A UN Tourism initiative that promotes sustainable and responsible tourism.
This is the fourth edition of the Best Tourism Villages, a UN Tourism initiative to promote sustainable tourism and community development. Held recently, the 2024 gala has been led by rural destinations with a total of 55 villages from all regions having been chosen from over 60 UN Tourism Member States.
The criteria that have been determined to choose the winning destinations are their cultural and natural resources, promotion and conservation of cultural resources, social sustainability, environmental sustainability, tourism development and value chain integration, tourism governance and prioritisation, infrastructure and connectivity, and health and safety. In short, they are places that have embraced tourism to empower the community, creating sustainable practices for the good of all. Two such destinations are in Spain: Aínsa and Mura.
Jatiluwih, one of the winning villages. Creative Commons licence.
In addition, the Best Tourism Villages 2024 initiative comprises three pillars: the Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism, which recognises outstanding examples of rural tourism destinations with recognised cultural and natural assets, as well as a commitment to innovation and sustainability. On the other hand, the Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism Upgrade Programme, which supports villages in their efforts to meet the recognition criteria. Finally, the Best Tourism Villages, which is a space to exchange experiences and best practices.
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 Anton (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)
- Quinoa (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)
