UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili presents Yucun village with the "Best Tourism Villages" plague. [Photo/WeChat account: huzhoufabu]

A delegation headed by Zurab Pololikashvili, secretary-general of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), visited Yucun village in Huzhou, East China's Zhejiang province on Feb 23.

The trip came after Yucun village was honored as one of the "Best Tourism Villages" at the UNWTO General Assembly in Madrid on Dec 2, 2021.

On behalf of the international tourism body, Pololikashvili conferred Yucun the plaque for "Best Tourism Villages" during the trip.

The Best Tourism Villages initiative by the UNWTO is aimed at advancing the role of tourism in safeguarding rural villages and their landscapes, natural and cultural diversity, and values and activities, including local gastronomy.

As of a recipient of the honor, Yucun will gain access to an exchange platform sponsored by UNWTO and receive support from the international tourism body and its partners.

After an on-site tour of the village, Pololikashvili hailed its practice of promoting the integrated development of culture and tourism, and expressed hope that the village will strengthen international exchanges and cooperation in rural tourism, create more useful experiences for global development in that regard, and showcase China's concept of ecological civilization to the world.

Located in Tianhuangping town, Anji county, Yucun village has long adhered to the green development path mapped out by the concept which states that "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets" and taken concerted efforts to boost rural tourism development.

A view of Yucun village, Anji county, Huzhou, East China's Zhejiang province. [Photo/WeChat account: huzhoufabu]