Chamarel, Grand River South East, Masfout, and Pemuteran Among UN Tourism’s Best Tourism Villages 2025
In its fifth edition, the Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism 2025 initiative has recognized 52 outstanding rural destinations from across the globe for their commitment to sustainable tourism and rural development. Among the selected villages this year are Chamarel and Grand River South East (Mauritius), Masfout (United Arab Emirates), and Pemuteran (Indonesia).
Chosen from over 270 applications across 65 UN Tourism Member States, these villages join a growing global network of rural destinations that embody tourism’s potential as a force for positive change in local communities. With this latest announcement, the Best Tourism Villages Network now includes 319 villages worldwide.
Mauritius Celebrates Dual Recognition
Mauritius stands out this year with two villages making the list: Chamarel, renowned for its Seven Colored Earths and rich natural landscapes, and Grand River South East, a coastal village where traditional livelihoods and nature blend seamlessly. Their inclusion reflects Mauritius’ strong focus on sustainable and inclusive tourism development in rural areas.
Masfout: A Hidden Gem of the UAE
In the United Arab Emirates, Masfout, located in the Emirate of Ajman, has been recognized for its unique mountainous landscape, cooler climate, and cultural heritage. The selection of Masfout highlights the UAE’s expanding efforts to diversify its tourism offerings beyond its iconic urban experiences.
Pemuteran: A Model of Community-Led Marine Conservation
In Indonesia, Pemuteran, a coastal village in northern Bali, stands out for its successful community-driven marine conservation initiatives, including an innovative artificial reef project. It exemplifies how ecotourism, local traditions, and environmental stewardship can thrive together.
Kemiren Selected for the Upgrade Programme
Also in Indonesia, the village of Kemiren has been chosen to join the Best Tourism Villages Upgrade Programme — a dedicated initiative to support high-potential villages in improving their tourism offerings and sustainability practices. The programme provides tailored support to help these destinations eventually meet the criteria for full recognition.
A Global Network for Inclusive Rural Tourism
Launched in 2021, the Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism initiative is part of the broader UN Tourism for Rural Development Programme. It aims to recognize and support villages that safeguard their cultural and natural heritage while creating sustainable economic opportunities through tourism. Villages are evaluated by an independent Advisory Board across nine criteria, including cultural and natural resources, sustainability, tourism value chain integration, infrastructure, and governance.
