Monday, May 20, 2024 UN Tourism has introduced a groundbreaking digital self-assessment tool, the UN Tourism Self-assessment Tool to Assist Rural Destinations (STAR), designed to support tourism development in rural areas. STAR enables local public authorities in rural destinations to evaluate their tourism development level on their own. It offers customized recommendations, benchmarks destinations, and provides essential data and insights, aiding Member States in crafting 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.” Available to all rural destinations within UN Tourism Member States, the tool is open to local authorities keen on evaluating their tourism progress and receiving guidance to adopt a sustainable, inclusive, and smart tourism model.
STAR’s key features include: STAR is an integral part of UN Tourism’s Tourism for Rural Development Programme, which views tourism as a catalyst for rural development and well-being. It supports the conservation of rural villages, landscapes, knowledge systems, and cultural diversity, and aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by promoting i.
