The Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO initiative was launched to advance the role of tourism in safeguarding rural villages, along with their landscapes, natural and cultural diversity and their local values and activities, including local gastronomy.

A total of 44 villages from 32 countries across the five world regions were recognized in 2021. All of them stand out for their natural and cultural resources, as well as their innovative and transformative actions and commitment to the development of tourism in line with the sustainable development goals (SDGs).

The villages were evaluated by an independent advisory board based on a set of criteria covering nine areas:

1. Cultural and natural resources

2. Promotion and conservation of cultural resources

3. Economic sustainability

4. Social sustainability

5. Environmental sustainability

6. Tourism potential and development and value chain integration

7. Governance and prioritization of tourism

8. Infrastructure and connectivity

9. Health, safety and security

All of the 44 selected villages scored a total of 80 or more points or more out of a possible 100.

“Tourism can be a driver of social cohesion and inclusion by promoting a fairer distribution of benefits throughout the territory and empowering local communities,” said UNWTO secretary-general Zurab Pololikashvili. “This initiative recognizes those villages committed to making tourism a strong driver of their development and wellbeing”.

A total 174 villages were proposed by 75 UNWTO member states (each member state could present a maximum of three villages) for the 2021 pilot initiative, of which 44 were recognized as Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO. Another 20 villages will enter the Upgrade Program of the initiative. All 64 villages enter to make part of the UNWTO Best Tourism Villages Network.

List of Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO 2021:

• Bekhovo, Russian Federation

• Bkassine, Lebanon

• Bojo, Philippines

• • Caspalá, Argentina

The next edition will take place in February 2022.