Four Turkish Villages Recognized Among the World’s Best for Sustainable Tourism and Cultural Heritage by UNWTO

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Four picturesque villages in Turkey—Akyaka, Barbaros, Anıtlı, and Kaleüçağız—have been officially recognized as some of the best tourism villages in the world. This honor, bestowed by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), highlights these villages for their natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and commitment to sustainable tourism.

The announcement, made earlier this month by Turkey’s Minister of Culture and Tourism, Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, comes as part of the fifth edition of the Best Tourism Villages initiative, which celebrates destinations that stand out for preserving cultural legacies and promoting responsible tourism practices. According to Ersoy, the recognition of these villages helps raise the profile of Anatolia, showcasing the region’s unique offerings to the world.

Villages Chosen for Their Natural Beauty and Cultural Heritage

The selected villages were part of a larger pool of 270 global applicants, with only 52 villages from 29 countries making it onto the prestigious list. These four Turkish villages, all steeped in history and natural splendor, met the stringent criteria established by the UNWTO, which include cultural heritage preservation, sustainable natural resource management, and contribution to local development.

Ersoy emphasized the role of tourism as not just an economic activity, but as a means of protecting cultural heritage, supporting local communities, and ensuring people are at the heart of tourism development. His statement on social media underlined the commitment of these villages to sustainable tourism, which has garnered global recognition.

The Four Recognized Villages

1. Akyaka, Muğla
   Akyaka, located at the end of the Gulf of Gokova, is a peaceful village with a population of just 3,147. Famous for its traditional wooden houses and stunning river views, Akyaka has become a model of eco-friendly tourism, drawing visitors with its untouched beauty and commitment to preserving nature.
2. Barbaros, İzmir
   Barbaros, with only 1,142 residents, is a small yet charming village on Turkey’s Aegean coast. Known for its olive groves and stone houses, the village embraces agritourism and promotes local craftsmanship, offering an authentic experience of rural Turkish life.
3. Anıtlı, Mardin
   Anıtlı, a small village in the historical Tur Abdin region of southeastern Turkey, is home to just 165 people. Despite its size, the village is renowned for its ancient churches and monasteries, especially the Church of the Virgin Mary, showcasing the rich Assyrian heritage of the region. Anıtlı is celebrated for preserving its cultural and religious history while fostering sustainable tourism.
4. Kaleüçağız, Antalya
   Located in the Demre district of Antalya Province, Kaleüçağız is a seaside village with 517 inhabitants. The village boasts a combination of stunning turquoise waters and ancient Lycian ruins, making it an ideal destination for tourists interested in both nature and history. Kaleüçağız is a prime example of how a village can maintain its natural beauty while promoting responsible tourism.

Recognition and the Future of Sustainable Tourism

The announcement of the four Turkish villages’ recognition came during a ceremony in Huzhou, China, where the UNWTO revealed the full list of villages honored for their contributions to sustainable tourism. In addition to the primary award, a new Upgraded Program was introduced, which includes 20 additional villages that will receive support and guidance to meet the criteria for future inclusion in the main awards.

With the new additions, the Best Tourism Villages Network now includes 319 villages worldwide. This global network offers a platform for sharing best practices in sustainable tourism and preserving cultural identities, which is essential for both local communities and tourists.

The UNWTO has also confirmed that applications for the next round of selections will open in the first quarter of next year, providing more villages an opportunity to join this esteemed network and benefit from the international attention and support it offers.

Conclusion

The inclusion of Akyaka, Barbaros, Anıtlı, and Kaleüçağız among the world’s best tourism villages highlights Turkey’s commitment to sustainable development and the preservation of its cultural treasures. These villages offer a unique combination of stunning landscapes, rich heritage, and a focus on responsible tourism, making them ideal destinations for travelers seeking authentic experiences. Their recognition by the UNWTO not only brings global recognition to these hidden gems but also encourages a sustainable approach to tourism that other regions can follow.