UN Tourism has officially announced the opening of a new edition of its flagship initiative to recognize the world’s Best Tourism Villages in 2026.
Since its launch in 2021, the program has established itself as a global benchmark, receiving over one thousand applications from a hundred countries in just five years. Currently, this international collaborative network integrates 319 rural communities that stand out for their commitment to sustainability and the preservation of their cultural identity. The primary objective of this call is to identify destinations where tourism acts as a true catalyst for the prosperity, resilience, and well-being of its inhabitants.
As stated by the Secretary-General of UN Tourism, Shaikha Al Nuwais, tourism is a proven tool with the capacity to positively transform rural communities. By focusing on best practices, the organization seeks to highlight examples where tourism activities keep traditions alive, support small local businesses, and protect the natural environment. In this new phase, the international body aims to expand its network to offer travelers more opportunities to enjoy authentic experiences that make a real difference in the development of destinations. Consequently, Member States are formally invited to submit up to eight candidate villages through their respective National Tourism Administrations.
The selection process for the 2026 edition will remain open until June 9 of this year, the deadline for receiving applications. Once the call is closed, applications will be evaluated by an independent Advisory Board composed of global experts who will analyze various critical parameters. Evaluation criteria include sustainability across its economic, social, and environmental dimensions, as well as governance, infrastructure, connectivity, and community well-being. Furthermore, special importance will be given to the protection and promotion of cultural and natural heritage, as well as the traditional knowledge systems that define each territory.
The initiative is structured around three fundamental pillars seeking a comprehensive impact on the rural environment. The first of these is direct recognition as a Best Tourism Village, intended for those villages that already demonstrate operational excellence in preserving their values and landscapes. Secondly, the program includes an “Upgrade Programme” component, specifically designed to support localities that do not yet meet all the requirements to obtain the primary seal. These villages receive tailored technical guidance and support to close identified gaps and strengthen their long-term tourism development strategies.
Finally, the third pillar consists of the Best Tourism Villages Network, which functions as a collaborative platform for exchanging knowledge and experiences. This network fosters peer learning and the creation of strategic partnerships across regions including Africa, the Americas, Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East. By integrating recognized villages with those in the upgrade process, a mutual growth ecosystem is generated that reinforces the role of tourism as a driver of rural development. The organization plans to announce the villages selected for the previous edition, corresponding to 2025, during the third quarter of this year at an official UN Tourism event.
With this ambitious project, the specialized agency of the United Nations reaffirms its commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals through innovative approaches in the service sector. The protection of cultural diversity and the promotion of prosperity in remote areas are central axes of a program seeking to redefine the future of travel. Those interested in more details regarding the impact of the Tourism for Rural Development Programme can consult the impact report for the 2021-2025 period or access the audiovisual resources available at the organization’s headquarters in Madrid.
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Source: TOURISM AND SOCIETY THINK TANK