Tourexpi
This initiative marks a continued commitment to advancing rural tourism as a catalyst for sustainable development and inclusion, while celebrating the rich tapestry of cultural and natural heritage, community values, and sustainable practices that make these destinations unique.
Since its inception in 2021, the initiative has gained global recognition. Across the previous four editions, UN Tourism has received more than 800 applications from over 100 countries. Today, the UN Tourism Best Tourism Villages Network includes 254 members worldwide: over 180 villages recognized as Best Tourism Villages and 70 participating in the Upgrade Programme, representing almost 60 countries across five world regions.
The Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism celebrates rural destinations where tourism serves as a catalyst for opportunity, cultural preservation, and sustainable growth
UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili says: "The Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism celebrates rural destinations where tourism serves as a catalyst for opportunity, cultural preservation, and sustainable growth. By harnessing their unique assets, these villages create opportunities for economic growth, safeguard local traditions, and promote a better quality of life for their communities. We are eager to welcome those villages that represent the role of rural tourism as a transformative force for good."
Best Tourism Villages 2025 - Applications Open
UN Tourism Member States are invited to submit up to eight candidate villages through their respective National Tourism Administrations (NTAs).
Applications will close on May 19, 2025. The villages recognized as Best Tourism Villages 2025 will be announced in the third quarter of the year on the occasion of a UN Tourism event.
An external Advisory Board comprising global experts will evaluate applications based on 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 Prioritization of Tourism
- Infrastructure and Connectivity
- Health, Safety, and Security
- Advancing Rural Development through Tourism
The Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism initiative aims to leverage tourism as a tool for rural development, well-being, and resilience. By combining efforts to value and preserve rural landscapes, cultural diversity, and knowledge systems, the initiative advances innovative tourism strategies aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The initiative comprises three integral components:
Recognition as Best Tourism Villages: The recognition highlights rural tourism destinations that excel in preserving cultural and natural heritage, community-based values, and sustainability practices. The evaluation is based on their performance across nine areas spanning economic, social, and environmental dimensions.
The Upgrade Programme: Provides targeted support to villages that do not fully meet recognition criteria. These villages benefit from tailored guidance to bridge gaps and enhance their offerings.
The Best Tourism Villages Network: Serves as a platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration among recognized villages and those in the Upgrade Programme. The Network organizes capacity-building initiatives to foster connections across sectors.
The initiative is part of the Tourism for Rural Development Programme by UN Tourism.
Image Credit: © UN Tourism
The most interesting news
IHG Hotels and Resorts Strengthens Position Across Mexico, Latin America and the Caribbean
As a featured presenter and patron sponsor of this week’s Americas Lodging Investment Summit Caribbean & Latin America (ALIS CALA) conference, IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) reaffirms its strength and commitment to growth within Mexico, Latin America a
Emirates caps record-breaking ATM, welcoming over 27,000 visitors
Forging nearly 40 strategic partnerships across the travel ecosystem
River Cruise Expo 2026 Officially Sold Out, Wait List Opened
The event will be held March 11-15, 2026, in Amsterdam and has sold out for its fourth-consecutive year.
Türkiye’s Travel and Tourism to Reach a Record TL 5.2TN This Year
Türkiye’s Travel & Tourism sector is set to soar to new heights in 2025, according to the latest data from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), cementing the country’s status as one of the world’s most popular and most resilient destinat
Accor To Manage Victoria Golf Resort and Spa, Portugal
Accor, a world-leading hospitality group with over 5,600 properties across more than 110 countries and 45+ brands, is pleased to announce it has taken over the management of Victoria Golf Resort & Spa, a landmark hotel on southern Portugal’s pictur
SWISS posts CHF 3 million operating result for the first-quarter period
SWISS has reported a positive operating result for the first three months of 2025. Adjusted EBIT for the period amounted to CHF 3 million (Q1 2024: CHF 31 million).
Emirates expands footprint into Eastern China with launch of daily Dubai-Hangzhou flights
Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, is set to launch a daily non-stop service between Dubai and Hangzhou from 30 July*.
Condor and Emirates officially activate reciprocal codeshare agreement
Condor and Emirates have officially activated their reciprocal codeshare partnership ahead of the 2025 summer travel season.
Turkey Welcomes 8,9 Million Tourists in Q1
2025 Culture Route Festival Promises World-Class Highlights.
Radisson Hotel Group accelerates growth in Australasia with strategic projects
Radisson Hotel Group is proud to announce a series of major developments across its Australasia portfolio, underscoring its commitment to market expansion, enhanced guest experiences, and increased owner profitability through innovative technology an
Empowering Innovation and Inclusion: UN Tourism Leads Global Dialogue at Expo 2025 Japan
At Japan’s Expo 2025, UN Tourism highlighted the key role of innovation and education for driving transformation and female empowerment in the sector.
Kimpton brings its laid-back luxury to Germany with the opening of Kimpton Main Frankfurt
Kimpton, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ luxury and lifestyle portfolio, opens Kimpton Main Frankfurt, the brand’s first hotel in Germany and a vibrant new addition to Kimpton’s growing global portfolio.
International Tourism in Spain Sets New Record in Q1 2025: €23.5 Billion Spent
International tourists spent a record €23.5 billion in Spain during the first quarter of 2025, marking a 7.2% increase compared to the same period last year, according to data released by the Spanish National Statistics Institute (INE).
Agoda Unpacks the Ultimate Family Travel Bucket List in Asia
With school breaks and summer holidays just around the corner, there's no better time to pack up the kids and hit the road. Digital travel platform Agoda reveals its top family travel destinations in Asia for 2025, based on search data from January t
Radisson Hotel Group Publishes 2024 Sustainability Report
Radisson Hotel Group has released its 2024 Sustainability Report, showcasing the company’s commitment to responsible business practices through transparent and accountable reporting.
Radisson Hotel Group unveils Aaramgah Jawai Resort & Spa
With a strategic focus on strengthening its presence in India’s leisure destinations, Radisson Hotel Group proudly announces the debut of Aaramgah Jawai Resort & Spa, a member of Radisson Individuals Retreats.
Turespaña Releases May 2025 Air Capacity Forecast
According to the latest data released by Turespaña, nearly 12 million international air seats are scheduled to arrive in Spain during May 2025. This represents a 6.3% year-on-year increase compared to May 2024, which saw 11.3 million seats offered.
International journalists praise Tour of Türkiye as one of world’s top cycling events
The 8-day race, which began in Antalya concludes Sunday with final stage from Cesme to Izmir.
Lufthansa shareholders approve all agenda items at the Annual General Meeting
Around 1,500 shareholders attended the Annual General Meeting online.
Chiang Mai to Host Six Major International Conferences in 2025
Emerging as a Rising Star in Thailand’s MICE Landscape.
