55 rural communities are shaping the future of sustainable travel

From Caviahue-Copahue in Argentina to Tra Que Vegetable Village in Viet Nam, discover the 55 new “Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism”.

As UN Tourism announces the “Best Tourism Villages 2024”, rural destinations consolidate their position as key players in sustainable tourism and community development.

In this fourth edition, 55 villages from all regions have obtained recognition, having been chosen from more than 260 candidates from more than 60 UN Tourism Member States. Another 20 villages have been chosen to join the Upgrade Programme.

The “Best Tourism Villages” initiative not only recognizes the remarkable achievements of these villages, but also highlights the transformative power of tourism

UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “Tourism is an essential tool for inclusion, empowering rural communities to protect and value their rich cultural heritage, while driving sustainable development. 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 improve the quality of life for their residents. We celebrate villages that have embraced tourism as a path to community empowerment and well-being, demonstrating that sustainable practices can lead to a brighter future for all.”

The UN Tourism “Best Tourism Villages” initiative was created in 2021 to promote the role of tourism in rural areas, while 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.

Unite rural destinations in pursuit of sustainable development

The “Best Tourism Villages” initiative is part of the UN Tourism Rural Development Programme. The Program strives to enhance development and inclusion in rural areas, combat depopulation, encourage innovation and value chain integration through tourism, and promote sustainable practices.

As in previous editions, the villages were evaluated in nine main areas:

1. Cultural and natural resources
2. Promotion and conservation of cultural resources
3. Economic sustainability
4. Social sustainability
5. Environmental sustainability
6. Tourism development and value chain integration
7. Governance and prioritization of tourism
8. Infrastructure and connectivity
9. Health and safety

The initiative comprises three pillars:

• “Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism”: Recognizes outstanding examples of rural tourist destinations with recognized cultural and natural assets, a commitment to the preservation of community values, and a clear commitment to innovation and sustainability in the economic, social and environmental dimensions.
• “Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism Upgrade Programme”: Supports villages in their efforts to meet recognition criteria, helping them to improve in areas identified as a weakness during the evaluation.
• La red “Best Tourism Villages”: A space to exchange experiences and good practices, lessons learned and opportunities among its members, which is open to contributions from experts and partners from the public and private sectors who contribute to the promotion of tourism as an engine of rural development .

The 55 “Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism 2024” are (in alphabetical order):

From the fast track to recognition

This year, seven villages from the “Best Tourism Villages Upgrade Programme” have obtained recognition as “Best Tourism Villages”. Through the Upgrade Programme, villages received guidance to improve their lowest-scoring assessment domains, and were able to apply through a fast-track process and qualify for recognition as “Upgrade Programme.” “Best Tourism Village”.

These villages stand out are Capulálpam de Méndez (México), Grand Baie (Mauricio), Kalopanagiotis (Chipre), Pissouri (Chipre), Ruboni (Uganda), Bo Suak (Thailandia) and Trevelin (Argentina).

The 20 villages selected to participate this year in the “Upgrade Program” are:

Calling for submissions for the fifth edition will take place in early 2025, providing a new opportunity for rural destinations to share their inspiring initiatives and gain global recognition as champions of rural development.

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