sustainable tourism

The UN selects the best tourist villages of 2026; a Brazilian village and three Italian villages are among the winners.

Italian heritage in the spotlight: Antônio Prado and other Italian villages are included in the UN's list of the best in the world.

Published

January 3, 2026

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Bellano, located on the eastern shore of Lake Como, is one of three Italian villages to be awarded a prize by the UN in 2026.

The United Nations tourism agency (UN Tourism) The organization announced the 52 best tourist villages and towns in the world for 2026. The distinction, awarded at a ceremony in China, recognized destinations that stand out for their cultural preservation and sustainable management.

Among those selected is the Brazilian municipality of Antonio Prado, municipality located in the Serra Gaúcha region, and three locations in Italy.

Antônio Prado received recognition for its unwavering preservation of the culture and architecture of Italian immigrants.

The city is considered to have the largest collection of Italian immigrant architecture in Brazil, keeping alive traditions that date back to the 19th century.

Historic houses of Antônio Prado: firm preservation of Italian culture earned it a place on the UN Tourism list.

Italy also made the list with three destinations that exemplify the country's rural charm and history: Arquà Petrarca (Veneto)Asolo (Veneto) and Bellano (Lombardy)These locations were evaluated in nine areas, including infrastructure, natural resources, and environmental sustainability.

Known as the "City of a Hundred Horizons," Asolo has been recognized by the UN for its work in cultural preservation in Veneto.

Identity preservation

According to Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General of UN TourismThe selected communities use tourism as a tool to protect their heritage and create economic opportunities. In the case of Antônio Prado, the appreciation of Italian roots acts as an engine for social inclusion and local development.

This year's list brings the total number of rural communities recognized globally by the UN to 319. The program seeks to highlight destinations where tourism is a positive force, avoiding the common problems found in large, overcrowded urban centers.

In addition to Brazil and Italy, Portugal had three award-winning locations: Loriga, Mértola, and Azeitão. Japan and Turkey also feature prominently in the selection, which prioritizes villages where harmony between residents and tourists is preserved through efficient public policies.

Check out the full list: