The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has revealed the winners of the 2023 Best Tourism Villages awards during a ceremony at the 25th General Assembly held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, on October 19, 2023. From nearly 260 applications, 54 villages were recognized for their dedication to sustainability across economic, social, and environmental dimensions.
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The Best Tourism Villages initiative by UNWTO acknowledges rural destinations that demonstrate their commitment to sustainability. UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili emphasized the potential of tourism in promoting inclusivity, empowering local communities, and spreading benefits across regions. This initiative spotlights villages that have leveraged tourism as a catalyst for development and well-being and encourages travelers to explore smaller, rural locations to reduce the negative impact of mass tourism on urban destinations.
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The nominated villages were assessed across nine categories, including 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, and health, safety, and security.
The Best Tourism Villages of 2023, listed alphabetically, are as follows:
- Al Sela, Jordan
- Barrancas, Chile
- Biei, Japan
- Caleta Tortel, Chile
- Cantavieja, Spain
- Chacas, Peru
- Chavín de Huantar, Peru
- Dahshour, Egypt
- Dhordo, India
- Dongbaek, Republic of Korea
- Douma, Lebanon
- Ericeira, Portugal
- Filandia, Colombia
- Hakuba, Japan
- Higueras, Mexico
- Huangling, China
- Jalpa de Cánovas, Mexico
- Kandovan, Iran
- La Carolina, Argentina
- Lephis Village, Ethiopia
- Lerici, Italy
- Manteigas, Portugal
- Morcote, Switzerland
- Mosan, Republic of Korea
- Oku-Matsushima, Japan
- Omitlán de Juárez, Mexico
- Oñati, Spain
- Ordino, Andorra
- Oyacachi, Ecuador
- Paucartambo, Peru
- Penglipuran, Indonesia
- Pisco Elqui, Chile
- Pozuzo, Peru
- Saint-Ursanne, Switzerland
- Saty, Kazakhstan
- Schladming, Austria
- Sehwa, Republic of Korea
- Sentob, Uzbekistan
- Shirakawa, Japan
- Sigüenza, Spain
- Şirince, Türkiye
- Siwa, Egypt
- Slunj, Croatia
- Sortelha, Portugal
- St. Anton am Arlberg, Austria
- Tân Hoá, Viet Nam
- Taquile, Peru
- Tokaj, Hungary
- Văleni, Moldova
- Vila da Madalena, Portugal
- Xiajiang, China
- Zapatoca, Colombia
- Zhagana, China
- Zhujiawan, China
Among the awardees, three hail from Africa, while 15 and 16 represent Latin America and Europe, respectively. Peru leads the pack with the most Best Tourism Villages in 2023, boasting five of the recognized destinations.
These awards underscore the global commitment to fostering sustainable and responsible tourism, preserving cultural heritage and natural resources, promoting economic prosperity, and enhancing well-being for local communities. These villages serve as examples of the positive impact of responsible tourism on destinations.
The initiative encourages responsible travel, directing tourists to explore lesser-known locales. This contributes to a more balanced and sustainable tourism sector globally.
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