UN’s Best Tourism Villages 2024

The UN Tourism has once again spotlighted the world’s most outstanding rural tourism destinations with its prestigious “Best Tourism Villages 2024” initiative. This global recognition celebrates villages that exemplify best practices in sustainable tourism, cultural preservation, and innovative development strategies.

What is UN’s Best Tourism Villages 2024?

The “Best Tourism Villages 2024” initiative, launched in 2021, aims to recognize and honor rural villages that demonstrate excellence in sustainable tourism. These villages serve as models for other destinations, showcasing how tourism can contribute to local prosperity, cultural heritage preservation, and environmental conservation.

Objectives of the Initiatives

• Promote the relationship between sustainable, equitable and resilient food systems and tourism to preserve biodiversity, agrobiodiversity, cultural heritage and local gastronomy.
• Advance the conservation of natural and cultural resources.
• Promote sustainable practices for a more efficient use of resources and a reduction of emissions and waste.

Promote rural transformation and strengthen traction capacity.

• Strengthen multi-level-governance, partnerships and the active involvement of communities (public-private-community collaboration).
• Improve connectivity, infrastructure and access to finance and investment.
• Advance innovation and digitalization.
• Innovate in product development and value chain integration

Promote the relationship between sustainable, equitable and resilient food systems and tourism to preserve biodiversity, agrobiodiversity, cultural heritage and local gastronomy.

• Advance the conservation of natural and cultural resources.

• Promote sustainable practices for a more efficient use of resources and a reduction of emissions and waste.

Why join?

1. Make tourism one of the drivers of rural development and community well-being.
2. Commit to sustainability in all its aspects -economic, social and environmental
3. Gain visibility and international recognition as an outstanding example of a rural tourism destination.
4. Be part of a global network of rural destinations.

Eligibility Guidelines

To be eligible for consideration, villages must meet the following criteria:

1. Rural Character: Villages should have a distinct rural identity, reflecting their cultural heritage, natural surroundings, and community spirit.
2. Sustainable Practices: Villages must demonstrate a commitment to sustainable tourism practices, including responsible resource management, waste reduction, and community engagement.
3. Cultural Preservation: The preservation of cultural heritage, traditions, and craftsmanship is essential. Villages that actively safeguard their cultural assets are highly regarded.
4. Innovation: Innovative approaches to tourism development, such as community-based initiatives, eco-friendly infrastructure, and creative marketing, are encouraged.

Selection Procedure

The selection process for the “Best Tourism Villages 2024” involves the following steps:

1. Application Submission: Villages submit detailed applications, providing information on their cultural resources, sustainability efforts, and tourism development strategies.
2. Advisory Board Evaluation: An independent Advisory Board reviews the applications based on nine key areas, including cultural and natural resources, economic and social sustainability, and infrastructure.
3. Site Visits: Shortlisted villages may receive site visits from UNWTO representatives to assess their practices firsthand.
4. Announcement of Winners: The selected villages are announced annually, recognizing their outstanding contributions to sustainable tourism.

Awards for the Winners

Winning villages receive the following awards:

1. International Recognition: The honor of being named a “Best Tourism Village” by UNWTO brings global visibility and prestige.
2. Networking Opportunities: Villages become part of a network of excellence, connecting with other recognized destinations and sharing best practices.
3. Capacity Building: UNWTO provides capacity-building workshops, training, and technical assistance to enhance the winners’ tourism offerings.

How to Apply

Villages interested in participating in the “Best Tourism Villages 2024” initiative can follow these steps:

1. Visit the official UNWTO website for detailed information and guidelines.
2. Prepare a comprehensive application that highlights the village’s unique features, sustainability efforts, and cultural significance.
3. Submit the application by the specified deadline (April 24, 2024).

In conclusion, the “Best Tourism Villages 2024” initiative by UNWTO celebrates the transformative power of tourism when combined with sustainable practices and cultural preservation. As we look forward to this year’s winners, let us continue to support rural communities and their invaluable contributions to the global tourism landscape.