Has Slovenia's Bled Been Named One of UN Tourism's Best Villages for 2025?
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Synopsis
Discover how the enchanting town of Bled, Slovenia, has gained global acclaim. Recognized as one of the Best Tourism Villages by the UN, Bled exemplifies sustainable tourism and community engagement. Join us as we explore what makes this destination a standout in the world of rural tourism.
Key Takeaways
- Bled joins a prestigious network of Best Tourism Villages.
- The town is recognized for its sustainable tourism practices.
- It aims to combat rural depopulation through tourism.
- Bled's cultural heritage and natural beauty are key attractions.
- UN recognition enhances visibility and economic opportunities.
Ljubljana, Oct 18 (NationPress) The stunning Slovenian town of Bled has been officially recognized as one of the world’s Best Tourism Villages by the United Nations (UN) Tourism, joining an esteemed global network of rural destinations celebrated for their sustainable and community-focused tourism, as announced by the Slovenian Tourist Board.
Renowned for its breathtaking glacial lake featuring a charming island with a church at its heart, Bled received this prestigious honor through the UN Tourism Best Tourism Villages initiative. This initiative recognizes locales that maintain their natural and cultural heritage while promoting sustainable tourism development.
As stated by Slovenia's Ministry of Economy, Tourism and Sport, this accolade reaffirms Bled's position as a leading sustainable destination on the global stage.
The initiative aims to combat rural depopulation by supporting villages that leverage tourism to create economic opportunities and preserve local traditions and values. While the award is non-financial, it provides significant international visibility and connects recipients to the UN Tourism's global development network, as reported by the Xinhua news agency.
With approximately 8,000 residents, Bled is the most recent Slovenian destination to earn this title, following Solcava and Radovljica in 2021 and Bohinj in 2022, as noted by the Slovenian Tourist Board.
Located in the foothills of the Julian Alps alongside the glacial Lake Bled, this picturesque resort town is highlighted by the iconic Bled Castle, which dates back to the 11th century and features a museum, chapel, and printing press. Atop a small island in the lake rests the Pilgrimage Church of the Assumption of Maria, distinguished by its steep staircase and bell tower.
In its fifth edition, the Best Tourism Villages 2025 recognized 52 villages from diverse regions including Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, selected from over 270 applications across 65 UN Tourism Member States.
Additionally, another 20 villages have joined the Upgrade Programme, with all 72 villages becoming part of the Best Tourism Villages (BTV) Network. Each year, the BTV Network expands, and with the announcement of these 72 new members, a total of 319 villages are now included in the largest community of rural destinations globally.
UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili 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 striving to protect their cultural heritage, conserve their natural resources, and create economic opportunities through tourism. These villages demonstrate that by embracing tourism, they can foster social inclusion and build a future where no one is left behind.”
The announcement of the new villages took place during a special ceremony in Huzhou City, China.
Point of View
It’s crucial to spotlight Slovenia’s Bled as a model for sustainable tourism. This recognition by the UN not only elevates Bled’s profile but also underscores the importance of preserving cultural heritage and supporting local economies. The initiative is vital in addressing rural depopulation and ensuring that communities thrive through responsible tourism.
NationPress
18/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Bled a Best Tourism Village?
Bled was recognized for its commitment to sustainable tourism, preservation of cultural heritage, and community engagement, making it a model rural destination.
How many villages were recognized by the UN?
For 2025, the UN recognized 52 villages from various regions, selected from over 270 applications across 65 member states.
What impact does this recognition have on Bled?
This accolade enhances Bled's visibility on the global tourism stage and connects it to the UN’s development network, providing opportunities for sustainable growth.
What are the key attractions in Bled?
Key attractions include the glacial Lake Bled, the iconic Bled Castle, and the Pilgrimage Church of the Assumption of Maria, all of which contribute to its charm.
Where was the announcement made?
The announcement of new villages was made during a special ceremony in Huzhou City, China.
