The UN Tourism has opened applications for the Best Tourism Villages 2026 initiative, recognizing outstanding rural destinations worldwide, which the International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism (IGCAT) is pleased to share.
Since its launch in 2021, the programme has received over 1,000 applications from 100 countries, building a global network of 319 rural destinations across Africa, the Americas, Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East. The initiative highlights villages where tourism actively supports local traditions, small businesses, nature conservation, and community wellbeing.
Applications are submitted by UN Tourism Member States through their National Tourism Administrations (NTAs), and each country can nominate up to eight candidate villages. Submissions close on 9 June 2026, and the selected villages will be announced in the third quarter of the year during an official UN Tourism event. Villages are evaluated by an independent Advisory Board of global experts, based on sustainability, governance, cultural and natural heritage, infrastructure, and social and economic development. Recognized villages benefit from:
- Recognition as a Best Tourism Village
- Upgrade Programme: tailored support for emerging destinations
- Best Tourism Villages Network: a platform for knowledge-sharing and capacity-building
As a member of UN Tourism, IGCAT is excited to share this opportunity and to encourage regions and communities to take part. Calls like this resonate closely with IGCAT’s focus on Balanced and Sustainable Tourism, Linking Urban and Rural, and Well-being and Healthier Living, highlighting how sustainable tourism can strengthen communities, preserve local heritage, and spark innovation at the regional level.
For full details and application guidelines, consult the official call here.
23 March 2026
