Within the framework of a ceremony held in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) announced the Best Tourism Villages 2024a selection of 55 notable rural towns for its commitment to sustainable tourism, the preservation of cultural heritage and community development. The destinations were chosen from among 260 candidate locations from 60 countries.
Among them, four Argentine towns were included in the prestigious list, the other Latin American countries with distinguished towns were Mexico, Peru, Ecuador, Panama, Guatemala y Chile, consolidating the region as a benchmark in rural tourism.
The Best Tourism Villages initiative, launched in 2021, aims to recognize small rural communities which are an example of sustainability, cultural preservation and biodiversity.
Through this program, the UNWTO seeks promote development in these areas and address challenges such as depopulation and lack of economic opportunities.
The selection of the towns is carried out through a rigorous process of evaluation based on nine key criteria:
- Cultural and natural resources.
- Promotion and conservation of these resources.
- Economic, social and environmental sustainability.
- Tourism development and integration into value chains.
- Governance.
- Infrastructure and connectivity.
- Health, safety and security.
Additionally, the program includes the Upgrade programintended to support those towns that do not meet the criteria for recognition but have a great improvement potential.
This year, the list of Best Tourist Towns includes towns from all continents. China stood out with seven selected locationsconsolidating itself as the most awarded country.
Other countries with multiple mentions include Mexico, Argentina, Peru and Japanwho continue to show their strength in the development of sustainable rural tourism.
Argentina managed to include four of its towns on the prestigious list:
- Caviahue-Copahuein Neuquén: recognized for its mountain landscapes and its thermal tradition.
- Gaimanin Chubut: famous for its Welsh culture and gastronomic traditions.
- Trevelinalso in Chubut: a natural enclave surrounded by mountains, with a rich cultural legacy.
- Villa Tulumbain Córdoba: a town that combines colonial history and natural beauty.
Argentine participation demonstrates the diversity and potential of rural tourism in the country.
Latin America had a notable representation in the Best Tourism Villages 2024. In addition to Argentina, towns from:
- Mexico: Capulálpam de Méndez, Cuatro Ciénegas de Carranza and Palizada.
- Peru: Leymebamba, Pueblo de Maras, Quinua y Sibayo.
- Ecuador: El Tambo, Mindo, San Rafael de la Laguna.
- Panama: The Anton Valley and Portobelo.
- Guatemala: San Juan del Obispo and Uaxactún.
- Chile: Ralco.
Next, the complete list of the Best Tourist Towns 2024, ranked in alphabetical order.
- Historic Abo Noghta and Tabab Castles, Saudi Arabia
- Abu Ghosoun, Egypt
- Ainsa, Spain
- Amagi, Japan
- Anogeia, Greece
- Asheke, China
- Bo Suak, Thailand
- Capulálpam de Méndez, Mexico
- Caviahue-Copahue, Argentina
- Cuatro Ciénegas de Carranza, Mexico
- El Tambo, Ecuador
- Anton Valley, Panama
- Esfahak, Islamic Republic of Iran
- Gaiman, Argentina
- Gharb Suhayl, Egypt
- Grand Baie, Mauricio
- Guanyang, China
- Huancaya, Peru
- Garden, Colombia
- Jatiluwih, Indonesia
- Kalopanagiotis, Cyprus
- Leymebamba, Peru
- Mindo, Ecuador
- Mura, Spain
- Nishikawa, Japan
- Obidos, Portugal
- Ormana, Türkiye
- Palizada, Mexico
- Pissouri, Cyprus
- Portobelo, Panama
- Maras town, Peru
- Quinoa, Peru
- Ralco, Chile
- Roches Noires, Mauricio
- Romoos, Switzerland
- Ruboni, Uganda
- San Casciano dei Bagni, Italy
- San Juan del Obispo, Guatemala
- San Rafael de la Laguna, Ecuador
- Santa Cruz da Graciosa, Portugal
- Shibadong, China
- Sibayo, Peru
- Splügen, Switzerland
- St. John in Tyrol, Austria
- Taoping, China
- Tra Que Vegetable Village, Vietnam
- Trevelin, Argentina
- Uaxactun, Guatemala
- Urych, Ukraine
- Villa Tulumba, Argentina
- Vorokhta, Ukraine
- Wukirsari, Indonesia
- Xiaogang, China
- Xi’tou, China
- Yandunjiao, China
The recognition of the Best Tourism Villages 2024 not only celebrates the cultural and natural richness of rural destinations, but also highlights the crucial role these communities play in building a more sustainable and inclusive future.
By highlighting exemplary practices of preservation, innovation and sustainabilitythe initiative demonstrates how tourism can be a powerful tool to revitalize local economies, empower communities and preserve cultural heritage for future generations.
As more towns join this global network, the importance of value and protect these unique enclaves that connect travelers with the essence of humanity and nature.
