UN Tourism has opened applications for the 2026 edition of its Best Tourism Villages initiative, inviting countries to nominate rural destinations that demonstrate excellence in sustainable tourism and community development.
Member States can submit up to eight candidate villages through their National Tourism Administrations, with the application deadline set for 9 June 2026.
The villages selected as Best Tourism Villages 2026 will be announced in the third quarter of the year during a UN Tourism event. Applications will be assessed by an independent Advisory Board of global experts using criteria that include sustainability, governance, cultural and natural heritage, infrastructure and community wellbeing.
The Best Tourism Villages programme, launched in 2021 as part of UN Tourism’s Tourism for Rural Development Programme, highlights destinations where tourism supports local communities, protects cultural traditions and preserves natural environments. The initiative also aims to promote rural destinations as authentic travel experiences while strengthening sustainable development.
Since its launch, the programme has attracted more than 1,000 applications from 100 countries. Today, the Best Tourism Villages Network includes 319 rural destinations worldwide across Africa, the Americas, Asia-Pacific, Europe and the Middle East.
More than 230 villages have been officially recognized as Best Tourism Villages, while 83 additional destinations participate in the programme’s Upgrade Programme. Together they represent 65 countries and form a collaborative network designed to share knowledge, best practices and tourism development strategies.
“Tourism is a proven game changer for rural communities. And with our Best Tourism Villages we are showcasing the very best examples, where it’s keeping traditions alive, supporting small businesses or preserving nature. Now we want to expand our network and give tourists even more chances to enjoy authentic experiences make a real difference when the travel,” said Shaikha Al Nuwais, Secretary-General.
The initiative is structured around three core components designed to support rural tourism development.
The first pillar is official recognition as a Best Tourism Village. This distinction is awarded to rural destinations that demonstrate strong performance in preserving cultural and natural heritage, strengthening community values and advancing sustainable tourism practices. Villages are evaluated across nine areas covering economic, social and environmental sustainability.
The second component is the Upgrade Programme, which supports villages that do not yet meet all the recognition criteria. Participating communities receive technical guidance and tailored support aimed at improving tourism management and addressing development gaps.
The third pillar is the Best Tourism Villages Network, which connects recognized villages and Upgrade Programme participants. The network functions as a global platform for peer learning, partnerships and knowledge sharing between rural tourism destinations.
UN Tourism says the initiative seeks to harness tourism as a catalyst for rural prosperity, resilience and wellbeing. By encouraging destinations to protect landscapes, cultural diversity and traditional knowledge systems, the programme promotes tourism models aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals.
With the new application round now open, the organization aims to expand the network further and highlight rural destinations that offer meaningful travel experiences while supporting sustainable development and local communities.
