Penglipuran Village in Bangli Regency, Bali, has been recognized as one of the World's Best Tourist Villages in 2023 by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). This prestigious award, presented by the Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Sandiaga Uno, reflects the village's commitment to preserving its culture and environment while offering an exceptional tourist experience.

Minister Sandiaga Uno expressed his joy and congratulated Penglipuran Tourism Village for this remarkable achievement on an international stage. He highlighted the significance of this recognition and its selective nature. Uno also mentioned the village's dedication to upholding its cultural heritage and preventing over-tourism, which could diminish the charm of what is known as the cleanest village in the world.

"Congratulations to Indonesia. Congratulations to Bali. Congratulations to Bangli Regency. Congratulations to Penglipuran Tourism Village. This Best Tourism Village from UNWTO is a complement to our happiness because, as we know, this is a very selective event, and this achievement continues the achievements of Nglanggeran Tourism Village in Gunungkidul in 2021," said Uno at the Sapta Pesona Building, Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, Jakarta on Monday, October 23, 2023.

Uno emphasized the importance of ensuring that the beauty and culture of Penglipuran Village remain intact. He called for measures to prevent overcrowding, traffic congestion, and other issues associated with overtourism. Uno also noted that nearby villages, such as Undisan Tourism Village and Taro Village, have the potential for development and can help distribute tourist interest effectively.

"We will coordinate with the Head of the District. We will ensure that there will be no overtourism even though interest in visiting Penglipuran is very large," he added.

Before being evaluated by UNWTO, Penglipuran Village received recognition through the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy's Tourism Village Award.

Launched in 2021, UNWTO's Best Tourism Villages initiative is part of the organization's Tourism for Rural Development Program. The program is designed to foster development and inclusion in rural areas, combat depopulation, promote innovation and value chain integration through tourism, and encourage sustainable practices.

In response to the village's newfound fame, Tjok Bagus Pemayun, the Head of the Bali Provincial Tourism Office, expressed his commitment to preserving Penglipuran Village's culture and environment. He aims to ensure that the quality of the village is maintained even with increased tourist interest.

"We have coordinated with the Bangli Tourism Office; indeed, this is a tourism village that is classified as independent. Of course, this independence encourages culture-based, quality, and dignified tourism," said Pemayun.

The recognition of Penglipuran Village as the Best Tourism Village in 2023 is not only an honor for Bali but also a testament to the importance of preserving cultural heritage and promoting sustainable tourism practices. Visitors to this charming village can expect to experience the true essence of Balinese culture while enjoying the pristine beauty of Penglipuran.