UN Tourism seeks to recognise rural tourism practices: apply to the call for Best Tourism Villages by 19 May
The Best Tourism Villages initiative by UN Tourism recognises villages around the world that demonstrate how tourism can drive positive transformation in rural areas. The call for applications for the fifth edition is open until 19 May 2025.
Image by Carles Fortuny Saez, 2020
The initiative showcases villages with innovative and inclusive tourism approaches that create jobs, stimulate local economies, foster social inclusion, and preserve and promote both cultural and natural heritage. Villages may only apply through the National Tourism Administrations of UN Tourism Member States– more information on the ongoing call.
TheBest Tourism Villages initiative is structured around three components:
- Best Tourism Villages (BTV): recognised villages are outstanding rural tourism destinations with rich cultural and natural assets, a strong commitment to sustainability, and a clear focus on community-based values and lifestyles. These villages exemplify how tourism can contribute to rural development and community well-being.
- BTV Upgrade Programme: this component supports villages that do not yet meet all the recognition criteria but demonstrate strong potential. Selected villages receive dedicated mentoring by UN Tourism to enhance areas identified during the evaluation process.
- BTV Network: comprising both recognised BTV and those in the Upgrade Programme, the Network offers a platform for peer learning, exchange of good practices, and collaboration. It is the largest global community of villages committed to advancing tourism as a tool for rural development and inclusive growth.
In addition to recognising outstanding examples of sustainable tourism and social cohesion, the initiative is implemented in close collaboration with National Tourism Administrations.
To date, 184 villages across 51 countries in five world regions have been recognised. In the European Union (EU) alone, there are 41 recognised villages across 10 countries. Browse through the interactive map for details on each village.
Author: Tourism for Rural Development Programme, UN Tourism