UNWTO has announced the return of Best Tourism Villages for 2022, which promotes the role of tourism in safeguarding rural villages, along with their natural and cultural diversity, local values and activities as well as gastronomy. The initiative also promotes transformative approaches to the development of tourism in rural destinations that contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In 2021 over 40 villages from more than 30 countries across the five world regions (from over 170 applications) were recognized as Best Tourism Villages (BTV) and a further 20 villages were selected to participate in the Upgrade Programme.

Now, UNWTO Members States are invited once again to present candidacies through their National Tourism Administrations (NTAs). Applications will be open until 28 June 2022 and the chosen villages will be announced at the end of the year.