Kalopanayiotis and Pissouri have been recognized as two of the 55 Best Tourism Villages for 2024 by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). The announcement was made on Friday, spotlighting villages worldwide for their commitment to sustainable tourism and community development.

These two Cypriot villages are also among seven selected from the Best Tourism Villages Upgrade Program, which supports communities in improving weaker evaluation areas. Through this program, villages receive guidance and can apply for fast-track recognition as top tourism villages.

For the fourth year, 55 villages were selected from 260 applications across 60 member countries. An additional 20 villages will join the Upgrade Program. According to UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili, tourism empowers rural communities, preserving cultural heritage while fostering sustainable growth.

“The Best Tourism Villages initiative highlights the transformative power of tourism,” Pololikashvili stated. “By leveraging their unique assets, these communities drive economic development, celebrate local traditions, and enhance residents' quality of life. This recognition showcases their role in promoting a sustainable future for all.”

The Best Tourism Villages initiative, launched in 2021, aims to promote tourism in rural areas while preserving landscapes, cultural diversity, local values, and culinary traditions. With the addition of 75 new members, the network now includes 254 villages, forming a global community of rural destinations.

China led this year’s list with seven villages, followed by Peru with five and Argentina with four.

- Abo Noghta Castles & Historic Tabab, Saudi Arabia

- Abu Ghosoun and Gharb Suhayl, Egypt

- Aínsa and Mura, Spain

- Amagi and Nishikawa, Japan

- Anogeia, Greece

- Azheke, Guanyang, Shibadong, Taoping, Xiaogang, Xitou, and Yandunjiao, China

- Bo Suak, Thailand

- Capulálpam de Méndez, Cuatro Ciénegas de Carranza, and Palizada, Mexico

- Caviahue-Copahue, Gaiman, Trevelin, and Villa Tulumba, Argentina

- El Tambo, Mindo, and San Rafael de la Laguna, Ecuador

- El Valle de Antón and Portobelo, Panama

- Esfahak, Iran

- Grand Baie and Roches Noires, Mauritius

- Huancaya, Leymebamba, Pueblo de Maras, Quinua, and Sibayo, Peru

- Jardín, Colombia

- Jatiluwih and Wukirsari, Indonesia

- Kalopanayiotis and Pissouri, Cyprus

- Óbidos and Santa Cruz da Graciosa, Portugal

- Ormana, Turkey

- Ralco, Chile

- Romoos and Splügen, Switzerland

- Ruboni, Uganda

- San Casciano dei Bagni, Italy

- San Juan del Obispo and Uaxactún, Guatemala

- St. Johann in Tirol, Austria

- Tra Que Vegetable Village, Vietnam

- Urych and Vorokhta, Ukraine

Villages recognized as “Outstanding” under the Upgrade Program include Capulálpam de Méndez (Mexico), Grand Baie (Mauritius), Kalopanayiotis (Cyprus), Pissouri (Cyprus), Ruboni (Uganda), Bo Suak (Thailand), and Trevelin (Argentina).

Applications for the 2025 Best Tourism Villages initiative will open early next year, providing more rural destinations the chance to gain global recognition.