On November 15, 2024, UN Tourism announced its selection of 55 villages as the Best Tourism Villages for 2024, highlighting their contributions to sustainable tourism and community development. Chosen from over 260 applicants across 60 countries, these villages were acknowledged for their commitment to preserving cultural heritage and promoting sustainable practices.
UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili emphasised the role of tourism in empowering rural communities and driving sustainable development sharing, “Tourism is a vital 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 recognises 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.”
The initiative, launched in 2021, aims to enhance tourism's impact in rural areas by preserving landscapes and traditions. The evaluation of villages focussed on nine criteria, 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 Prioritisation of Tourism
Infrastructure and Connectivity
Health, Safety, and Security
The Best Tourism Villages Network, which now includes 254 members, serves as a platform for sharing best practices and experiences. The 55 Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism 2024 are (in alphabetical order):
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, Islamic Republic of 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, Viet Nam
Trevelin, Argentina
Uaxactún, Guatemala
Urych, Ukraine
Villa Tulumba, Argentina
Vorokhta, Ukraine
Wukirsari, Indonesia
Xiaogang, China
Xitou, China
Yandunjiao, China
Additionally, seven villages from the Upgrade Programme gained recognition this year, demonstrating improved practices through mentorship and focussed support. The 20 new participants in the Upgrade Programme have the opportunity to develop their tourism offerings further. Submissions for the fifth edition will open in early 2025, encouraging more rural destinations to showcase their initiatives.
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