Record Number of Villages Apply for UN Tourism’s Best Tourism Villages 2024
Over 260 villages from more than 60 countries representing the five regions of the world have put themselves forward for the 2024 edition of Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism 2024. This marks the highest volume of applications ever received in the past four editions.
(IN SHORT) A record-breaking 260 villages from over 60 countries have submitted applications for the 2024 edition of Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism, marking the highest volume of applications in the initiative’s four editions. The application window, which closed on May 8, saw a diverse array of villages from across the globe vying for recognition. These villages will be evaluated based on various criteria, including cultural and natural resources, economic and social sustainability, and tourism development. The successful villages will be announced later in the year, contributing to the growing global network of Tourism Villages aimed at driving rural development through tourism.
(PRESS RELEASE) Madrid, Spain, 2024-May-16 — /Travel PR News/ — Applications for the fourth edition of Best Tourism Villages closed on 8 May. Building on the success of past editions, this year’s initiative will again inspire communities worldwide to harness the power of tourism as a driver of rural development and wellbeing.
UN Tourism’s Member States were invited to submit up to eight candidate villages through their National Tourism Administrations (NTAs).
As in previous editions, the villages will be assessed by an external independent Advisory Board in nice areas of evaluation:
- Cultural and Natural Resources
- Promotion and Conservation of Cultural Resources
- Economic Sustainability
- Social Sustainability
- Environmental Sustainability
- Tourism Development and Value Chain Integration
- Governance and Prioritization of Tourism
- Infrastructure and Connectivity
- Health, Safety, and Security
The villages recognized as the Best Tourism Villages as well as those selected to participate in the Upgrade Programme will be announced in the fourth quarter of the year.
A growing global network of Tourism Villages
Since launching the call for applications in January, the Tourism for Rural Development Programme by UN Tourism has hosted a series of online sessions with the Member States, offering insights into the application process. These sessions in Arabic, English, French and Spanish, drew in 117 participants, highlighting the widespread interest and commitment of UN Tourism Member States to advancing tourism for rural development.
The BTV Network, currently boasting a global consortium with 186 members, will continue to grow. The Network includes 129 villages recognized as Best Tourism Villages and 57 actively participating in the Upgrade Programme representing 55 countries. This collaborative network is a unique global grouping of local communities and serves as a platform for sharing experiences, growing knowledge, and fostering partnerships to drive rural development through tourism.
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Source: UNWTO
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