Fifty Two Villages Worldwide Recognised by UN as Best Tourism Villages for 2025

Published on October 29, 2025

The United Nations has announced its list of 52 villages from around the world that have been recognized as the Best Tourism Villages for 2025. This prestigious designation is part of the UN’s ongoing efforts to support rural tourism and promote sustainable, community-driven travel. The recognition highlights the villages’ ability to integrate cultural heritage, environmental sustainability, and tourism development into a cohesive and authentic experience for visitors.

What Is the Best Tourism Villages Initiative?

The Best Tourism Villages initiative was launched by the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in 2021, aimed at promoting rural destinations that have embraced tourism as a tool for sustainable development. The program is designed to celebrate villages that are not only tourism-ready but are also committed to preserving local traditions, creating economic opportunities for residents, and protecting the environment.

The selected villages are assessed based on several criteria, including:

• Cultural and Natural Resources: The preservation and promotion of local customs, heritage, and landscapes.
• Economic Sustainability: How tourism contributes to the local economy and creates sustainable livelihoods.
• Social Sustainability: Ensuring community involvement in tourism planning and decision-making.
• Environmental Sustainability: Commitment to eco-friendly practices, conservation, and sustainable resource management.
• Tourism Development: Infrastructure, accessibility, and tourism services that benefit both residents and visitors.
• Health, Safety, and Security: Measures to ensure the well-being of visitors and locals alike.

Highlights of the 2025 Best Tourism Villages

The 2025 list features a diverse selection of villages from across the globe, each representing unique cultures, landscapes, and approaches to tourism. Here are a few notable destinations from the list:

• Arqua Petrarca, Italy:
  Located in the Veneto region, Arqua Petrarca is known for its medieval architecture and rich literary heritage. The village is a haven for history lovers, with cobblestone streets, ancient churches, and the home of the famous poet Petrarch.
• Shodoshima, Japan:
  Famous for its olive trees and olive oil production, Shodoshima is situated in the Seto Inland Sea. Visitors can explore scenic landscapes, take part in olive harvesting, and learn about sustainable agricultural practices in this picturesque village.
• AlUla, Saudi Arabia:
  Home to ancient rock tombs and stunning desert landscapes, AlUla is a gateway to Saudi Arabia’s rich history. The village is part of a broader initiative to promote heritage tourism, with a focus on preserving the archaeological sites of the region.
• Gimmelwald, Switzerland:
  A car-free alpine village nestled in the Swiss Alps, Gimmelwald is known for its breathtaking mountain views, hiking trails, and a deep commitment to sustainable tourism. The village offers a peaceful escape into nature, with an emphasis on eco-friendly accommodations and local food production.
• Machu Picchu Pueblo, Peru:
  This village serves as the main access point for travelers heading to the iconic Machu Picchu. Located in the Andes, the village focuses on providing sustainable tourism experiences that benefit local communities, promoting eco-friendly lodging, and preserving the cultural heritage of the area.

These villages have demonstrated their dedication to sustainable practices, community involvement, and the preservation of their unique cultural identities, making them prime examples of responsible tourism in action.

The Importance of Recognizing Rural Destinations

Rural destinations often offer travelers a chance to experience authenticity, culture, and natural beauty in ways that larger cities cannot replicate. However, these areas frequently face challenges, such as underdeveloped infrastructure, limited economic opportunities, and the risk of cultural erosion due to globalization.

The UN’s Best Tourism Villages initiative helps address these challenges by:

• Promoting Sustainability: Encouraging tourism practices that respect local cultures and environments while generating economic benefits for residents.
• Supporting Local Economies: Tourism provides rural communities with opportunities to earn income, develop businesses, and improve local infrastructure.
• Preserving Cultural Heritage: By showcasing their unique traditions, customs, and landscapes, these villages help protect cultural legacies that might otherwise be lost.
• Fostering Awareness and Education: Recognizing these villages raises global awareness about the importance of responsible tourism and the need to protect rural areas from the pressures of mass tourism.

How Travelers Can Get Involved

For travelers looking to explore these unique and sustainable destinations, visiting one of the UN’s Best Tourism Villages offers an opportunity to experience authentic, community-driven tourism. Here’s how you can make a positive impact:

• Support Local Businesses: Stay in locally-owned accommodations, eat at community-run restaurants, and buy handicrafts made by local artisans to ensure that your visit benefits the village.
• Respect Cultural Traditions: Engage with the community in a respectful and meaningful way. Learn about local customs, and participate in traditional activities without disrupting the way of life.
• Promote Sustainability: Choose eco-friendly tours and activities that focus on conservation and minimize environmental impact. Support villages that prioritize environmental protection and green tourism.
• Share Your Experience: Spread the word about these hidden gems and encourage others to visit rural destinations that prioritize sustainability and community development.

Looking to the Future

The recognition of these 52 villages is just the beginning. The UN’s Best Tourism Villages initiative will continue to highlight destinations that offer sustainable and meaningful tourism experiences. As global interest in rural tourism grows, more villages will have the opportunity to showcase their cultural heritage, promote eco-friendly travel, and inspire a new generation of responsible travelers.

By supporting these villages, travelers contribute to preserving the world’s rich cultural diversity while helping to ensure that tourism benefits the local economy, environment, and community for years to come.