The picturesque village of Anogeia, nestled on the slopes of Mount Psiloritis in Rethymno, Crete, has been recognized as one of the 55 Best Tourism Villages for 2024 by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).
In this fourth edition of the initiative, 55 villages from across the globe were chosen from over 260 applications submitted by more than 60 UNWTO member states. An additional 20 villages were selected to participate in a special upgrade program aimed at enhancing their tourism offerings.
Rural destinations, including Anogeia, play an increasingly vital role in promoting sustainable tourism and fostering community development. The Best Tourism Villages initiative was launched by the UNWTO in 2021 to highlight the contribution of tourism to rural areas while preserving landscapes, cultural diversity, local traditions, and culinary heritage. With the addition of 75 new members this year, the Best Tourism Villages network now includes 254 villages, forming the world’s largest community of rural tourism destinations.
The initiative is part of the UNWTO’s broader Tourism for Rural Development program, which seeks to: Promote growth and integration in rural areas, Combat depopulation, Foster innovation and strengthen the tourism value chain, Encourage sustainable practices.
Speaking about the importance of the initiative, UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili stated: “Tourism is a vital tool for inclusion, enabling rural communities to protect and celebrate their rich cultural heritage while advancing sustainable development.”
Pololikashvili emphasized that the initiative not only honors remarkable rural destinations like Anogeia but also showcases the transformative power of tourism: “By leveraging their unique strengths, these communities can drive economic growth, promote local traditions, and enhance the quality of life for their residents. Villages that embrace tourism as a pathway to empowerment and prosperity demonstrate that sustainable practices can create a better future for all.”
Anogeia’s recognition underscores its cultural significance, sustainable practices, and enduring charm, marking it as a shining example of how rural destinations can thrive in today’s tourism landscape.
Evaluation Criteria for the Best Tourism Villages
As in previous editions, villages were evaluated based on nine key pillars:
- Cultural and Natural Resources
- Promotion and Preservation of Cultural Assets
- Economic Sustainability
- Social Sustainability
- Environmental Sustainability
- Tourism Development and Integration into the Value Chain
- Governance and Tourism Prioritization
- Infrastructure and Connectivity
- Health, Safety, and Security
The Three Pillars of the Initiative
Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO:
Recognizes outstanding rural tourism destinations with accredited cultural and natural assets, commitment to community-based values, and a clear focus on innovation and sustainability across economic, social, and environmental dimensions.
Best Tourism Villages Upgrade Program by UNWTO:
Supports villages on their journey to meet the recognition criteria by addressing identified weaknesses and providing resources for improvement.
The Best Tourism Villages Network:
Serves as a platform for sharing experiences, best practices, learning opportunities, and collaboration among its members. Experts and partners from the public and private sectors contribute to promoting tourism as a driver for rural development.
The 55 Best Tourism Villages for 2024 (Alphabetical Order)
- Abo Noghta Castles & Historic Tabab, Saudi Arabia
- Abu Ghosoun, Egypt
- Aínsa, Spain
- Amagi, Japan
- Anogeia, Greece
- Azheke, China
- Bo Suak, Thailand
- Capulálpam de Méndez, Mexico
- Caviahue-Copahue, Argentina
- Cuatro Ciénegas de Carranza, Mexico
- El Tambo, Ecuador
- El Valle de Antón, Panama
- Esfahak, Iran
- Gaiman, Argentina
- Gharb Suhayl, Egypt
- Grand Baie, Mauritius
- Guanyang, China
- Huancaya, Peru
- Jardín, Colombia
- Jatiluwih, Indonesia
- Kalopanagiotis, Cyprus
- Leymebamba, Peru
- Mindo, Ecuador
- Mura, Spain
- Nishikawa, Japan
- Óbidos, Portugal
- Ormana, Turkey
- Palizada, Mexico
- Pissouri, Cyprus
- Portobelo, Panama
- Pueblo de Maras, Peru
- Quinua, Peru
- Ralco, Chile
- Roches Noires, Mauritius
- 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. Johann in Tirol, Austria
- Taoping, China
- Tra Que Vegetable Village, Vietnam
- Trevelin, Argentina
- Uaxactún, Guatemala
- Urych, Ukraine
- Villa Tulumba, Argentina
- Vorokhta, Ukraine
- Wukirsari, Indonesia
- Xiaogang, China
- Xitou, China
- Yandunjiao, China
(Source: money-tourism.gr)