The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has revealed its list of Best Tourism Villages 2024, recognizing 55 rural communities from around the globe for their efforts in advancing sustainable tourism and fostering community development. These villages were selected from more than 260 applications across 60+ UNWTO Member States.
In his announcement, UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili highlighted the transformative power of tourism, stating, “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 celebrates the remarkable achievements of these communities but underscores how tourism can be a catalyst for economic growth, cultural preservation, and the enhancement of quality of life.”
Launched in 2021, the Best Tourism Villages initiative aims to showcase how rural destinations can drive sustainable tourism while preserving landscapes, cultural traditions, and local values. This year’s recognition is part of the broader UN Tourism for Rural Development Programme, which supports rural communities in combating depopulation, advancing innovation, and integrating local economies into sustainable value chains.
With the addition of 55 new villages, the Best Tourism Villages Network now includes 254 rural destinations, making it the largest global network of rural tourism communities. The initiative not only celebrates these villages’ achievements but also serves as a model for other rural areas to explore the potential of tourism as a tool for community empowerment and sustainable development.
Pololikashvili emphasized that by leveraging their unique cultural, natural, and culinary assets, these communities are contributing to a sustainable future and fostering long-term prosperity. The ongoing success of the Best Tourism Villages initiative reaffirms the role of tourism as a powerful force for positive change in rural areas worldwide.
