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Call for Applications: Best Tourism Villages Initiative 2026

Deadline: 09-Jun-2026

The Best Tourism Villages Program promotes sustainable rural tourism by recognizing villages that excel in cultural and natural heritage protection, governance, infrastructure, and community wellbeing. Eligible villages are nominated by UN Tourism Member States, evaluated across nine sustainability indicators, and may participate in an Upgrade Programme if they need support to meet recognition criteria. Applications are open until 9 June 2026.

Overview of the Program

The Best Tourism Villages Program, part of the UN Tourism Tourism for Rural Development initiative, highlights rural destinations that use tourism to foster prosperity, resilience, and improved quality of life. The program emphasizes sustainability, responsible tourism models, cultural and natural heritage preservation, community engagement, and alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Key Objectives

The initiative aims to:

  • Promote sustainable rural development through tourism.

  • Safeguard cultural and natural heritage.

  • Strengthen community values and social cohesion.

  • Encourage responsible and inclusive tourism practices.

  • Support rural infrastructure improvements and community wellbeing.

Recognition and Evaluation

Recognition as a Best Tourism Village is awarded to destinations that demonstrate excellence across nine indicators measuring economic, social, and environmental sustainability. Key evaluation criteria include:

  • Cultural and natural heritage preservation.

  • Governance and institutional structures.

  • Community engagement and values.

  • Tourism infrastructure development.

  • Contribution to local prosperity and quality of life.

Upgrade Programme

Villages not yet meeting all recognition criteria may participate in the Upgrade Programme. The program provides tailored technical guidance and support to address gaps and enhance sustainable tourism strategies.

Eligibility

  • Only villages nominated by UN Tourism Member States through their National Tourism Administrations are eligible.

  • Each Member State may submit up to eight candidate villages.

  • Eligible villages must demonstrate commitment to sustainability, heritage preservation, and community-centered tourism practices.

Application Process

  1. Nomination: National Tourism Administrations submit up to eight candidate villages.

  2. Submission: Complete applications highlighting sustainability practices, governance, cultural and natural heritage, infrastructure, and community impact.

  3. Review: An independent Advisory Board of global experts evaluates submissions based on the nine indicators.

  4. Announcement: Selected Best Tourism Villages 2026 will be announced in the third quarter of 2026 at a UN Tourism event.

Key Dates

  • Application deadline: 9 June 2026.

  • Recognition announcement: Third quarter of 2026.

Tips and Best Practices

  • Ensure applications demonstrate clear alignment with the nine sustainability indicators.

  • Highlight community involvement and participation in tourism planning and implementation.

  • Emphasize heritage preservation, environmental protection, and inclusive governance structures.

  • Document contributions to local economic resilience, wellbeing, and traditional knowledge preservation.

FAQ – Best Tourism Villages Program

  1. Who can apply? Only villages nominated by UN Tourism Member States via National Tourism Administrations.

  2. How many villages can a Member State submit? Up to eight candidate villages per Member State.

  3. What criteria are used for evaluation? Sustainability, governance, heritage preservation, infrastructure, and community wellbeing.

  4. What is the Upgrade Programme? Tailored technical support for villages that do not yet meet recognition criteria.

  5. When is the application deadline? 9 June 2026.

  6. When will selected villages be announced? During a UN Tourism event in the third quarter of 2026.

  7. Who evaluates the applications? An independent Advisory Board composed of global experts.

Conclusion

The Best Tourism Villages Program supports rural communities in creating sustainable tourism models that protect heritage, enhance governance, and improve community wellbeing. By recognizing and guiding villages that adopt responsible tourism practices, the initiative fosters cultural preservation, economic resilience, and authentic visitor experiences in rural areas worldwide.

For more information, visit UN Tourism.