UN Tourism Seeks Globe’s Top Rural Destinations Through 2024 ‘Best Tourism Villages’ Contest
Madrid – The hunt is on for the world’s leading rural tourism villages through UN Tourism’s prestigious 2024 “Best Tourism Villages” search! UN Tourism, the new brand for the World Tourism Organization, has officially opened applications for the 2024 edition of the coveted annual contest recognizing small villages excelling at heritage preservation and sustainable practices.
Through pioneering strategies aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, winning villages serve as models of how tourism can uplift rural communities when managed responsibly. Over the past three years, nearly 600 villages across 100 countries have applied, with 186 globally now distinguished as part of the Best Tourism Villages Network. UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili highlighted how the initiative spotlights destinations where “tourism is being effectively embraced as an opportunity and force for good.”
Eager applicants have until April 24th to submit materials demonstrating achievements across nine categories covering sustainable economic growth, social inclusion and environmental stewardship. An independent Advisory Board of experts then selects winners announced in the third quarter of 2024.
Beyond prestigious designations, the Network also provides training, resources and exchange opportunities enabling recipients to amplify positive impacts. With applications open, undiscovered rural gems worldwide now have the chance to gain recognition on the world stage.
