UN Tourism has officially opened the application cycle for the Best Tourism Villages 2026 initiative, inviting Member States to submit up to eight candidate villages through their National Tourism Administrations. Applications remain open until 9 June 2026, with selected villages to be announced in the third quarter of 2026 during an official UN Tourism event. 

Since its launch in 2021, the initiative has attracted more than 1,000 applications from over 100 countries, forming a global network of 319 rural destinations, including over 230 recognized Best Tourism Villages and 83 villages in the Upgrade Programme. These destinations span 65 countries across Africa, the Americas, Asia‑Pacific, Europe and the Middle East, reaffirming the initiative’s role as the world’s leading rural tourism recognition scheme.

Applications will be assessed by an independent advisory board of global experts, using comprehensive criteria covering sustainability, governance, cultural and natural heritage protection, infrastructure, and community well‑being. Villages demonstrating excellence in these areas may receive official recognition, while promising destinations that do not fully meet the criteria can join the Upgrade Programme, gaining tailored guidance and technical support to advance their development plans.

As part of UN Tourism’s broader Tourism for Rural Development Programme, the initiative aims to position tourism as a catalyst for rural prosperity, resilience, and cultural preservation. The program supports villages that safeguard landscapes, honor cultural diversity, protect biodiversity, and promote traditional knowledge systems—aligning closely with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

UN Tourism Secretary‑General Shaikha Al Nuwais emphasized tourism’s transformative impact on rural communities, highlighting how leading villages preserve traditions, empower small businesses, protect natural heritage, and offer authentic, meaningful experiences to visitors. With the 2026 call, UN Tourism seeks to expand this global network even further, inviting more rural destinations to showcase their achievements and benefit from a platform that fosters cooperation, innovation, and sustainable growth.

For full details, criteria, and official documentation, visit:

Best Tourism Villages 2026 Announcement:
https://www.untourism.int/news/un-tourism-opens-call-for-best-tourism-villages-2026 

Best Tourism Villages Initiative Information Hub:
https://www.untourism.int/best-tourism-villages-2026

Official 2026 Application Guidelines (PDF):
https://pre-webunwto.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/2026-02/260202-best-tourism-villages-en.pdf

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