## 55 Villages Shine: UNWTO Celebrates Excellence in Sustainable Rural Tourism
The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has announced the winners of its prestigious Best Tourism Villages 2024 initiative, recognizing 55 exceptional rural destinations from across the globe. This year’s selection, the fourth iteration of the program, highlights the transformative power of sustainable tourism in fostering community growth, cultural preservation, and economic empowerment. Chosen from a highly competitive pool of over 260 applications submitted by more than 60 UNWTO Member States, these villages exemplify best practices in responsible and impactful tourism.
The Best Tourism Villages (BTV) initiative, launched in 2021, goes beyond simply celebrating beautiful landscapes. It actively promotes tourism’s positive influence on rural areas, prioritizing the preservation of natural and cultural heritage, local values, and culinary traditions. This year’s success builds upon the existing network, expanding the BTV family to 254 villages, making it the largest global network of its kind. This remarkable growth underscores the growing recognition of sustainable rural tourism as a crucial engine for development.
From Upgrade to Excellence: Seven Villages Achieve BTV Status
Seven villages have successfully graduated from the BTV Upgrade Programme to achieve full Best Tourism Village status. These deserving destinations, having received targeted guidance and support to address areas for improvement, represent a testament to the program’s effectiveness in nurturing sustainable growth. The seven villages are: Capulálpam de Méndez (Mexico), Grand Baie (Mauritius), Kalopanagiotis (Cyprus), Pissouri (Cyprus), Ruboni (Uganda), Bo Suak (Thailand), and Trevelin (Argentina). Their inclusion enriches the diversity and global reach of the BTV network.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Sustainable Rural Tourism
The impact of the BTV initiative extends far beyond individual villages. It forms a crucial part of the UN’s broader Tourism for Rural Development Programme. This ambitious program tackles critical challenges faced by rural communities, including depopulation and economic stagnation, by leveraging the power of tourism to create sustainable livelihoods and promote innovation. By actively combating depopulation and fostering sustainable practices, the program contributes to a more equitable and prosperous future for these communities.
Furthermore, this year, 20 additional villages have been selected to participate in the Upgrade Programme, receiving valuable support to refine their tourism strategies and achieve BTV status in future years. This ongoing support system further strengthens the long-term impact of the initiative.
The call for submissions for the fifth edition of the Best Tourism Villages initiative will open in early 2025, presenting a unique opportunity for more rural destinations to showcase their commitment to sustainable tourism. The UNWTO encourages rural communities worldwide to apply and become part of this influential global network.
The Best Tourism Villages initiative is not just about recognizing excellence; it’s about fostering a global movement towards responsible and sustainable tourism that benefits both travelers and host communities. These villages are a beacon of hope, demonstrating how tourism can be a powerful force for good, creating thriving economies and preserving cultural heritage for generations to come. They are a testament to the transformative potential of responsible tourism practices and provide inspirational models for rural destinations worldwide.
