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New Call Open for UN Tourism’s Best Tourism Villages 2026

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02 March 2026

New Call Open for UN Tourism’s Best Tourism Villages 2026

Cultural tourism

Ecotourism

Rural tourism

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An illustrative photo of a greek village

UN Tourism has launched the 2026 call for the Best Tourism Villages initiative, inviting Member States to submit standout rural destinations. Aimed at promoting sustainability, cultural heritage and community well‑being, this year’s edition is set to expand an already global network of exemplary villages.

Authors

Editorial team

Related Organisation(s)

UN Tourism

Topics
Geographical descriptors

Albania

Armenia

Austria

Belgium

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bulgaria

Croatia

Cyprus

Czechia

Denmark

Estonia

EU-27

Finland

France

Georgia

Germany

Greece

Hungary

Iceland

Ireland

Italy

Kosovo

Latvia

Liechtenstein

Lithuania

Luxembourg

Malta

Moldova

Montenegro

Netherlands

North Macedonia

Norway

Poland

Portugal

Romania

Serbia

Slovakia

Slovenia

Spain

Sweden

Switzerland

Türkiye

Ukraine

Other

Organisation Type

Cultural and Heritage Organisations

Destination Management & Marketing Organisations

Local Authorities

National authorities

Regional Authorities

  • Specific types of tourism

    • Cultural tourism

    • Ecotourism

    • Rural tourism

    • Urban/city tourism

  • Transition Pathway Strategic Areas

    • Circularity of tourism services

    • Governance of tourism destinations

    • Innovative tourism services

    • Online visibility of tourism offer

    • R&I on climate-friendly tourism

    • Tourism strategies

    • Well-being of residents

  • Business activities

    • Activities of associations and other organisations supporting tourism

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UN Tourism has officially opened applications for the Best Tourism Villages 2026 initiative, encouraging Member States to nominate up to eight rural villages that excel in sustainable tourism, cultural preservation, and community-focused development. The call remains open until 9 June 2026, and selected villages will be announced later in the year during an official UN Tourism event. 

Building on a network of 319 villages across 65 countries, the initiative continues to recognize destinations that protect natural and cultural heritage while delivering meaningful benefits to local communities. Candidates will undergo evaluation by an independent advisory board based on sustainability, governance, heritage, infrastructure, and community wellbeing.

For all details follow the link on our platform.

#Sustainable tourism #Community-based tourism #Cultural preservation #Regenerative tourism #Sustainable destinations #Climate-friendly tourism practices

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