The National Secretariat of Tourism, Environment, and Sports has officially announced the launch of the fifth edition of the Best Tourism Villages initiative, an effort spearheaded by UN Tourism. This prestigious initiative aims to highlight villages that exemplify rural tourism excellence, showcasing their cultural and natural heritage while promoting sustainability. This year, Argentina will select eight villages to represent the country on an international stage.
Recognizing Excellence in Rural Tourism
The Best Tourism Villages initiative seeks to honor villages that stand out as exemplary rural tourism destinations. These villages must preserve and promote cultural values, local products, and traditional lifestyles. Additionally, they should demonstrate a strong commitment to sustainability across economic, social, and environmental dimensions. The ultimate goal is to make tourism a powerful driver of positive transformation, rural development, and community well-being.
In the 2023 edition, four Argentine villages received this prestigious recognition:
- Trevelin (Chubut)
- Caviahue-Copahue (Neuquén)
- Villa Tulumba (Córdoba)
- Gaiman (Chubut)
Participation Criteria
To be eligible for the Best Tourism Villages initiative, a village must meet three fundamental criteria established by UN Tourism:
- Low Population Density: The village must have a population of no more than 15,000 inhabitants.
- Traditional Economic Activities: The village should be located in a rural landscape where traditional activities such as agriculture, forestry, livestock farming, or fishing are practiced.
- Community-Based Tourism Values: The village must embrace and promote a tourism model based on community values and sustainability.
The National Secretariat of Tourism, Environment, and Sports is responsible for selecting the eight Argentine villages that will participate in the global evaluation process led by UN Tourism.
A Unique Opportunity for Argentina
Daniel Scioli, the Secretary of Tourism, Environment, and Sports, emphasized the significance of this initiative, stating: “This initiative by UN Tourism serves as an excellent platform to showcase our country’s stunning natural landscapes, remarkable gastronomy, and the warmth of the people in our rural villages, who are ready to welcome tourists from all over the world.”
The selection process allows provinces to submit more than one candidacy. Each village interested in participating must present its application through the local municipality and obtain approval from the provincial tourism authority.
A Committee of Professionals from the National Secretariat of Tourism, Environment, and Sports will evaluate all applications, ensuring that selected candidates meet the necessary criteria.
Application Deadline
The application process is currently open, with a submission deadline of April 21. For inquiries and further details on the registration process, interested parties are encouraged to reach out to the designated contact point.
This initiative provides an incredible opportunity for Argentine villages to gain international recognition, attract sustainable tourism, and promote local development while preserving their cultural heritage.