectoral body tells Anadolu.
Kempinski Signs Agreement to Manage the Most Exclusive Branded Residences in Azerbaijan
Rising above the steel-blue waters of the Caspian Sea, Kempinski Residences Bayil Bay will become the most coveted address in the Azerbaijani capital when it opens in 2025.
WTTC launches ‘Together in Travel’ to empower Small and Medium Enterprises
Global initiative aims to strengthen support for SMEs and foster sustainable growth.
Condor also responds to increased costs in Hamburg: 13 percent fewer flights in summer 2025
Due to significantly increased costs in Hamburg, Condor is also adjusting its schedule for summer 2025.
Business Travel Set to Surpass Pre-Pandemic Levels to Reach a Record US$1.5 trillion in 2024
A new report from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has revealed that business travel is set to surpass pre-pandemic levels this year, faster than previously predicted, to reach a record US$1.5TN.
Mammoth move: Kenya transferring dozens of elephants to quell human-wildlife conflict
Kenyan authorities are expected to soon complete the transfer of dozens of elephants in the Mwea National Reserve to Aberdare National Park to protect humans and wildlife from escalating conflict as the tusker population booms
Inaugural MICHELIN Keys recognize IHG Hotels & Resorts
14 Prestigious MICHELIN Keys awarded to properties within IHG Hotels & Resorts’ luxury & lifestyle portfolio.
World’s domestic tourism market to reach $7.5T in 2033: Tourism association head
Türkiye’s aim to reach 60M tourists is feasible, says president of tourism investors association.
Turkey plans to build a railway on 3rd Bosphorus Bridge in Istanbul
World Bank and international lenders showing keen interest in project, says Abdulkadir Uraloglu.
First Saudi Protected Area Listed on IUCN Green List
Ibex Reserve, just south of Riyadh, joins global gold standard for protected and conserved areas.