{"id":509325,"date":"2025-10-18T11:44:10","date_gmt":"2025-10-18T11:44:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/509325\/"},"modified":"2025-10-18T11:44:10","modified_gmt":"2025-10-18T11:44:10","slug":"france-japan-germany-and-more-shine-in-2025s-best-rural-tourism-villages-what-about-india-find-out-if-your-favorite-destination-is-included","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/509325\/","title":{"rendered":"France, Japan, Germany, and More Shine in 2025\u2019s Best Rural Tourism Villages \u2013 What About India? Find Out if Your Favorite Destination is Included!"},"content":{"rendered":"

Home<\/a> \u00bb ASIA<\/a> \u00bb France, Japan, Germany, and More Shine in 2025\u2019s Best Rural Tourism Villages \u2013 What About India? Find Out if Your Favorite Destination is Included! <\/p>\n

Published on
\nOctober 18, 2025<\/p>\n

\"Villages\"<\/p>\n

On October 17, 2025, UN Tourism<\/strong> unveiled the highly anticipated list of the Best Tourism Villages<\/strong> for 2025, a recognition that highlights the immense potential of rural tourism. With a growing focus on sustainability, cultural preservation, and economic development, these 52 villages represent the best of global rural destinations. Spanning across 29 countries, these communities showcase how rural areas can thrive through tourism, creating significant opportunities for both social and economic growth.<\/p>\n

The Best Tourism Villages initiative, launched by UN Tourism in 2021, continues to gain momentum, recognizing the powerful role that tourism can play in fostering inclusive growth, environmental conservation, and cultural heritage preservation. From Asia\u2019s spiritual haven of Koyasan in Japan<\/strong> to the lush, scenic beauty of Chamarel in Mauritius<\/strong>, these villages exemplify how tourism can build a sustainable future for rural communities.<\/p>\n

The initiative\u2019s aim is not only to promote the villages but to encourage others to adopt practices that safeguard their cultural and natural resources while integrating sustainable tourism development. The Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism<\/strong> initiative continues to gain traction and offers global recognition to these rural gems. Their unique approaches serve as inspiration for other rural destinations to innovate and advance their tourism offerings.<\/p>\n

In this article, we will delve into the highlights of the newly recognized villages, explore their distinctive tourism offerings, and understand how they contribute to rural development. This announcement also includes villages from across Europe<\/strong>, Asia<\/strong>, Africa<\/strong>, and the Middle East<\/strong>, all of which have proven to be leaders in tourism, sustainability, and heritage preservation.<\/p>\n

The 52 Best Tourism Villages<\/a> for 2025: A Comprehensive List<\/strong><\/p>\n

This year, 52 villages<\/strong> from 29 countries were recognized as part of the Best Tourism Villages 2025<\/strong> list. The selected villages were evaluated across various criteria, including cultural heritage preservation, natural resource management, sustainability in tourism practices, and community involvement. The selection process considered over 270 applications from UN Tourism Member States<\/strong>, ultimately highlighting villages that best demonstrate how tourism can stimulate rural economies while protecting the environment and cultural legacies.<\/p>\n

