UN Recognizes 55 Villages as Models of Sustainable Tourism in 2024

15-11-24

The United Nations Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) has announced the 55 villages honored in the 2024 edition of its “Best Tourism Villages” initiative. This distinction highlights rural communities that have embraced tourism as a tool for sustainable development and the preservation of their cultural and natural heritage.

In its fourth edition, the initiative received more than 260 nominations from over 60 UN Tourism Member States, reflecting a growing global interest in rural tourism as a driver of development. In addition to the 55 villages recognized, another 20 have been selected for an enhancement program, which will support them in reaching the required standards in future editions.

UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili highlighted the importance of tourism as a tool for inclusion, enabling 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.

The 2024 award-winning villages span all regions of the world, from Caviahue-Copahue in Argentina to Tra Que Vegetable Village in Vietnam. Each has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to sustainability, innovation and the preservation of their traditions and natural resources.

The selection of the villages is based on nine areas of evaluation:

Cultural and natural resources: Availability and management of resources that attract tourists and enrich the cultural experience.
Promotion and conservation of cultural resources: Efforts to preserve and promote tangible and intangible cultural heritage.
Economic sustainability: Impact of tourism on the local economy and its contribution to community well-being.
Social sustainability: Social inclusion, gender equality and community participation in tourism activities.
Environmental sustainability: Tourism practices that minimize environmental impact and promote conservation.
Tourism development and value chain integration: Integration of tourism into the local economy and creation of opportunities for local businesses.
Tourism governance and prioritization: Local policies and strategies that support sustainable tourism development.
Infrastructure and connectivity: Availability of adequate infrastructure and accessibility for tourists.
Health and safety: Measures implemented to ensure the safety and well-being of visitors and residents.

The Best Tourism Villages initiative was launched in 2021 with the goal of transforming tourism into a catalyst for rural prosperity and well-being. Since then, it has recognized 129 villages as outstanding examples of rural tourism destinations and supported 57 others through its improvement program. These villages represent 55 countries in five regions of the world, creating a global network of communities committed to sustainable tourism.

Award-winning villages benefit from increased international visibility, which can attract more tourists and investment opportunities. They are also part of a network that facilitates the exchange of experiences and best practices, promoting collaboration between rural communities in different parts of the world.

UN Tourism continues to promote tourism as a positive force for rural development, emphasizing the importance of sustainability and cultural preservation. The Best Tourism Villages initiative is a testament to how rural communities can leverage tourism to improve their quality of life and protect their heritage for future generations.

For more information on the award-winning villages and the initiative, visit the official UN Tourism website: https://tourism-villages.unwto.org/en/

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