Best Tourism Villages 2023: UNWTO Invites Applications

Photo source: UNWTO.

The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) recently announced that it is now accepting applications for the third edition of its Best Tourism Villages initiative.

The program, which launched in 2021, has already recognized over 70 villages from nearly 40 countries for their efforts with an additional 40 selected for participation in the Upgrade program.

This year, national Tourism Administrations (NTAs) of UNWTO Member States can present up to eight villages for consideration with applications closing on June 23, 2023, and the winners set to be announced later in the year.

Source: UNWTO.

Applications are evaluated by an independent International Advisory Board consisting of experts in various fields, including cultural and natural resources preservation, sustainability, tourism product development, marketing, and value chain.

“Tourism can make a real difference for rural communities, delivering jobs, supporting businesses and celebrating and protecting traditions,” said UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili adding that through the Best Tourism Villages initiative “UNWTO is recognizing those rural destinations that are committed to making tourism a pillar of opportunity and well-being.”

The Best Tourism Villages initiative has three components: the recognition of outstanding rural tourism destinations with cultural and natural assets, the Upgrade Program for villages that do not fully meet the criteria for recognition, and a Network for exchanging experiences and good practices.

Source: UNWTO.

Villages that are recognized will receive individual mentoring and join the Best Tourism Villages Network.

Since its inception, the network has organized a series of training sessions and masterclasses that allow participants to benefit from expert guidance and feedback from sector leaders.

Greece in 2021 won two important “Best Tourism Villages” distinctions. The Municipality of Soufli was granted the “Best Tourism Village” recognition for 2021 and the Municipality of Western Samos entered the initiative’s upgrade program.