The following are the recognized villages:<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Agaete, Spain<\/strong><\/li>\n
  2. Akyaka, T\u00fcrkiye<\/strong><\/li>\n
  3. Aldea San Crist\u00f3bal El Alto, Guatemala<\/strong><\/li>\n
  4. An\u0131tl\u0131, T\u00fcrkiye<\/strong><\/li>\n
  5. Ant\u00f4nio Prado, Brazil<\/strong><\/li>\n
  6. Arqu\u00e0 Petrarca, Italy<\/strong><\/li>\n
  7. Asolo, Italy<\/strong><\/li>\n
  8. Asuka, Japan<\/strong><\/li>\n
  9. Barbaros, T\u00fcrkiye<\/strong><\/li>\n
  10. Bellano, Italy<\/strong><\/li>\n
  11. Bled, Slovenia<\/strong><\/li>\n
  12. Carlos Pellegrini, Argentina<\/strong><\/li>\n
  13. Chamarel, Mauritius<\/strong><\/li>\n
  14. Digang, China<\/strong><\/li>\n
  15. Dongluo, China<\/strong><\/li>\n
  16. Ezcaray, Spain<\/strong><\/li>\n
  17. Fl\u00f6\u00dferstadt Schiltach, Germany<\/strong><\/li>\n
  18. Grand River South East, Mauritius<\/strong><\/li>\n
  19. Hossz\u00fahet\u00e9ny, Hungary<\/strong><\/li>\n
  20. Huanggang, China<\/strong><\/li>\n
  21. Jikayi, China<\/strong><\/li>\n
  22. Kale \u00dc\u00e7a\u011f\u0131z, T\u00fcrkiye<\/strong><\/li>\n
  23. Kandelous, Iran<\/strong><\/li>\n
  24. Ka\u0161telir Labinci, Croatia<\/strong><\/li>\n
  25. Khinalig, Azerbaijan<\/strong><\/li>\n
  26. Kolochava, Ukraine<\/strong><\/li>\n
  27. Koyasan, Japan<\/strong><\/li>\n
  28. Krupa na Vrbasu, Bosnia Herzegovina<\/strong><\/li>\n
  29. Loriga, Portugal<\/strong><\/li>\n
  30. L\u00f4 L\u00f4 Ch\u1ea3i, Vietnam<\/strong><\/li>\n
  31. Maimar\u00e1, Argentina<\/strong><\/li>\n
  32. Marktgemeinde Bad Hindelang, Germany<\/strong><\/li>\n
  33. Masfout, United Arab Emirates<\/strong><\/li>\n
  34. M\u00e9rtola, Portugal<\/strong><\/li>\n
  35. M\u00f3rahalom, Hungary<\/strong><\/li>\n
  36. Muju Village, Republic of Korea<\/strong><\/li>\n
  37. Murillo, Colombia<\/strong><\/li>\n
  38. Neot Semadar, Israel<\/strong><\/li>\n
  39. North Azraq, Jordan<\/strong><\/li>\n
  40. Pacto, Ecuador<\/strong><\/li>\n
  41. Pemuteran, Indonesia<\/strong><\/li>\n
  42. Plateliai, Lithuania<\/strong><\/li>\n
  43. Pont-Croix, France<\/strong><\/li>\n
  44. Quynh Son Community-based Tourism Village, Vietnam<\/strong><\/li>\n
  45. Shafiabad, Iran<\/strong><\/li>\n
  46. Shodoshima, Japan<\/strong><\/li>\n
  47. Soheili, Iran<\/strong><\/li>\n
  48. Synevyrska Polyana, Ukraine<\/strong><\/li>\n
  49. Tonosho, Japan<\/strong><\/li>\n
  50. Valendas, Switzerland<\/strong><\/li>\n
  51. Vila Nogueira de Azeit\u00e3o, Portugal<\/strong><\/li>\n
  52. Yangsuri, Republic of Korea<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Each of these villages has demonstrated exceptional success in integrating sustainable practices, preserving their unique cultural and natural heritage, and leveraging tourism for rural development. The villages that made the list represent a diverse range of geographies, cultures, and tourist experiences.<\/p>\n

    Tourism for Rural Development: Key Benefits<\/strong>\"\"<\/p>\n

    The Best Tourism Villages<\/strong> initiative is an essential component of the UN Tourism for Rural Development Programme<\/strong>. This initiative plays a pivotal role in accelerating tourism\u2019s contribution to rural development by recognizing destinations that embrace sustainable practices and preserve their cultural and natural resources. Here are some of the core benefits these villages offer to the broader tourism industry and local communities:<\/p>\n

