UN Tourism has recognised 55 villages in this year’s Best Tourism Villages initiative, with another 20 villages chosen to join the Upgrade Programme.
This fourth edition adds 75 new members – chosen from over 260 applications from more than 60 UN Tourism Member States – bringing the total to 254 villages, making it the largest community of rural destinations in the world.
The Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism initiative was launched in 2021 to advance tourism’s role in rural areas, preserving landscapes, cultural diversity, local values, and culinary traditions.
As in previous editions, the villages were evaluated under nine key areas: cultural and natural resources, promotion and conservation of cultural resources, economic sustainability, social sustainability, environmental sustainability, tourism development and value chain integration, governance and prioritisation of tourism, infrastructure and connectivity, as well as health, safety, and security.
This year, seven villages from the Best Tourism Villages Upgrade Programme have achieved recognition as Best Tourism Villages, including Capulálpam de Méndez (Mexico), Grand Baie (Mauritius), Kalopanagiotis (Cyprus), Pissouri (Cyprus), Ruboni (Uganda), Bo Suak (Thailand), and Trevelin (Argentina).
The 20 villages selected to participate in the Upgrade Programme this year comprise Breb, Romania; Campo Ramón, Argentina; Cap Malheureux, Mauritius; Cascas, Peru; Choshuenco, Chile; Dhudmaras, India; Lens, Switzerland; Malalcahuello, Chile; Mexcaltitán de Uribe, Mexico; Mittelberg, Austria; Pals, Spain; Piedades Sur, Costa Rica; Polovragi, Romania; San Juan Bautista, Chile; Santa Catarina Palopó, Guatemala; Seonhakdong, Republic of Korea; Shirayama, Japan; St. Leonhard in Pitztal, Austria; Yamakoshi, Japan; and Yörük, Türkiye.
“Tourism is a vital tool for inclusion, empowering rural communities to protect and value their rich cultural heritage while driving sustainable development,” said UN Tourism secretary-general Zurab Pololikashvili. “By leveraging their unique assets, these communities can foster economic growth, promote local traditions, and enhance the quality of life for their residents. We celebrate the villages that have embraced tourism as a pathway to empowerment and community well-being, demonstrating that sustainable practices can lead to a brighter future for all.”
The call for submissions for its fifth edition will take place in early 2025.
