Record-Breaking Entries Flood In for UN Tourism's 2024 Best Tourism Villages Awards

The global stage is set for the 2024 edition of the Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism, with over 260 villages from more than 60 countries eagerly vying for recognition. This year's applications, representing diverse cultures and landscapes across the five regions of the world, have shattered previous records, marking the highest volume ever received in the history of the initiative.

As the application window closed on 8th May, villages worldwide eagerly await the outcome of their submissions. The initiative, now in its fourth edition, aims to galvanize rural development and foster wellbeing through tourism. Building on the successes of past editions, this year's event promises to inspire communities to leverage tourism as a catalyst for sustainable growth.

UN Tourism invited its Member States to nominate up to eight candidate villages through their National Tourism Administrations (NTAs). These villages will undergo evaluation across nine key criteria, ranging from cultural and natural resources to infrastructure and connectivity. The rigorous assessment process ensures that recognized villages exemplify excellence in various aspects of tourism development and sustainability.

The announcement of the Best Tourism Villages and participants in the Upgrade Programme is eagerly anticipated in the fourth quarter of the year, offering global recognition to deserving communities and signaling their commitment to sustainable tourism practices.

Network continues to expand, with 186 members from 55 countries forming a vibrant consortium. This network not only celebrates excellence but also serves as a platform for sharing experiences, fostering partnerships, and driving collective efforts towards rural development through sustainable tourism practices.