Wednesday, February 5, 2025 UN Tourism has officially launched the application process for the 2025 edition of its esteemed Best Tourism Villages initiative. This annual program continues its mission to elevate rural tourism as a driving force for sustainable development, economic inclusion, and cultural preservation. By spotlighting villages that embody strong community values, environmental stewardship, and heritage conservation, the initiative celebrates destinations that set a benchmark for responsible tourism.
UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili says: “The Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism celebrates rural destinations where tourism serves as a catalyst for opportunity, cultural preservation, and sustainable growth. By harnessing their unique assets, these villages create opportunities for economic growth, safeguard local traditions, and promote a better quality of life for their communities. We are eager to welcome those villages that represent the role of rural tourism as a transformative force for good.
” Since its establishment in 2021, the Best Tourism Villages initiative has gained international prominence. Over the past four editions, more than 800 applications have been submitted by over 100 countries. Today, the Best Tourism Villages Network comprises 254 members across nearly 60 countries in five global regions.
This includes over 180 villages officially recognized as Best Tourism Villages and 70 others participating in the Upgrade Programme,.
