UN Tourism Villages 2024 celebrates 55 rural destinations for their commitment to sustainable tourism, community development, and cultural preservation.
Rural destinations strengthen their role in sustainable tourism and community growth as UN Tourism announces the Best Tourism Villages of 2024.
In its fourth year, the initiative has recognized 55 villages from across the globe, selected from over 260 applications submitted by more than 60 UN Tourism Member States. Additionally, 20 villages have been invited to join the Upgrade Programme.
The Best Tourism Villages initiative celebrates the exceptional achievements of these villages while underscoring the transformative impact of tourism.
Launched in 2021, the Best Tourism Villages (BTV) initiative aims to promote tourism’s positive influence in rural areas, fostering the preservation of natural landscapes, cultural heritage, local values, and culinary traditions. The BTV Network has continued to expand, with 75 new members bringing the total to 254 villages, making it the largest global network of rural tourism destinations.
This initiative is part of the UN’s broader Tourism for Rural Development Programme, which seeks to empower rural communities by combating depopulation, encouraging sustainable practices, integrating local economies, and advancing innovation through tourism.
The full list of the Best Tourism Villages of 2024 includes:
- Abo Noghta Castles & Historic Tabab, Saudi Arabia
- Abu Ghosoun, Egypt
- Aínsa, Spain
- Amagi, Japan
- Anogeia, Greece
- Azheke, China
- Bo Suak, Thailand
- Capulálpam de Méndez, Mexico
- Caviahue-Copahue, Argentina
- Cuatro Ciénegas de Carranza, Mexico
- El Tambo, Ecuador
- El Valle de Antón, Panama
- Esfahak, Iran
- Gaiman, Argentina
- Gharb Suhayl, Egypt
- Grand Baie, Mauritius
- Guanyang, China
- Huancaya, Peru
- Jardín, Colombia
- Jatiluwih, Indonesia
- Kalopanagiotis, Cyprus
- Leymebamba, Peru
- Mindo, Ecuador
- Mura, Spain
- Nishikawa, Japan
- Óbidos, Portugal
- Ormana, Türkiye
- Palizada, Mexico
- Pissouri, Cyprus
- Portobelo, Panama
- Pueblo de Maras, Peru
- Quinua, Peru
- Ralco, Chile
- Roches Noires, Mauritius
- Romoos, Switzerland
- Ruboni, Uganda
- San Casciano dei Bagni, Italy
- San Juan del Obispo, Guatemala
- San Rafael de la Laguna, Ecuador
- Santa Cruz da Graciosa, Portugal
- Shibadong, China
- Sibayo, Peru
- Splügen, Switzerland
- St. Johann in Tirol, Austria
- Taoping, China
- Tra Que Vegetable Village, Vietnam
- Trevelin, Argentina
- Uaxactún, Guatemala
- Urych, Ukraine
- Villa Tulumba, Argentina
- Vorokhta, Ukraine
- Wukirsari, Indonesia
- Xiaogang, China
- Xitou, China
- Yandunjiao, China
This year, seven villages have transitioned from the Upgrade Programme to the Best Tourism Villages list. These include Capulálpam de Méndez (Mexico), Grand Baie (Mauritius), Kalopanagiotis (Cyprus), Pissouri (Cyprus), Ruboni (Uganda), Bo Suak (Thailand), and Trevelin (Argentina). These villages received guidance to address areas of improvement and expedited their recognition process.
In addition, 20 villages were selected for the Upgrade Programme this year, including:
- 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, South Korea
- Shirayama, Japan
- St. Leonhard in Pitztal, Austria
- Yamakoshi, Japan
- Yörük, Türkiye
The call for submissions for the fifth edition will open in early 2025, offering rural destinations a new opportunity to showcase their inspiring initiatives and gain global recognition as leaders in rural development.
Conclusion
As rural destinations continue to take center stage in the world of tourism, the Best Tourism Villages initiative is a shining example of how tourism can be a force for good. These villages not only provide travelers with enriching experiences but also contribute to the economic and social well-being of rural communities. By prioritizing sustainability, cultural preservation, and community development, they are paving the way for a brighter, more inclusive future for tourism worldwide.
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