    1. Cultural and Natural Heritage Preservation<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Many of the Best Tourism Villages<\/strong> showcase remarkable efforts to preserve and promote their cultural and natural heritage. By engaging with local communities and emphasizing the importance of safeguarding their traditions and landscapes, these villages not only attract tourists but ensure the longevity of their unique assets.<\/p>\n

    2. Economic Sustainability<\/strong><\/p>\n

    The recognition of these villages brings increased visibility, which translates into more tourism revenue. This creates sustainable economic growth, which can uplift rural economies, provide job opportunities for locals, and help improve infrastructure and services.<\/p>\n

    3. Social Sustainability and Inclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Rural tourism fosters social inclusion by integrating communities into tourism development. This helps in reducing rural-urban disparities and offers rural populations the chance to take control of their tourism strategies, ensuring the benefits reach all members of the community.<\/p>\n

    4. Environmental Sustainability<\/strong><\/p>\n

    The villages selected for the Best Tourism Villages 2025<\/strong> list have adopted environmentally responsible practices. Whether it\u2019s in energy conservation, waste management, or wildlife protection, these communities play a crucial role in promoting eco-friendly tourism that benefits both visitors and the environment.<\/p>\n

    5. Tourism Development and Value Chain Integration<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Recognizing these villages not only brings global attention but also supports their integration into larger tourism value chains. From local craft markets to culinary experiences, rural villages are increasingly part of the global tourism economy.<\/p>\n

    Upgrade Programme: Supporting High-Potential Villages<\/strong>\"\"<\/p>\n

    The Best Tourism Villages<\/strong> initiative also includes an Upgrade Programme<\/strong>, aimed at supporting high-potential villages that may not yet meet all the recognition criteria. This program helps villages improve their tourism infrastructure, social inclusivity, environmental sustainability, and governance.<\/p>\n

    The following 20 villages have been selected to participate in the Upgrade Programme<\/strong>:<\/p>\n

      \n
    1. Al-Bashandi Village, Egypt<\/strong><\/li>\n
    2. Brihuega, Spain<\/strong><\/li>\n
    3. Comuna Chiguilpe de la Nacionalidad Tsa\u2019chila, Ecuador<\/strong><\/li>\n
    4. Dawa Village, China<\/strong><\/li>\n
    5. Evol\u00e8ne, Switzerland<\/strong><\/li>\n
    6. Iraq Al-Amir, Jordan<\/strong><\/li>\n
    7. Kemiren, Indonesia<\/strong><\/li>\n
    8. Lolol, Chile<\/strong><\/li>\n
    9. Meisenheim, Germany<\/strong><\/li>\n
    10. Montagnana, Italy<\/strong><\/li>\n
    11. Nari Village, Republic of Korea<\/strong><\/li>\n
    12. Nopala de Villagr\u00e1n, Mexico<\/strong><\/li>\n
    13. Omonxona, Uzbekistan<\/strong><\/li>\n
    14. Oosterend, Netherlands<\/strong><\/li>\n
    15. Ordu\u00f1a, Spain<\/strong><\/li>\n
    16. Parroquia Bibli\u00e1n, Ecuador<\/strong><\/li>\n
    17. Quintandona, Portugal<\/strong><\/li>\n
    18. San Javier y Yacanto, Argentina<\/strong><\/li>\n
    19. San Mart\u00edn de Unx, Spain<\/strong><\/li>\n
    20. Sant\u2019Andrea di Conza, Italy<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      These villages, while not yet fully meeting the Best Tourism Villages criteria, are on a promising path and will benefit from guidance on improving their sustainability and tourism management practices.<\/p>\n

      The Best Tourism Villages Network: A Hub of Knowledge and Collaboration<\/strong><\/p>\n

      The Best Tourism Villages Network<\/strong> is a vital platform that fosters collaboration among rural destinations. The network provides a space for village leaders, tourism professionals, and local stakeholders to exchange knowledge, share best practices, and collaborate on projects that strengthen rural tourism worldwide.<\/p>\n

      Villages within the network can access:<\/p>\n