Rural destinations consolidate their position as key players in sustainable tourism and community development as UN Tourism announces its Best Tourism Villages 2024.

In this fourth edition, 55 villages from all regions received the recognition, chosen from over 260 applications from more than 60 UN Tourism Member States. Another 20 villages were chosen to join the Upgrade Programme.

“Tourism is a vital tool for inclusion, empowering rural communities to protect and value their rich cultural heritage while driving sustainable development,” said UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili. “The Best Tourism Villages initiative not only recognizes 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 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, Chin