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Two villages from Cyprus, Kalopanagiotis and Pissouri, have been recognized as among the best tourist destinations in the world for 2024 by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). The announcement was made on Friday, highlighting the villages' exceptional qualities and their contributions to sustainable tourism.
Kalopanagiotis and Pissouri were selected as part of the "Best Tourist Villages" initiative, which celebrates rural communities that promote tourism as a way to preserve local traditions, improve economic growth, and enhance the quality of life for residents. These two Cypriot villages were also part of the UNWTO’s "Best Tourist Villages Upgrade Programme," designed to help villages improve key areas like infrastructure, services, and sustainability. This programme allowed them to fast-track their applications and secure a spot in the prestigious list.
The "Best Tourist Villages" program, now in its fourth year, received 260 applications from over 60 countries. Of those, 55 villages were selected for their outstanding contributions to tourism and community development, with an additional 20 villages joining the upgrade programme to enhance their tourism offerings.
UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili praised the initiative, noting that tourism plays a crucial role in empowering rural communities. "By capitalizing on their unique strengths, these communities can promote economic growth, foster local traditions and improve the quality of life of their residents," Pololikashvili said. He emphasized that the initiative not only recognizes these villages' achievements but also highlights how tourism can drive positive change through sustainable practices.
The "Best Tourism Villages" programme was launched in 2021 to focus on rural areas, preserving landscapes, cultural diversity, and local traditions. With the addition of 75 new villages this year, the network now includes 254 villages, making it the largest global community of rural destinations.
For 2024, the most recognized countries include China, which boasts seven top villages, followed by Peru with five, and Argentina with four. Cyprus’ Kalopanagiotis and Pissouri were among the standout villages selected this year, joining others such as Spain’s Aínsa and Mura, Egypt’s Abu Ghosoun, and Mexico’s Capulálpam de Méndez.
The initiative also highlights the seven villages that have been classified as "outstanding" under the Best Tourist Villages Upgrade Programme. These include Kalopanagiotis and Pissouri, as well as villages from Mexico, Mauritius, Uganda, Thailand, and Argentina.
The UNWTO will open the next call for applications in early 2025, offering another opportunity for rural destinations to showcase their tourism initiatives and gain global recognition.
