The Top Tourism Villages for 2023 Across the Globe

Been to Tokyo? Check. Done London? Been there, done that.

For explorers seeking out smaller, genuinely local destinations, the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has just unveiled its list of the top tourism villages for this year.

In 2023, the international organization specializing in sustainable tourism acknowledged 55 villages, an increase from last year's 32. The program commenced in 2021, unveiling its inaugural selection of villages.

The list encompasses various small towns and villages spanning Mexico, China, Ethiopia, and Italy. Notably, there is no hierarchical arrangement among the villages, as they are alphabetically listed in English.

The UNWTO acknowledges rural tourism destinations that possess accredited cultural and natural assets, demonstrate a dedication to preserving community-based values, and exhibit a strong commitment to innovation and sustainability. Furthermore, the program aims to counter the rural depopulation trend and empower women and children.

Snowy Licancabur volcano in Andes montains reflecting in the wate of Laguna Chaxa with Andean flamingos, Atacama salar, Chile

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Best in Asia

Dongbaek, located on Jeju Island in South Korea, is renowned for its beautiful camellia flowers. While Jeju Island is famous for producing camellia sinensis, the variety used to make tea, Dongbaek has a specific focus on the flowers themselves. The local community organizes a cooperative where residents sell camellia seeds to visitors and diligently nurture the plants on the island.

Another village in Asia that has been acknowledged by UNWTO is Shirakawa, Japan. Situated in Gifu prefecture, north of Nagoya, this town is particularly cherished during the winter season. The picturesque sight of the pointed, thatched roofs on the village houses covered in snow creates a mesmerizing and beautiful ambiance.

China boasts four villages on the list this year, one of them being Xiajiang in the eastern Zhejiang province. The locals of Xiajiang are dedicated to preserving their traditions such as tea making and Chinese opera. They passionately pass on these customs to visitors, ensuring their longevity.

Dhordo, located in the Rann of Kutch salt desert, has been chosen as this year's village in India. Recognized by the UNWTO, despite enduring considerable destruction caused by a devastating earthquake in 2001, Dhordo has managed to thrive and reconstruct itself, thanks to an astute tourism strategy.

Highlights in Europe

Europe's selections for the UNWTO list showcase a captivating blend of cultural diversity and environmental contrasts. Spain's charming village, Sigüenza, stands out as a favored destination for a weekend escape from the bustling capital, Madrid. This is primarily due to its magnificent 12th-century cathedral and its convenient proximity to the breathtaking Barranco del Río Dulce Natural Park.

Slunj, Croatia has received praise for preserving local traditions such as songs and dances, along with the addition of environmentally friendly walking trails and other travel infrastructure.

Though not as recognized as its neighboring countries, the small and landlocked principality of Andorra is notable for its village, Ordino, which is celebrated for its agricultural heritage. Additionally, two local festivals in Ordino, namely Les Falles and the Feast of Sant Pere, have been included in UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

South American stars

Taking the lead, Peru boasts five villages that have earned recognition. Beyond the renowned Machu Picchu, the country has fervently promoted lesser-known destinations in an earnest attempt to tackle the issue of overtourism.

Yanque, located approximately 360 miles southeast of Lima, serves as the entryway to explore the captivating and less-explored Uyo Uyo ruins as well as the hot springs region of Colca Canyon.

On the other hand, Chacas, a village in Peru, serves as the entrance to Huascaran National Park, which is recognized by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve.

Also included in the UNWTO list is

Caleta Tortel, situated in Chile. This village, inhabited by only 523 residents, features numerous buildings constructed from locally sourced cypress wood. Additionally, featured on the list is La Carolina in Argentina, a site that witnessed a renowned gold rush.

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The full list of best tourism villages

• Jordan - Al Sela

• Chile - Barrancas, Caleta Tortel

• Japan - Biei, Hakuba, Shirakawa

• Spain - Cantavieja, Chavín de Huantar, Sigüenza, Oñati

• Peru - Chacas, Chavín de Huantar, Omitlán de Juárez, Paucartambo, Pozuzo, Taquile

• Republic of Korea - Dongbaek, Mosan, Sehwa

• Lebanon - Douma

• Portugal - Ericeira, Manteigas, Sortelha, Vila da Madalena

• Colombia - Filandia, Zapatoca

• Mexico - Higueras, Jalpa de Cánovas, Omitlán de Juárez

• China - Huangling, Penglipuran, Xiajiang, Zhagana, Zhujiawan

• Egypt - Dahshour, Siwa

• India - Dhordo

• Iran - Kandovan

• Argentina - La Carolina

• Ethiopia - Lephis Village

• Italy - Lerici

• Switzerland - Morcote, Saint-Ursanne

• Andorra - Ordino

• Ecuador - Oyacachi

• Andorra - Ordino

• Uzbekistan - Sentob

• Austria - Schladming, Anton am Arlberg

• Kazakhstan - Saty

• Hungary - Tokaj

• Moldova - Văleni

• Turkey - Şirince

• Croatia - Slunj

• Vietnam - Tân Hoá