Thailand’s Bo Suak Village earns spot in UN Tourism’s Best Tourism Villages 2024 list

Bo Suak, Thailand, joins an exclusive league of 55 rural communities around the world pioneering sustainable tourism development.

In a milestone for Thailand’s rural tourism, Bo Suak village has become the country’s first-ever destination to be recognized as one of the Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism. With this year’s announcement, Bo Suak is one of only 55 villages globally to receive this prestigious recognition for sustainable tourism development.

Bo Suak’s journey is particularly remarkable as it joined the Best Tourism Villages Upgrade Programme in 2021 and worked diligently over the last three years to advance its sustainable tourism practices, ultimately earning its place among the world’s top rural destinations.

“Tourism is a vital tool for inclusion, empowering rural communities to protect and value their rich cultural heritage while driving sustainable development,” said UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili. “The Best Tourism Villages initiative not only recognises the remarkable achievements of these villages but also highlights the transformative power of tourism. By leveraging their unique assets, these communities can foster economic growth, promote local traditions, and enhance the quality of life for their residents. We celebrate the villages that have embraced tourism as a pathway to empowerment and community well-being, demonstrating that sustainable practices can lead to a brighter future for all.”

Thailand’s historic entrance into the Best Tourism Villages league

As Thailand’s first-ever village to receive this accolade, Bo Suak’s recognition underscores the country’s dedication to developing and promoting rural tourism. Despite Thailand’s longstanding commitment to rural tourism, this is the first time a Thai village has made it to the UN Tourism’s Best Tourism Villages list, shining a global spotlight on Thailand’s rural communities.

The achievement also highlights the impact of the Upgrade Programme—an initiative supporting villages that demonstrate potential for recognition but need support in areas like social, environmental, and economic sustainability. Thanks to its continuous dedication, Bo Suak transformed over three years, improving across key areas to achieve the standards required to join the Best Tourism Villages list.

The Best Tourism Villages initiative was launched in 2021 to showcase rural tourism’s role in safeguarding landscapes, cultural heritage, and local values. This year’s edition recognised 55 villages, selected from over 260 applications submitted by more than 60 UN Tourism Member States. An additional 20 villages were admitted to the Upgrade Programme to continue their journey toward potential future recognition.

The 55 Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism 2024 are (in alphabetical order):

• Abo Noghta Castles & Historic Tabab, Saudi Arabia
• Abu Ghosoun, Egypt
• Aínsa, Spain
• Amagi, Japan
• Anogeia, Greece
• Azheke, China
• Bo Suak, Thailand
• Capulálpam de Méndez, Mexico
• Caviahue-Copahue, Argentina
• Cuatro Ciénegas de Carranza, Mexico
• El Tambo, Ecuador
• El Valle de Antón, Panama
• Esfahak, Islamic Republic of Iran
• Gaiman, Argentina
• Gharb Suhayl, Egypt
• Grand Baie, Mauritius
• Guanyang, China
• Huancaya, Peru
• Jardín, Colombia
• Jatiluwih, Indonesia
• Kalopanagiotis, Cyprus
• Leymebamba, Peru
• Mindo, Ecuador
• Mura, Spain
• Nishikawa, Japan
• Óbidos, Portugal
• Ormana, Türkiye
• Palizada, Mexico
• Pissouri, Cyprus
• Portobelo, Panama
• Pueblo de Maras, Peru
• Quinua, Peru
• Ralco, Chile
• Roches Noires, Mauritius
• Romoos, Switzerland
• Ruboni, Uganda
• San Casciano dei Bagni, Italy
• San Juan del Obispo, Guatemala
• San Rafael de la Laguna, Ecuador
• Santa Cruz da Graciosa, Portugal
• Shibadong, China
• Sibayo, Peru
• Splügen, Switzerland
• St. Johann in Tirol, Austria
• Taoping, China
• Tra Que Vegetable Village, Viet Nam
• Trevelin, Argentina
• Uaxactún, Guatemala
• Urych, Ukraine
• Villa Tulumba, Argentina
• Vorokhta, Ukraine
• Wukirsari, Indonesia
• Xiaogang, China
• Xitou, China
• Yandunjiao, China