From Mountain Communities to Coastal Hamlets Rural Destinations Compete for Best Tourism Villages 2026

(NEWS) MADRID, Spain, 2026-Feb-27 — /Travel PR News/ — UN Tourism has launched the application process for the Best Tourism Villages 2026 initiative, inviting rural destinations around the world to compete for international recognition as part of a programme that highlights tourism’s role in supporting local communities. The scheme, which has grown steadily since its introduction in 2021, aims to showcase villages where tourism contributes to cultural preservation, environmental protection and sustainable economic development.

According to information released by the organisation, member states can submit up to eight candidate villages through their national tourism authorities, with applications open until June 9, 2026. Selected villages will be announced later in the year during an official UN Tourism event, joining a global network that already includes more than 300 rural destinations across five regions.

The Best Tourism Villages initiative forms part of UN Tourism’s broader Tourism for Rural Development Programme, which promotes travel as a tool for strengthening rural economies and improving quality of life. Participating destinations are assessed by an independent panel of experts using criteria that include sustainability practices, cultural and natural heritage preservation, infrastructure development, governance and community wellbeing.

The programme recognises destinations that successfully balance tourism growth with the protection of local traditions and landscapes. Villages that do not yet meet all the requirements can participate in an Upgrade Programme, where they receive technical guidance and strategic support aimed at strengthening their tourism development plans.

Recognised villages and upgrade participants also become part of the Best Tourism Villages Network, a collaborative platform designed to support knowledge-sharing and partnerships between rural destinations worldwide. As outlined by UN Tourism, the network is intended to encourage peer learning and promote tourism models that align with long-term sustainability goals.

Through the 2026 call for applications, UN Tourism is seeking to expand the network further and encourage travellers to explore rural destinations where tourism directly supports local communities and cultural heritage.

The Best Tourism Villages initiative is guided by a broader vision of tourism as a tool for rural transformation and community wellbeing. UN Tourism positions the programme as a way to help villages protect their cultural identity and natural landscapes while creating sustainable economic opportunities. By encouraging innovative tourism approaches aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, the initiative supports destinations that safeguard traditional knowledge, local values and biodiversity while strengthening long-term resilience in rural communities.

To qualify for consideration, candidate villages must reflect the characteristics of rural tourism destinations, typically with populations under 15,000 and strong links to traditional activities such as agriculture, forestry, livestock or fishing. Applications are assessed across a wide range of criteria, including cultural and natural resources, economic and environmental sustainability, governance, infrastructure and community engagement. Beyond recognition, the initiative aims to reduce regional inequalities, support local entrepreneurship, improve connectivity and investment opportunities, and encourage tourism models that empower residents while preserving the authenticity that makes rural destinations distinctive.