Ajman's Masfout Achieves Recognition As One Of UN Tourism's Best Tourism Villages For 2025

Masfout, located in Ajman, UAE, has been celebrated as one of the world's Best Tourism Villages by the World Tourism Organisation (UN Tourism). This recognition was announced during a ceremony in Huzhou City, China, attended by Mahmood Khaleel Alhashmi, Director General of the Ajman Department of Tourism Development. The village is acknowledged for its unique natural and cultural assets that make it a model for sustainable ecotourism.

From Koyasan in Japan to Chamarel in Mauritius and Bled in Slovenia, 52 villages from 29 countries have been recognised as Best Tourism Villages. These destinations highlight tourism's role in rural development. In this fifth edition of the initiative, 52 villages across Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East were chosen from over 270 applications submitted by 65 UN Tourism Member States.

The Best Tourism Villages initiative aims to enhance tourism's role in rural areas by valuing landscapes, knowledge systems, biodiversity, and cultural heritage. Launched in 2021 under the UN Tourism for Rural Development Programme, it promotes sustainable tourism practices. Candidate villages are evaluated based on nine criteria including cultural resources, economic sustainability, and infrastructure.

Masfout's inclusion in the UN Tourism BTV Network marks a significant achievement for both the UAE and Ajman. This network now includes 319 villages worldwide. The recognition reflects efforts to create a balanced model for eco-tourism that conserves the environment while preserving cultural identity.

The initiative consists of three pillars: recognising rural tourism destinations with accredited assets; an upgrade programme supporting high-potential villages; and a network for sharing experiences among members. This network encourages contributions from experts and partners promoting tourism as a tool for rural development.

Zurab Pololikashvili, UN Tourism Secretary-General, stated: "Tourism can be a powerful tool to progress shared prosperity, inclusive growth and territorial cohesion in rural areas. Our Best Tourism Villages 2025 highlight communities that are working to safeguard their cultural heritage, preserve their natural resources and create economic opportunities through tourism. These villages show that by embracing tourism, they can promote social inclusion and build a future where no one is left behind."

This global recognition underscores Masfout’s commitment to sustainable development. It highlights how tourism can drive economic opportunities while preserving cultural heritage and natural resources. The UAE continues to lead efforts in promoting eco-friendly tourism models that benefit both local communities and visitors.

With inputs from WAM