UN Tourism Opens Applications for 2025 Best Tourism Villages Initiative
UN Tourism has announced the opening of applications for the 2025 edition of its prestigious Best Tourism Villages initiative, reinforcing its commitment to promoting rural tourism as a driver of sustainable development and community inclusion. This global program highlights villages excelling in cultural and natural heritage preservation, while fostering economic growth, social well-being, and environmental sustainability.
Since its inception in 2021, the initiative has received over 800 applications from more than 100 countries, with 254 villages worldwide already part of the Best Tourism Villages Network. This includes over 180 villages officially recognized as Best Tourism Villages and 70 others participating in the Upgrade Programme, representing close to 60 countries across five world regions.
Zurab Pololikashvili, UN Tourism Secretary-General, emphasized the transformational role of rural tourism, stating: “The Best Tourism Villages initiative celebrates destinations where tourism drives economic opportunity, safeguards local traditions, and promotes sustainable growth. These villages showcase how tourism can improve quality of life while preserving cultural and natural assets.”
Key Details for Applicants
- Who can apply: Member States of UN Tourism may submit up to eight candidate villages through their respective National Tourism Administrations (NTAs).
- Deadline for applications: May 19, 2025
- Announcement: Recognized villages will be announced in the third quarter of 2025 as part of a UN Tourism event.
Evaluation Criteria
An external Advisory Board of global experts will assess villages based on nine key areas:
- Cultural and Natural Resources
- Promotion and Conservation of Cultural Resources
- Economic Sustainability
- Social Sustainability
- Environmental Sustainability
- Tourism Development and Value Chain Integration
- Governance and Prioritization of Tourism
- Infrastructure and Connectivity
- Health, Safety, and Security
Recognition and Benefits
- Best Tourism Villages Recognition: Honors villages that excel in preserving community-based values, cultural diversity, and sustainability practices, while driving rural development.
- The Upgrade Programme: Offers targeted support to villages that do not fully meet the recognition criteria, helping them improve through tailored guidance.
- The Best Tourism Villages Network: A platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange among recognized villages and those in the Upgrade Programme. The network organizes capacity-building initiatives and promotes best practices.
Tourism as a Tool for Development
The initiative aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and is part of UN Tourism’s Tourism for Rural Development Programme. It leverages tourism to enhance rural resilience, improve well-being, and preserve landscapes and cultural heritage. By recognizing villages that integrate tourism with sustainable practices, the program advances innovative tourism strategies that contribute to economic, social, and environmental sustainability.
Why This Matters for Africa
For African travel agents and tourism stakeholders, this initiative presents a unique opportunity to shine a spotlight on the continent’s rural gems. Many African villages boast rich cultural traditions, breathtaking landscapes, and community-driven tourism models that align with the program’s goals. Recognition under the Best Tourism Villages initiative could increase international visibility, attract investment, and strengthen local economies.
African NTAs are encouraged to submit applications for villages that demonstrate sustainable tourism practices and hold potential for development. The Upgrade Programme also offers valuable support for villages striving to meet global standards, ensuring no destination is left behind in the quest for sustainable tourism growth.
By participating in this initiative, African villages can showcase their unique offerings on a global platform, fostering trade, tourism, and cultural exchange while contributing to the continent’s broader development goals.
Originally Published by TravelNews.Africa
