Two Cypriot villages, Pissouri and Kalopanayiotis, have been named among the “Best Tourism Villages 2024” by UN Tourism.
The awards, presented during the 122nd session of the UN Tourism Executive Council, recognised 55 villages from 30 countries, selected from more than 260 applications across 60 member states.
The global recognition programme, now in its fourth year, evaluates villages based on their implementation of sustainability principles and the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Winners included communities from Argentina to Vietnam, with entries from China, Saudi Arabia, Austria, Spain, Chile, and Greece among others.
Following this year’s additions, the Best Tourism Villages network has expanded to 254 members, forming the world’s largest rural tourism destination community. The initiative aims to showcase villages where tourism contributes to cultural preservation, provides equitable development opportunities, and protects biodiversity.
Cyprus previously saw success in the programme when Lefkara village received recognition in 2021. The Deputy Ministry of Tourism, which represents Cyprus in UN Tourism, said the awards offered significant international exposure for the country’s natural landscapes, culture, and history.
The selection process evaluates communities on various sustainability indicators, including cultural and natural resources preservation, economic viability, and environmental sustainability.
Winning villages gain access to a global network for sharing best practices and expertise in rural tourism development.
