Searching for the best places to visit that promote cultural diversity and sustainable travel? The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) recently released its third annual list of the Best Tourism Villages for 2023, a compilation of authentic, lesser-known places to travel. Consider this your new travel bucket list.
This year’s report showcases the 54 best villages and towns across five continents that have met a number of criteria, including economic sustainability, social sustainability, environmental sustainability, conservation of cultural resources, tourism development, connectivity, safety and more.
Released during the UNWTO General Assembly, the annual roster celebrates places that are preserving landscapes, culture, culinary traditions and more. This new list is in addition to the 2022 list (when 32 locations made the cut) and the 2021 list (when 44 places were chosen).
“This initiative acknowledges villages that have harnessed tourism as a catalyst for their development and well-being,” Zurab Pololikashvili, secretary general of UNWTO, said in a statement.
The country with the most destinations on this year’s list? Peru, which has five villages that were recognized for their charms. Other popular countries include Portugal, Japan and China—which each had four villages on the 2023 list.
Read on for the 2023 list of the 54 best locations to travel, along with commentary from the UNWTO about why each place made the cut. There’s no ranking: The UNWTO lists them alphabetically, and here, the list is grouped geographically.
Ordino: In the tiny principality of Andorra, Ordino—which celebrates its cultural heritage against a backdrop of stunning landscapes—was designated as a Biosphere Reserve in October 2020. According to the UNWTO, the town “serves as an exemplary model of contemporary society’s integration into a natural environment while preserving its rural traditions and customs.”
Schladming: Surrounded by mountains,Schladming is a sports paradise. The village’s alpine charm and outdoor activities make it a sought-after destination for skiing and mountain adventures. But it’s more than just that, according to the UNWTO: “Unlike typical ski resorts, Schladming boasts two captivating Romanesque and Gothic churches, an 18th-century town square and a rich history of hosting prestigious skiing competitions.”
St. Anton am Arlberg: Set in the breathtaking Tyrolean Alps, St. Anton am Arlberg is a renowned sports destination with great skiing, biking and hiking, plus its own dialect and rich cultural heritage. “St. Anton am Arlberg stands as a beacon of world-renowned tourism with a storied history spanning over a century,” said the UNWTO. “From its inception, the village has not only
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