Indonesia’s dedication to rural tourism received special attention at the 37th UN Tourism Joint Commission for East Asia and the Pacific (CAP) and South Asia (CSA), held in Jakarta recently. During the event, UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili took the opportunity to felicitate Indonesia’s two recognised villages under the Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism…
The inaugural session of Village Talks – Voices from the Ground opened a rich conversation on the evolving relationship between cultural heritage and rural tourism. With powerful examples from our Best Tourism Villages in Japan, Portugal, and Mauritius, the discussion explored how communities are actively preserving traditions while welcoming visitors into their cultural landscapes. The…
Peru will harness the power of UN Tourism’s data analysis and management tools to support growth and opportunity in rural destinations. The Latin American country has become the first in the world to adhere to a customised version of UN Tourism’s Self-Assessment Tool to Assist Rural Destinations (STAR). This step aligns with national efforts to…
5 February 2025: UN Tourism has opened applications for the 2025 edition of its prestigious Best Tourism Villages initiative. This initiative marks a continued commitment to advancing rural tourism as a catalyst for sustainable development and inclusion, while celebrating the rich tapestry of cultural and natural heritage, community values, and sustainable practices that make these…
UN Tourism joined with the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism of Vietnam to host the First Conference on Tourism for Rural Development in the historic town of Hoi An. The event brought together government officials, international and regional financial institutions, development agencies, tourism professionals, rural community leaders, researchers and NGOs to explore policies and…
UN Tourism, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism of Vietnam, will convene global and local leaders, policy makers, and industry pioneers for the First Conference on Tourism for Rural Development (Hoi An, Viet Nam 9-11 December). The Conference will bring together representatives from national and local governments, international organizations, and the…
From Caviahue-Copahue in Argentina to Tra Que Vegetable Village in Viet Nam, discover the 55 new Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism. Rural destinations consolidate their position as key players in sustainable tourism and community development as UN Tourism announces its Best Tourism Villages 2024. In this fourth edition, 55 villages from all regions received…
UN Tourism and the TUI Care Foundation invite artisans in rural destinations across Africa to apply to the Colourful Cultures small grants initiative. Applications can now be submitted for projects in Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, The Gambia, Tunisia, and Zambia UN Tourism and the TUI Care Foundation launch ‘Colourful Cultures’, a…
As part of its focus on rural development, UN Tourism has concluded an executive training session for sector leaders from across the Asia and the Pacific region. Held in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei (5-6 August 2024) the two-day titled ‘Practical Approach to Strategy and Product Development’ event brought together officials responsible for rural tourism strategy…
Xidi village, situated in the southern region of Anhui Province, China, falls within Yi County under the administration of Huangshan City. Renowned for its immaculate traditional architecture, a reflection of ancient culture, Xidi earned the UNESCO World Heritage Site designation in 2000 and was recognized as the Best Tourism Village (BTV) by UN Tourism in…