Applications have now opened for the 2026 edition of the Best Tourism Villages initiative, a flagship program led by UN Tourism aimed at advancing rural development through sustainable travel.
Since its launch in 2021, the initiative has attracted more than 1,000 applications from over 100 countries, underscoring growing global interest in leveraging tourism as a driver of inclusive growth and cultural preservation.
Today, the Best Tourism Villages Network unites 319 rural destinations worldwide. This includes more than 230 villages officially recognized as Best Tourism Villages and 83 participating in the upgrade program.
Collectively, they represent 65 countries across five world regions—Africa, the Americas, Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East—forming a dynamic global platform for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and sustainable tourism innovation.
Expanding the global rural tourism movement
The initiative forms part of the broader Tourism for Rural Development Program at UN Tourism. It seeks to position tourism as a catalyst for rural prosperity, resilience, and well-being by promoting the protection of landscapes, cultural diversity, and traditional knowledge systems.
Shaikha Al Nuwais UN Tourism Secretary General
“Tourism is a proven game changer for rural communities. Through our Best Tourism Villages, we are showcasing outstanding examples where traditions are preserved, small businesses are empowered, and natural heritage is protected. We now aim to further expand our network, offering travelers more opportunities to experience authentic destinations while contributing meaningfully to local development.”
The program aligns closely with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), advancing sustainable economic, social, and environmental outcomes.
Best Tourism Villages 2026: Application process
UN Tourism Member States are invited to submit up to eight candidate villages through their respective National Tourism Administrations. Applications for the 2026 cycle will close on 9 June 2026.
An independent advisory board comprising global experts will evaluate submissions against comprehensive criteria spanning sustainability, governance, cultural and natural heritage preservation, infrastructure quality, and community well-being.
The villages selected as Best Tourism Villages 2026 are expected to be announced in the third quarter of the year during an official UN Tourism event.
Three Pillars driving rural transformation
The Best Tourism Villages initiative is structured around three core pillars designed to foster excellence and continuous improvement:
Recognition as Best Tourism Village
This distinction is awarded to rural destinations demonstrating excellence in safeguarding cultural and natural heritage, strengthening community-based values, and advancing sustainability. Assessment is based on nine performance areas covering economic viability, social inclusion, and environmental responsibility.
Upgrade Program
Villages that do not yet fully meet the recognition criteria may join the upgrade program. Participants receive tailored technical guidance and capacity-building support to address identified gaps and enhance their tourism development strategies.
Best Tourism Villages Network
The network brings together recognized villages and those in the upgrade program, serving as a collaborative platform for peer learning, partnerships, and cross-regional cooperation. It facilitates knowledge-sharing and supports innovation in rural tourism models.
