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San Ginesio (Italy), the 'village of 100 churches', is one of the Best Tourism Villages in the world, Source: Enrico Pighetti, on Flickr (CC BY 2.0)

44 Best Tourism Villages in the world for 2021, almost a quarter of them in EU

44 Best Tourism Villages in the world for 2021, almost a quarter of them in EU

This is the first-ever edition of WTO list that seeks to bring attention to the beauty of the countryside

At the beginning of December, the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) launched a new initiative called Best Tourism Villages, with the goal of conserving unique rural places, their heritage and values while promoting tourism as a remedy to depopulation.

The first edition of the initiative named 44 villages from 32 countries (each country had the right to send up to 3 proposals) from all over the world. 10 of them are located in EU countries, and all of them stand out not only for their attraction but also for the innovative and transformative actions and commitment to the development of tourism in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

An idea for the next time you’re thinking of a rural escapade

Here are the ten EU villages for 2021 which received the highest score in the multi-level criteria used by the UNWTO jury.

  • Castelo Rodrigo (Portugal)
  • Cumeada (Portugal)
  • Kaunertal (Austria)
  • Lekunberri (Spain)
  • Morella (Spain)
  • Pano Lefkara (Cyprus)
  • Radovljic (Slovenia)
  • San Ginesio (Italy)
  • Solčava (Slovenia)
  • Soufli (Greece)

These villages will get the Best Tourism Village seal, valid for three years and with the possibility of renewal, recognizing them as places that are notable examples of exceptional rural tourism.

Those villages that do not fully meet the criteria to obtain the seal, but also stand out as examples, can become part of the network by joining the Upgrade program. There are 7 additional EU villages that got the chance to participate in the Upgrade Program.

Tourism can be a driver of social cohesion and inclusion by promoting a fairer distribution of benefits throughout the territory and empowering local communities,” said UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili on the occasion. “This initiative recognizes those villages committed to making tourism a strong driver of their development and wellbeing”.

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