Spain tops the list of the world’s best tourist villages. Travel has changed in many ways since the pandemic started, but one change for the better is the new push toward rural tourism.
The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has drawn up its second annual list of “best” rural villages around the world. It’s a departure from the usual lists of Instagrammable places in peak tourist destinations.
The UNWTO is a United Nations agency focusing on responsible tourism so these villages have been chosen for how they’re growing visitor numbers without ruining what it is the visitors are coming to see.
In a statement, the UNWTO said:
“The accolade recognizes rural destinations that are embracing tourism as a driver of development and new opportunities for jobs and income while preserving and promoting community-based values and products. The initiative also recognizes villages for their commitment to innovation and sustainability in all its aspects economic, social, and environmental, and a focus on developing tourism in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
A grand total of 32 villages across the globe made the list, out of 136 which were put forward by 57 UNTWO member states.
There’s no ranking instead, the destinations are listed alphabetically by country. Three remote Spanish communities have been named among the best villages in the world for tourists the most entries for a single country.
The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) recently revealed its annual list of the best tourism villages across the globe, with those included in the list scoring highly on social and environmental sustainability as well as their tourism work.
The 32 destinations are in countries including Austria, Vietnam, China, Israel, and Italy.
Spain is represented by the medieval Catalan village of Rupit; Alquézar, in the Sierra de Guara mountains in Aragon; and Guadalupe, known for its monastery, in the Extremadura region.
Manuel Butler, director of the Spanish Tourist Office in London, said: “We are delighted that the UNWTO has placed Spain as the country with the most appearances on its list. We aim to promote community-led tourism across Spain and are thrilled at the international recognition.”
