Discover 2025’s Top Tourism Villages: 52 Sustainable and Culturally Rich Destinations Across 29 Countries
The United Nations has unveiled its Best Tourism Villages 2025 list, featuring 52 unique rural destinations spread across 29 countries. These villages are the epitome of sustainable tourism and offer genuine cultural experiences. They reflect the increasing shift towards eco-friendly travel and rural getaways as tourists explore alternatives to bustling urban locales.
Now in its fifth edition since 2021, the Best Tourism Villages initiative has grown to encompass 319 rural destinations worldwide. An independent Advisory Board selects these villages based on nine criteria, including cultural and natural resources, sustainability initiatives, governance, and safety standards.
The selection for this year emphasizes destinations that excel in preserving natural landscapes, biodiversity, and cultural heritage. They provide serene retreats from the hustle and bustle of city life. The initiative’s goal is to encourage rural tourism that benefits local communities and fosters sustainable development. Villages that don’t initially meet the criteria have the opportunity to join the Upgrade Programme to enhance their offerings and potentially qualify for future recognition.
Source: Travel and Tour World