Five Ukrainian villages have officially been nominated for international recognition within the prestigious global initiative UN Tourism Best Tourism Villages. According to the Ministry for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine, these locations seamlessly combine rich cultural heritage, unique natural landscapes, and advanced models of sustainable rural development. Despite the ongoing full-scale invasion, Ukraine continues to preserve its identity and develop local tourism, demonstrating the resilience and adaptability of its regional communities.
Distinguished Nominees and Their Unique Appeal
The list of nominees representing Ukraine this year includes outstanding cultural, historical, and ecological hubs from different regions:
- Opishnya (Poltava region) is the historical heart of Ukrainian pottery, where traditional crafts are successfully integrated into modern educational and cultural projects.
- Vyhoda (Ivano-Frankivsk region) serves as an eco-tourism center, famous for its unique ‘Carpathian Tram’ narrow-gauge railway.
- Kryvorivnya (Ivano-Frankivsk region) is known as the spiritual heart of the Hutsul region, a place that has long inspired prominent Ukrainian writers and artists.
- Medzhybizh (Khmelnytskyi region) is famous for its majestic medieval fortress and diverse multicultural heritage.
- Kitayhorod (Khmelnytskyi region) offers an incredible combination of the Podillian canyon’s scenic landscapes and remarkable geological sites.
Strategic Integration and Post-War Outlook
This nomination highlights the growing international integration of Ukraine’s local communities. In 2024, the Carpathian villages of Vorokhta and Urych became the first Ukrainian locations to join the Best Tourism Villages network. In 2025, Kolochava and Synevyrska Polyana in the Zakarpattia region are scheduled to follow. These milestones prove that Ukrainian regions have massive potential for green tourism and international partnerships.
Analysts point out that participation in the UN Tourism network is not merely about prestige. It serves as an essential tool for attracting green investments, improving regional infrastructure, and creating sustainable employment in rural areas. During wartime, promoting these destinations becomes a powerful form of cultural diplomacy. It shows the global community that Ukraine is a nation of profound history and living traditions. The final results of the UN Tourism selection will be announced at the end of the year, putting Ukraine’s historical villages on the map of must-visit destinations for international travelers in the post-war era.