Best Tourism Villages 2024: Over 260 Applications from 60+ Countries

Lerici in Italy was among the Best Tourism Villages 2023.

Over 260 villages from more than 60 countries, representing the five regions of the world, have applied for the fourth edition of the Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism in 2024.

Applications closed on May 8, with the number of submissions marking the highest volume ever received in recent years.

UN Tourism, formerly known as the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), opened applications for the Best Tourism Villages 2024 earlier this year with the aim of promoting tourism as a factor for wellbeing in the applying destinations.

During the initiative, 129 destinations were recognized as Best Tourism Villages, while 57 entered the Upgrade Program, representing 55 countries.

“Building on the success of past editions, this year’s initiative will again inspire communities worldwide to harness the power of tourism as a driver of rural development and wellbeing,” UN tourism said in an announcement.

Photo source: UN Tourism

UN Tourism’s Member States were invited to submit up to eight candidate villages through their National Tourism Administrations (NTAs).

As in previous editions, the villages will be assessed by an external independent advisory board in the following areas of evaluation:  Cultural and natural resources; Promotion and Conservation of Cultural Resources; Economic Sustainability; Social Sustainability;  Environmental Sustainability; Tourism Development and Value Chain Integration; Governance and Prioritization of Tourism; Infrastructure and connectivity; and Health, Safety, and Security.

The villages recognized as the Best Tourism Villages as well as those selected to participate in the Upgrade Program will be announced in the fourth quarter of the year.

A growing global network of tourism villages

Since launching the call for applications in January, the Tourism for Rural Development Program has conducted a series of online sessions with Member States, providing insights into the application process.

According to the UN, these sessions, available in Arabic, English, French, and Spanish, attracted 117 participants, highlighting the widespread interest and commitment of UN Tourism Member States to advancing tourism for rural development.

With the launch of this year’s initiative, the BTV Network, currently comprising a global consortium of 186 members, will continue to expand. This collaborative network serves as a unique global platform for local communities to share experiences, exchange knowledge, and foster partnerships to drive rural development through tourism.

In 2021, the Municipality of Soufli was granted the “Best Tourism Village” recognition, while the Municipality of Western Samos entered the initiative’s upgrade program.