In this fourth edition, 55 villages from all regions received the recognition, chosen from over 260 applications from more than 60 UN Tourism Member States. Another 20 villages were chosen to join the Upgrade Programme. The call for submissions for the fifth edition will take place in early 2025.
Rural destinations consolidate their position as key players in sustainable tourism and community development as UN Tourism announces its Best Tourism Villages 2024.
In this fourth edition, 55 villages from all regions received the recognition, chosen from over 260 applications from more than 60 UN Tourism Member States. Another 20 villages were chosen to join the Upgrade Programme. Notably, India’s Dhudmaras village in Bastar, Chhattisgarh has joined the list of the upgrade programme.
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. The Best Tourism Villages (BTV) Network grows every year, and with the announcement of its 75 new members, 254 villages are now part of the largest community of rural destinations in the world.
The Best Tourism Villages initiative is part of the UN Tourism for Rural Development Programme. The Programme works to foster development and inclusion in rural areas, combat depopulation, advance innovation and value chain integration through tourism, and encourage sustainable practices.
“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.
“The Best Tourism Villages initiative not only recognizes the remarkable achievements of these villages but also highlights the transformative power of tourism. 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.”
As in previous editions, the villages were evaluated under nine key areas including Cultural and Natural Resources, Promotion and Conservation of Cultural Resources, Economic Sustainability, Social Sustainability, Environmental Sustainability, Tourism Development and Value Chain Integration, Governance and Prioritization of Tourism, Infrastructure and Connectivity and Health, Safety, and Security.
The initiative comprises three pillars: Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism, Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism Upgrade Programme and Best Tourism Villages Network.
The 55 Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism in 2024, listed in alphabetical order, include a diverse range of destinations from across the globe. These are: Abo Noghta Castles & Historic Tabab in Saudi Arabia, Abu Ghosoun in Egypt, Aínsa in Spain, Amagi in Japan, Anogeia in Greece, Azheke in China, and Bo Suak in Thailand. Others on the list include Capulálpam de Méndez in Mexico, Caviahue-Copahue in Argentina, Cuatro Ciénegas de Carranza in Mexico, and El Tambo in Ecuador. Notable mentions also include El Valle de Antón in Panama, Esfahak in the Islamic Republic of Iran, Gaiman in Argentina, and Gharb Suhayl in Egypt. Additionally, Grand Baie in Mauritius, Guanyang in China, Huancaya in Peru, and Jardín in Colombia stand out.
The list also features Jatiluwih in Indonesia, Kalopanagiotis in Cyprus, Leymebamba in Peru, Mindo in Ecuador, and Mura in Spain, along with Nishikawa in Japan, Óbidos in Portugal, Ormana in Türkiye, and Palizada in Mexico. Pissouri in Cyprus, Portobelo in Panama, Pueblo de Maras in Peru, and Quinua in Peru are included, as well as Ralco in Chile, Roches Noires in Mauritius, Romoos in Switzerland, and Ruboni in Uganda. San Casciano dei Bagni in Italy, San Juan del Obispo in Guatemala, San Rafael de la Laguna in Ecuador, and Santa Cruz da Graciosa in Portugal make the list, along with Shibadong in China, Sibayo in Peru, Splügen in Switzerland, and St. Johann in Tirol in Austria. Taoping in China, Tra Que Vegetable Village in Viet Nam, Trevelin in Argentina, Uaxactún in Guatemala, Urych in Ukraine, Villa Tulumba in Argentina, Vorokhta in Ukraine, Wukirsari in Indonesia, Xiaogang in China, Xitou in China, and Yandunjiao in China round out the list.
This year seven villages from the Best Tourism Villages Upgrade Programme have achieved recognition as Best Tourism Villages. Through the Upgrade Programme villages received mentorship to improve their lowest-scored areas of evaluation and were able to apply through a fast-track process and qualify for Best Tourism Village recognition.
These outstanding villages include 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 are:
- 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
- Yörük, Türkiye
The call for submissions for the fifth edition will take place in early 2025, opening a new opportunity for rural destinations to share their inspiring initiatives and get global recognition as rural development champions.
