Opportunity for Lam Dong’s tourism villages to reach global travelers

The award aims to enhance the role of tourism in preserving rural areas, including landscapes, knowledge systems, biodiversity and cultural heritage, as well as local activities such as agriculture, forestry, livestock farming, fisheries and cuisine.

According to UN Tourism, selected villages must stand out for their natural and cultural resources, while demonstrating innovation and a strong commitment to tourism development aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

To date, UN Tourism has recognised 236 villages worldwide, including five in Vietnam for their achievements in cultural preservation and sustainable development: Lo Lo Chai and Quynh Son (2025), Thai Hai, Tan Hoa and Tra Que. These destinations are known for their unique local cultures and distinctive natural landscapes.

Under the 2026 criteria, each UN Tourism member country may nominate up to eight villages for the Best Tourism Villages title. Applications will be evaluated by an independent advisory board based on criteria such as cultural and natural resources; preservation and promotion of cultural heritage; socio-economic and environmental sustainability; tourism value chain development and linkages; governance and tourism prioritisation; infrastructure and connectivity; and health, safety and security.

The Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism has called on the Lam Dong Tourism Association and local authorities, including communes, wards and Phu Quy Special Administrative Zone, to disseminate information and invite eligible tourism villages to apply for the 2026 Best Tourism Villages Awards. Applications must be submitted in English to the department before May 5, 2026.