As a yr of travel marked largely by protests against overtourism in Barcelona, Oaxaca and Venice involves an end, the appeal of bizarre vacations continues to grow.
The aim of the initiative, launched in 2021, is to lift awareness of lesser-known places value seeing – while at the identical time rewarding responsible tourism management. Put simply, these destinations use visit resources in a way that promotes their cultural practices, preserves biodiversity and improves the standard of lifetime of locals. Each village also has fewer than 15,000 inhabitants and maintains traditional activities corresponding to farming and fishing.
“The Best Tourism Villages initiative not only recognizes the remarkable achievements of these villages, but also highlights the transformative power of tourism,” said UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili.
This yr's worthwhile destinations include rural villages in Panama and Guatemala, two countries appearing on the list for the primary time. Panama's historic northern port of Portobelo, for instance, attracts fewer people despite its quiet Caribbean beaches and significant colonial past. But it was also distinguished by the incontrovertible fact that tourism there, through the Bahía de Portobelo Foundation, funds cultural heritage conservation activities for young people, in addition to coral reef restoration projects.
Appearing on this coveted list may end in increased visitation from higher-spending travelers. In Aragon, Spain, for instance, the village of Alquezar, with its mountain tours, canyoning and mountain climbing opportunities, used to draw visitors primarily from France and Spain, but since its victory in 2022, it has been attracting international visitors from Japan, in line with Alquezar Mayor Ana and China vacation Blasco Castillo. Sandra Carvao, who’s involved in rural tourism development as director at UN Tourism, sees this as considered one of the most important advantages of the Best Tourism Villages initiative and diverting travelers from key hotspots. “It's really about making sure the sector can benefit places that don't necessarily come to mind,” she says.
This yr's winners were chosen from 260 nominations received by UN Tourism from greater than 60 member countries. We've highlighted five easy-to-access locations.
Splügen, Switzerland
Splügen, within the Swiss Alps near the Italian border, is a smaller ski resort than, say, busier and glitzier St. Moritz, only a scenic hour and a half drive east. But that's precisely the appeal: it's a quieter winter sports holiday destination that can also be an insider tip in spring and summer and offers access to crystal-clear lakes and the Beverin Regional Nature Park. Splügen became a part of this protected area in 2020, joining the greater than 10 communities living here which have committed to contributing to its preservation. The boutique Speluca Brewery Hotel is scheduled to open next yr; His design makes use of previously abandoned spaces on the sting of the village, including an old barn and a former Nineteen Sixties hotel, in addition to latest structures that reflect the village's traditional wood aesthetic. The Splügen communities also need to attract more visitors all yr round, which they expect to see after the completion of the longer term Rheinwald Resort AG project with a combination of rooms and a campsite for long-term stays.
San Rafael de la Laguna, Ecuador
San Rafael de la Laguna is a reminder of Ecuador's vast natural wealth – it lies within the foothills of the Andes, just below two hours' drive north of Quito. It is near Imbakucha, the Lake of the Gods, also generally known as Lago San Pablo. You can take guided tours to identify herons and geese from traditional boats constituted of totora reeds, an area aquatic plant that grows abundantly in the realm. Cycling enthusiasts will find routes that traverse the Otavalo Valley, and the village also celebrates energetic indigenous festivals. The Pawkar Raymi marks the beginning of the agricultural season in early March, coinciding with the spring equinox, and the Inti Raymi celebrates the winter solstice within the Southern Hemisphere. Expect quite a few community events for each, including traditional Andean music and dances. If you're more fascinated with hands-on experience, learn methods to make baskets, trays and hats from totora reeds in craft workshops.
Gharb Suhayl, Egypt
If you ought to visit the Grand Egyptian Museum in 2025, it's value a stop in Aswan, south of Giza. From there, take a 30-minute boat ride south to achieve the peaceful, ancient Nubian village of Gharb Suhayl on the banks of the Nile. Behind the brightly painted houses in blue, yellow and ochre, you'll find impressive art murals designed to present the realm the texture of a living open-air museum. You'll likely be invited right into a Nubian family's home to learn concerning the lifestyle, and also you may additionally spend time purchasing for handicrafts, jewelry and spices in souks. A handful of luxury tour operators like Black Tomato offer stops in Aswan and further down the Nile to Abu Simbel.
Pissouri, Cyprus
On Cyprus' rugged southwest coast, Pissouri offers a quieter alternative to the resort town of Limassol, just half-hour' drive east. In Pissouri, you may have your alternative of outside activities, including the Cape Astrot mountain climbing trail, which skirts gigantic rock formations and offers breathtaking views of a turquoise bay and its pebbly sand beach. The agricultural village's cobbled square is lined with local taverns where you may dine on Cypriot meze – small plates of local cheese, olives, seafood and grilled meats, in addition to dips. To delve deeper into Pissouri's heritage, take a guided tour of the G Theophamous winery and learn concerning the history of the Sultanina grape and winemaking traditions in Pissouri. To attract more visitors in the longer term, this small farming village is working on an accessible walking path for disabled travelers, in addition to a House of Halloumi museum – named after Cyprus' signature cheese – that may showcase the region's dairy products.
Uaxactun, Guatemala
Most people head to Tikal National Park, unknowingly bypassing Uaxactún, an ancient historic Mayan site just half-hour' drive north. But there are also uncrowded forest trails where you may tour the realm's temples, including a ceremonial complex, stelae, and an astronomical observatory that the Maya once used to mark celestial events. Uaxactún reached its peak between 600 and 900 AD, when it was a very important center for art and astronomy. In March, the eponymous village celebrates the spring equinox festival with sacred local ceremonies that include chanting, fire and drumming. Inquire about an arts and crafts workshop with local women's group Brisas de la Selva Maya, where you'll learn to make necklaces and bracelets using forest elements like seeds, mushrooms, and flowers.
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