SHERIDAN, WYOMING – November 15, 2024 – The World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) has unveiled its esteemed list of "Best Tourism Villages" for 2024, recognizing 55 rural destinations that are embracing tourism as a force for good.
Championing Sustainability and Community Empowerment
The initiative, now in its fourth year, celebrates villages that are committed to preserving their cultural and natural heritage while promoting sustainable tourism practices. These villages showcase the power of tourism to drive economic growth, create jobs, and empower local communities.
"Tourism is a vital tool for inclusion, empowering rural communities to protect and value their rich cultural heritage while driving sustainable development," said UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili.
A Global Tapestry of Rural Tourism
The 55 villages selected for the 2024 list represent a diverse range of destinations across all global regions. Each village offers unique experiences and demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainability, showcasing the multifaceted potential of rural tourism.
Preserving Traditions, Promoting Innovation
The Best Tourism Villages initiative recognizes destinations that are not only preserving their traditions and natural beauty but also embracing innovation and technology to enhance the visitor experience. These villages are leading the way in demonstrating how tourism can be a catalyst for positive change in rural areas.
A Growing Network for Sustainable Tourism
The Best Tourism Villages Network has expanded to include 254 villages worldwide, providing a platform for knowledge sharing and collaboration among rural destinations committed to sustainable tourism. This network allows villages to learn from each other, exchange best practices, and collectively promote rural tourism on a global scale.
Rigorous Selection Process
The selection process for the Best Tourism Villages is rigorous, with villages evaluated based on a comprehensive set of criteria that includes:
- Cultural and natural resources
- Economic sustainability
- Social sustainability
- Environmental sustainability
- Tourism development and value chain integration
- Governance and prioritization of tourism
- Infrastructure and connectivity
The evaluation process ensures that recognized villages are truly committed to sustainable and responsible tourism practices.
Three Pillars of the Initiative
The Best Tourism Villages initiative is built on three pillars:
- Recognition: Acknowledges outstanding rural destinations that are committed to sustainability and community empowerment.
- Upgrade Programme: Supports villages in enhancing their tourism offerings and sustainability practices to qualify for recognition.
- Network: Provides a platform for knowledge sharing and collaboration among members of the Best Tourism Villages Network.
Success Stories from the Upgrade Programme
This year, seven villages from the Upgrade Programme successfully achieved recognition as Best Tourism Villages, demonstrating the program's effectiveness in supporting rural destinations on their path to sustainable tourism development.
The Best Tourism Villages initiative is a testament to the power of tourism to drive positive change in rural communities. By showcasing the achievements of these villages and fostering collaboration, UN Tourism is helping to shape a more sustainable and inclusive future for rural tourism worldwide.