Mexico shines at the Best Tourism Villages 2024 awards: Discover the winning destinations!

In a significant recognition of cultural wealth and commitment to sustainability, Mexico stood out in the Best Tourism Villages 2024.

La World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) from ONU awarded three Mexican destinations:

1. Capulálpam de Méndez, Oaxaca

   – This town is known for its rich cultural heritage and indigenous traditions. The community has implemented sustainable practices that promote ecotourism and environmental conservation.

2. Four Ciénegas, Coahuila

   – Famous for its unique landscapes and biodiversity, Cuatro Ciénegas is an example of how communities can manage their natural resources to attract tourists while preserving their environment.

3. Palisade, Campeche

   – Palizada stands out for its colonial architecture and its focus on sustainability. The community has worked to keep its traditions alive through responsible tourism.

This event highlights the crucial role that these rural communities play in sustainable tourism and cultural preservation.

The Best Tourism Villages initiative was launched by UNWTO in 2021 with the aim of promoting tourism in rural areas, highlighting its importance for the conservation of natural landscapes, cultural diversity and local traditions.

Here is a list of the nine main areas in which villages are evaluated:

1. Resources cultural and natural
2. Promotion and conservation of cultural resources
3. Sustainability economic
4. Sustainability Social
5. Sustainability environmental
6. Development tourism and integration of the value chain
7. Governance and prioritization of tourism
8. Infrastructure and connectivity
9. Health and security

In this edition, 55 villages were selected from more than 260 applications. from more than 60 UNWTO member countries.

Evaluation criteria included cultural and natural resources, economic and social sustainability, tourism development and infrastructure.

Recognition by UNWTO not only raises the tourism profile of these towns, it also fosters local economic development by attracting visitors interested in authentic and sustainable experiences.

This push can result in improvements in infrastructure, services and economic opportunities for residents.

And as more travelers seek authentic and responsible experiences, these Mexican destinations are well positioned to lead the way toward a more sustainable tourism future.

HERE IS THE COMPLETE LIST in alphabetical order: