The historical village of Castelo Novo, in the municipality of Fundão (district of Castelo Branco), has been named among the best tourist villages in the world. The village is the only Portuguese town distinguished with the award in the 2022 edition of "Best Tourism Village" organised by the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO).
The announcement places Castelo Novo among the 32 villages from 18 countries which were distinguished in this edition of the "Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO" and, locally, it was received with "enormous satisfaction", pointed out by the Mayor of Fundão, Paulo Fernandes.
"It is a proof of how Castelo Novo and the network of Historic Villages are in a very relevant phase of what is its touristic enhancement and, on the other hand, it is also the testimony of what has been the development of the architectural, natural and cultural heritage of Castelo Novo", added the mayor.
Castelo Novo's electric vehicle project made the village stand out
Among the factors that contributed to this choice, Paulo Fernandes also underlined the importance of the mobility project with electric vehicles that is being developed in that village and that promotes environmental sustainability.
Stressing that this is a "recognition" of the work that has been done, whether by local agents, by the Historical Villages network, or by Fundão Council, Paulo Fernandes also stressed the relevance of this award to continue to "attract visitors and, above all, to attract new private investments in different areas".
"It is a huge boost to continue to enhance Castelo Novo in its multiple dimensions and, certainly, it will be very positive, for Castelo Novo, for the network of Historic Villages and for the municipality of Fundão," he said.
Rural destinations attract more and more visitors
With this distinction, Castelo Novo joins the World Tourism Association's Global Network of Best Tourist Villages, which was created in 2021 and, as of this date, gathers 115 villages from five continents.
The initiative is promoted by the World Tourism Organisation and distinguishes rural destinations that are adopting tourism as a driver for development and new job opportunities, preserving and promoting community-based values and products. In addition, it recognises villages for their commitment to innovation and economic, social and environmental sustainability.
Castelo Rodrigo (in the municipality of Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, district of Guarda) and Cumeada (in the municipality of Reguengos de Monsaraz, district of Évora) were the Portuguese villages that received this award in 2021.
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