The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has named 32 ‘best tourism villages’ in 2022 in 18 countries across the world. Spain has emerged as the country with the highest number of best villages for tourists to visit, topping the list with three destinations.
The awards were conferred based on how these rural destinations have embraced tourism as a driving force to spur development and job creation while also preserving its local culture and supporting the community. UNWTO also took into account the villages’ sustainability initiatives.
“For rural communities everywhere, tourism can be a true gamechanger in providing jobs, supporting local businesses and keeping traditions alive,” said UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili. “The Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO showcase the power of the sector to drive economic diversification and create opportunities for all outside of big cities.”
Best Tourism Villages in 2022 by UNWTO
- Zell am See, Austria
- Wagrain, Austria
- Puqueldón, Chile
- Dazhai, China
- Jingzhu, China
- Choachí, Colombia
- Aguarico, Ecuador
- Angochagua, Ecuador
- Choke Mountains Ecovillage, Ethiopia
- Mestia, Georgia
- Kfar Kama, Israel
- Sauris-Zahre, Italy
- Isola del Giglio, Italy
- Umm Qais, Jordan
- Creel, Mexico
- El Fuerte, Mexico
- Ksar Elkhorbat, Morocco
- Moulay Bouzerktoune, Morocco
- Lamas, Peru
- Raqchi, Peru
- Castelo Novo, Portugal
- Pyeongsa-ri, Republic of Korea
- Rasinari, Romania
- AlUla Old Town, Saudi Arabia
- Bohinj, Slovenia
- Rupit, Spain
- Alquézar, Spain
- Guadalupe, Spain
- Murten, Switzerland
- Andermatt, Switzerland
- Birgi, Türkiye
- Thái Hải, Vietnam
These 32 villages were identified from a total of 136 villages put into consideration, following a nomination by 57 UNWTO Member States, of which each can nominate a maximum of three villages.
In addition to awarding the ‘best tourism villages’ to 32 destinations, UNWTO has entered 20 other villages into the Upgrade Programme where they will receive a number of benefits including onsite and online training, sharing of good practices and international brand recognition and awareness.
Following the programme, these 20 villages will become part of the UNWTO Best Tourism Villages Global Network:
1. Trevelin, Argentina
2. Krupa na Vrbasu, Bosnia-Herzegovina
3. Fontainhas, Cabo Verde
4. Ninhue, Chile
5. San Vicente de Chucuri, Colombia
6. Barichara, Colombia
7. Kalopanagiotis, Cyprus
8. Pissouri, Cyprus
9. Adaba, Ethiopia
10. Khonoma, India
11. Neot Semadar, Israel
12. Otricoli, Italy
13. Il Ngwesi, Kenya
14. Grand Baie, Mauritius
15. Bella Vista, Paraguay
16. Istebna, Poland
17. Ferraria de São João, Portugal
18. Castara, Trinidad and Tobago
19. Anıtlı, Türkiye
20. Cumalıkızık, Türkiye
