Every year, UN Tourism celebrates rural destinations that embody sustainable and inclusive tourism through its Best Tourism Villages initiative. The 2024 edition once again highlighted exceptional villages from around the world, 21 of which are located in Latin America, a region that is establishing itself as a model of cultural preservation, biodiversity and tourism development.
What is the Best Tourism Villages programme?
The Best Tourism Villages programme recognises rural villages that demonstrate an exceptional commitment to sustainable and responsible practices. These villages are assessed according to nine main criteria that reflect a holistic approach to tourism development:
- Cultural and natural resources: highlighting our unique heritage.
- Promotion and conservation of cultural resources: Efforts to preserve local traditions and know-how.
- Economic, social and environmental sustainability: Tourism models that balance the local economy, social inclusion and respect for the environment.
- Developing tourism and integrating the value chain: contributing to the local economic ecosystem.
- Governance and priority given to tourism: Initiatives supported by appropriate public policies.
- Infrastructure and connectivity: Accessibility and modern infrastructure.
- Health, safety and security: Quality of life for residents and visitors is a priority.
These criteria serve as a basis for identifying villages which, as well as attracting travellers, care about their impact and promote ethical tourism.
The Winners in Latin America: 21 Villages of Exception
For the 2024 edition, Latin America shines, with 21 villages among the 55 selected worldwide. These destinations are renowned for their cultural richness, unique landscapes and commitment to tourism that enhances local communities.
The winning villages :
- Argentina: Caviahue-Copahue, Gaiman, Trevelin, Villa Tulumba
- Mexico: Capulálpam de Méndez, Cuatro Ciénegas de Carranza, Palizada
- Ecuador: El Tambo, Mindo, San Rafael de la Laguna
- Peru: Huancaya, Leymebamba, Pueblo de Maras, Quinua, Sibayo
- Colombia : Jardín
- Panama: El Valle de Antón, Portobelo
- Guatemala: San Juan del Obispo, Uaxactún
- Chile: Ralco
Support for Promising Villages
In addition, 20 villages around the world have been selected to benefit from the upgrade programme. The aim of this programme is to help these communities make the transition to more sustainable and competitive tourism.
The Latin American villages included in this programme in 2024:
- Argentina: Campo Ramón
- Peru: Cascas
- Chile: Choshuenco, Malalcahuello, San Juan Bautista
- Mexico: Mexcaltitán de Uribe
- Costa Rica: Piedades Sur
- Guatemala : Santa Catarina Palopó
This programme provides tools and resources to improve tourism infrastructures, build the capacity of local stakeholders and promote responsible management of natural and cultural resources.
An Initiative Driven by Innovation and Sustainability
Since its launch, the Best Tourism Villages initiative has become a strategic lever for promoting the development of rural areas. It highlights inspiring models, encouraging tourism that respects ecosystems, promotes local know-how and directly benefits communities.
“Tourism is an essential tool for inclusion, enabling rural communities to protect and enhance their rich cultural heritage while promoting sustainable development. The Best Tourist Villages initiative not only recognises the remarkable achievements of these villages, but also highlights the transformative power of tourism. By building on their unique assets, these communities can foster economic growth, promote local traditions and improve the quality of life for their residents. We celebrate the villages that have turned tourism into a pathway to community empowerment and well-being, demonstrating that sustainable practices can lead to a better future for all.”
UN Secretary-General for Tourism Zurab Pololikashvili
For Latin America, this recognition confirms the region’s ability to combine heritage preservation and innovation. These villages, which are often little-known, are becoming examples to follow, attracting the attention of an international public keen to discover destinations off the beaten track.
By celebrating these successes, the 2024 edition of the Best Tourism Villages is paving the way for a new era in rural tourism, putting Latin America at the heart of discussions on sustainable and inclusive tourism.
Photo credits: UN Tourism
