The wait is over. UN Tourism has officially opened the call for the Best Tourism Villages 2026. This is the global benchmark for rural destinations. It is the stamp of approval for communities that use tourism to protect what makes them special.
For villages with cobblestone streets, ancient traditions, or breathtaking natural parks, this is a chance to gain world-stage recognition. But it is not just about a title. It is about joining a movement that puts sustainability and local wellbeing first.
What is the Best Tourism Villages initiative?
Launched in 2021, this program by UN Tourism identifies rural gems that lead the way in responsible travel. It looks beyond pretty views. It seeks out places where tourism actively preserves culture, supports local families, and protects the environment.
Think of it as the Triple Crown of rural tourism. It honors villages that get it right.
The numbers speak for themselves. Over 1,000 applications have poured in from 100 countries since the start. Right now, the network includes 319 destinations across 65 nations. From Africa to the Americas, Asia-Pacific to Europe, these villages are proving that size does not matter. Heart does.
Key dates for Best Tourism Villages 2026
Mark your calendars. The window to enter is open, but it will close fast.
- Applications close: 9 June 2026.
- Announcement: Third quarter of 2026, during an official UN Tourism event.
This is not a rolling admission. You have one shot to submit by the deadline. Once June 9 passes, the door closes until the next cycle.
Who can apply? The nomination process
Here is where many get confused. Villages cannot apply directly. The process runs through national channels.
UN Tourism invites its Member States to do the nominating. Each country’s National Tourism Administration selects and submits up to eight villages. This ensures that the candidates align with national tourism strategies and have official backing.
If you represent a village, your first step is not to email UN Tourism. It is to contact your national tourism authority. Find out their internal deadlines. They need time to review and select before the June 9 cut-off.
Pitfall to avoid
Do not wait until May to knock on your government’s door. They likely have their own selection process. Start the conversation now.
The three pillars of the program
The Best Tourism Villages initiative is not a one-off contest. It is a structured program with three distinct parts. Understanding them is key to knowing where you fit.
1. Best Tourism Villages Recognition
This is the flagship. The award itself. It goes to villages that already excel. We are talking about places with a proven track record in preserving cultural heritage, driving community values, and championing sustainability. It is the gold star for rural tourism done right.
2. The Upgrade Programme
Did not make the cut? That does not mean failure. The Upgrade Programme is a lifeline for villages with potential. It offers tailored help and expert advice. UN Tourism works with these villages to patch the gaps in their strategy. It is a second chance with a roadmap.
3. The Best Tourism Villages Network
Once you are in—either as a recognized village or as part of the Upgrade Programme—you join the Network. This is the club. A place where rural destinations share ideas, form partnerships, and learn from each other. It is global cooperation at the grassroots level.
How villages are evaluated
Submitting an application is one thing. Winning is another. An independent Advisory Board of global experts handles the scoring. They are strict. They are fair. And they look at nine core areas.
The evaluation criteria include:
- Sustainability: Economic, social, and environmental. All three matter.
- Governance: How is the village run? Is tourism managed well?
- Cultural and natural heritage: What makes the place unique? And how is it protected?
- Infrastructure: Roads, connectivity, and basic services for residents and visitors.
- Community wellbeing: Does tourism make life better for the people who live there?
It is not about having a fancy hotel. It is about balance. A village that thrives without selling its soul.
Why apply? The real benefits
Some villages hesitate. “We are small.” “We are unknown.” That is the point.
Recognition brings visibility. It puts your destination on the radar of travelers who care about authenticity. It signals to tour operators and investors that you are a serious, sustainable choice.
But the internal benefits are bigger. The application process forces you to look in the mirror. You assess your strengths. You spot your weaknesses. You get a blueprint for improvement.
For those in the Upgrade Programme, the technical assistance is gold. It is like having a team of global tourism doctors give your village a check-up and a treatment plan.
And the Network? That is where the magic happens. Imagine swapping ideas with a village in Peru or a hamlet in Vietnam. Learning what works. Avoiding what does not.
Tips for a strong application
You want to stand out. Here is how.
- Tell a story: Facts are vital. But weave them into a narrative. Why does your village matter?
- Show proof: Do not just say you are sustainable. Show the community garden. The solar panels. The craft cooperative.
- Highlight governance: Explain who makes decisions. Show that tourism is a team effort, not a free-for-all.
- Be honest about gaps: No village is perfect. Acknowledging areas for growth shows self-awareness. It fits the Upgrade Programme spirit.
Example
Take a hypothetical village, San Miguel de las Montañas. They have ancient weaving traditions. Their application does not just list “textiles.” It tells the story of the grandmothers teaching the young. It shows the cooperative that ensures fair pay. It mentions the local rule that limits tour groups to protect the peace. That is a winning angle.
Aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals
This is not bureaucracy. It is purpose. The Best Tourism Villages program is built to support the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Tourism here is a tool. A catalyst. It promotes:
- No poverty (SDG 1) through local jobs.
- Gender equality (SDG 5) by empowering women artisans and guides.
- Responsible consumption (SDG 12) by valuing local products over imports.
- Life on land (SDG 15) by conserving landscapes.
When your village protects a forest or revives a lost craft, it is not just heritage work. It is global progress.
The big picture
Rural communities face pressure. Young people leave. Traditions fade. Nature gets squeezed.
Tourism, done poorly, makes it worse. It brings crowds and trash and cheap souvenirs. But done right? It is a game changer. It keeps traditions alive. It supports small businesses. It gives young people a reason to stay.
Shaikha Al Nuwais, Secretary-General of UN Tourism, put it simply: tourism is a proven game changer for rural communities. The Best Tourism Villages showcase the best examples. And the goal is to expand that network. Give travelers more chances to have authentic experiences that make a real difference.
Ready to put your village on the map?
The call is open. The deadline is set. If your village has the soul and the strategy, do not let this pass.
Contact your National Tourism Administration today. Get your paperwork ready. Tell your story.
Applications close 9 June 2026. The world is waiting to discover you.
