Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno has inaugurated the 2024 Indonesian Tourism Village Award (ADWI) as a program aimed at appreciating tourism actors for their role in developing economic and socio-cultural aspects of villages.

In a statement received from his ministry here on Sunday, Uno noted that this year's ADWI would not merely revolve around awards.

The program would also involve guidance and assistance for chosen tourism villages to optimize their potential while preserving the environment, he said.

"With new spirits and hopes, the 2024 ADWI will go beyond presenting awards. Through this program, the government affirms its commitment to providing assistance and establishing collaboration with strategic partners to ensure continued developments in the capacity of villages," he stated.

He made the statement during a launch event held in Bugisan Tourism Village, Klaten, Central Java, on Saturday (March 9).

During its first edition in 2021, ADWI drew participation from 1,831 tourism villages, while 3,419 and 4,573 villages registered for the program in the 2022 and 2023 editions, respectively, he said.

Currently, a total of 4,812 tourism villages have been registered in the Network of Tourism Villages (Jadesta).

This year's edition of ADWI carries "Tourism Villages Towards World-Class Green Tourism" as its theme, affirming Indonesia's determination to promote eco-friendly tourism destinations and activities.

Indonesia's vision of green tourism pushes for sustainable tourism to ensure that the tourism sector does not only bring economic benefits, but also places high regards to the preservation of the environment and local culture.

Akin to its previous editions, the 2024 ADWI will involve Minister Uno visiting 50 select tourism villages that will receive guidance and assistance from the government, according to the statement.

"The government will provide guidance to as many as 50 best tourism villages to assist them in optimizing their potentials, strengthening management, and ensuring sustainability," Uno said.