Sela Castle

Sela Castle, Al Sela Village Secures Coveted Spot on UNWTO’s 2023 Best Tourism Villages List

Al Sela village, nestled in Jordan’s southern region, has achieved a remarkable feat by being included in the prestigious Best Tourism Villages 2023 list curated by the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO).

This esteemed recognition, unveiled in a recent statement by the UNWTO, commends villages that demonstrate excellence in nurturing rural landscapes, preserving cultural heritage, and upholding local traditions, including culinary treasures.

From a pool of around 260 applications, 54 villages, including Al Sela, were honored in the third edition of this distinguished list. Furthermore, twenty of these villages were chosen to partake in the UNWTO Upgrade Programme, an initiative designed to assist villages in meeting the required criteria for recognition by addressing identified gaps.

Positioned approximately 16 kilometers south of Tafilah and about 183 kilometers southwest of Amman, Al Sela village is renowned for its historical gem—the Sela Castle. Perched atop a rocky plateau, this castle boasts remarkable carved reliefs and artifacts, providing a fascinating glimpse into ancient civilizations, as stated by the Al Sela Tourism Association.

Zurab Pololikashvili, the UNWTO Secretary-General, highlighted the empowering potential of tourism in promoting inclusivity within communities and driving regional development. He lauded villages like Al Sela, recognizing their harnessing of tourism as a catalyst for overall progress and well-being.

The announcement of these 74 outstanding villages, including Al Sela, was made at the UNWTO General Assembly in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. They now join the esteemed UNWTO Best Tourism Villages Network, comprising 190 villages worldwide, fostering an exchange of experiences and knowledge among members and partners dedicated to leveraging tourism for rural development.

Notably, the Al Sela Tourism Association unveiled an engraved representation of the Neo-Babylonian King Nabonidu (556-539 BC) on the southeast facade of the castle. Present-day inhabitants, settling in the village around the turn of the last century, primarily engage in agriculture and animal husbandry, offering visitors an authentic and immersive tourism experience.

The village warmly welcomes tourists to engage with the local community, embracing their culture, popular games, and traditional cuisine. Visitors can relish the village’s scenic landscapes, partake in festivals, and explore exhibitions, providing a holistic encounter with the village’s essence.

In support of its tourism development, the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities has spearheaded vital projects in Al Sela, including the establishment of a visitor’s center to accommodate tourists and the management of an eco-lodge currently overseen by the Al Sela Tourism Association.

This remarkable accolade bestowed upon Al Sela village not only celebrates its rich heritage and scenic beauty but also underscores its commitment to sustainable tourism and community engagement.

List of references:

Universes in Universe

Jordan Times