UN Tourism has listed a number of female-led enterprises that it says are catalysing economic growth and driving social progress within its Best Tourism Villages.

On the occasion of ‘Women’s History Month’, UN Tourism, formerly the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), has honoured women, whom it calls trailblazing women from villages all around the world who are driving community development, advancing social progress and fostering economic growth in rural communities.

In a press statement, UN Tourism says that through initiatives like the Best Tourism Villages, UN Tourism aims to support these women initiative aims to advance more sustainable and inclusive tourism which celebrates diversity and champions the indomitable spirt of women entrepreneurs everywhere.

“Our Best Tourism Villages initiative stand as pillars of support for women-led enterprises and entrepreneurs worldwide. Through access to training, resources, and market opportunities, we’re not only advancing gender equality but also unlocking the untapped potential of women as key drivers of inclusive and resilient tourism development,’’ says Sandra Carvão, UN Tourism’s Chief of Tourism Market Intelligence and Competitiveness.

‘‘Across our Best Tourism Villages, projects thrive through the creativity of talented women and their families, transforming traditional crafts and cultural practices into valuable educational experiences. These women empower local communities, providing them with a support network and a new sustainable source of income. Taken together these initiatives serve as examples of how women are catalysts for economic growth and social progress, acting as key drivers for inclusive tourism development,’’ Carvão adds.

In the statement, UN Tourism goes on to list six women-led enterprises that it says are making a big difference in communities around the world, from Peru to Japan.

Lamas, Peru

Nestled in the lush Peruvian mountains, Lamas is home to the only Amazonian people of Andean descent committed to safeguarding their cultural legacy. In this vibrant village, Lamista women lead the preservation of traditional crafts through Awadora, a collective brand representing 46 indigenous artisans from five Quechua communities. Through this initiative, women empower themselves economically, drive economic growth and contribute significantly to community-driven tourism.

Lephis, Ethiopia

The Mishike Handicraft Association in Lephis empowers underrepresented women while driving social progress by harnessing abundant local resources, such as grass and bamboo, for use in handicraft production. The Association not only provides opportunities for women to participate in the local economy, but also advances sustainable tourism practices through eco-conscious tourism products which preserve the village’s rich biodiversity.

Creel, Mexico 

With a commitment to preserving biocultural diversity, Creel’s Rarámuri communities actively promote job creation and women’s empowerment in the tourism sector through immersive women-led gastronomy and weaving experiences. Their activities contribute to the village’s vibrant tapestry of cultural heritage while bolstering economic development and diversification.

Dongbaek, South Korea

Dongbaek, renowned for its camellia flower cultivation utilised in cooking and beauty products, is a shining example of resident-led tourism. Spearheaded by female leadership, the Dongbaek Village Mill catalyses the local economy through camelia product production and immersive cooking classes for visitors which promote and preserve local food culture. Additionally, the Dongbaek Town Preservation and Research Council actively supports women-operated tourism enterprises, with 10 dedicated female members working to advancing the community’s tourism sector.

Xidi, China

Recognised as a UNESCO world heritage site for its unique architecture which dates back to the Ming and Qing dynasties, Xidi is beacon for sustainable social development. The village’s Anhui Girls’ Agritainment initiative advances women’s employment opportunities and promotes heritage protection by offering visitors immersive homestay experiences while providing training for local providers and youth under 30 to increase their participation in the local tourism economy.

Oku-Matsushima, Japan

The Nadeshiko Kaisei Juku initiative promotes women in tourism through entrepreneurship seminars which educate women and female founders about the foundations of good business. As a direct result of the initiative, village women have transformed local markets and shops into flourishing enterprises, revitalising the local economy while contributing to the village’s resilience and overall social progress.