UN Tourism opens the call for Best Tourism Villages 2026

UN Tourism officially launched the call for applications for the 2026 edition of its Best Tourism Villages program, an initiative that since 2021 has recognized rural villages that use tourism as a tool for sustainable development.

Since its inception, the program has received over 1,000 applications from 100 countries. Currently, the network comprises 319 rural destinations worldwide: more than 230 villages recognized as Best Tourism Villages and 83 participating in the Upgrade Programme, representing 65 countries across Africa, the Americas, Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East.

UN Tourism Secretary-General Shaikha Al Nuwais highlighted the impact of tourism on rural communities: “Tourism is a proven driver of transformation for rural communities. With Best Tourism Villages, we showcase the best examples of how traditions are kept alive, small businesses are supported, and nature is preserved. Now we want to expand our network and offer more opportunities for travelers to enjoy authentic experiences that make a real impact.”

Call for applications open until June

UN Tourism Member States may submit up to eight candidate towns through their respective National Tourism Administrations. The deadline for applications is June 9, 2026.

The destinations selected as Best Tourism Villages 2026 will be announced during the third quarter of the year, as part of an official event organized by UN Tourism.

Applications will be evaluated by an independent Advisory Council made up of international experts, who will analyze criteria related to sustainability, governance, cultural and natural heritage, infrastructure and community well-being.

Tourism as an engine for rural development

The program is part of UN Tourism's Tourism for Rural Development strategy and seeks to position tourism as a catalyst for prosperity, resilience and quality of life in rural environments.

The initiative is structured around three pillars:

Recognition as Best Tourism Village: distinction awarded to destinations that demonstrate excellence in the preservation of cultural and natural heritage, the strengthening of community values ​​and the advancement of sustainability, evaluated in nine areas that encompass economic, social and environmental dimensions.

Upgrade Programme: provides technical support to towns that do not yet meet all the requirements, with the aim of closing gaps and strengthening their tourism development strategies.

Best Tourism Villages Network: a network that integrates recognized villages and participants in the improvement program, promoting knowledge exchange, peer learning, and the generation of alliances at a global level.

With this new call, UN Tourism reinforces its commitment to a tourism development model that combines economic growth, cultural identity and protection of the natural environment.

Source: UN Tourism.