UN Tourism Invites Applications for Best Tourism Villages 2026
UN Tourism has opened applications for the 2026 edition of its Best Tourism Villages initiative, continuing its focus on supporting rural destinations through tourism development.
Launched in 2021, the programme has received more than 1,000 applications from 100 countries. The network currently includes 319 rural destinations worldwide, with over 230 villages formally recognised and 83 participating in the Upgrade Programme. Together, they represent 65 countries across Africa, the Americas, Asia-Pacific, Europe and the Middle East.
UN Tourism Secretary-General Shaikha Al Nuwais said the initiative highlights how tourism can contribute to rural economies by sustaining local traditions, supporting small enterprises and encouraging environmental stewardship. She added that the organisation aims to further expand the network and encourage destinations that offer meaningful, community-based travel experiences.
Application Process
UN Tourism Member States may submit up to eight candidate villages through their respective National Tourism Administrations. Applications will close on 9 June 2026, and selected villages will be announced during an official UN Tourism event in the third quarter of the year.
An independent Advisory Board will evaluate submissions based on criteria including sustainability, governance, cultural and natural heritage, infrastructure and community wellbeing.
Supporting Rural Development
The Best Tourism Villages initiative is part of UNWTO’s Tourism for Rural Development Programme. It is designed to position tourism as a tool for economic diversification, resilience and social inclusion in rural areas, while aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The initiative operates through three components:
Recognition as Best Tourism Village – Granted to destinations that demonstrate effective preservation of cultural and natural assets, strong community participation and sustainable development practices across economic, social and environmental dimensions.
Upgrade Programme – Provides guidance and technical support to villages that do not yet meet all evaluation criteria, helping them strengthen tourism strategies and address identified gaps.
Best Tourism Villages Network – Connects recognised villages and Upgrade Programme participants, facilitating knowledge exchange, partnerships and capacity-building across regions.
Through this framework, UN Tourism continues to encourage rural destinations to integrate tourism planning with long-term community development and sustainability goals.
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