UN Tourism's Troubling List: Iran and Ukraine's Wartime Villages

Strategic Insights -

The United Nations Tourism agency, UN Tourism, recently announced its 52 "Best Tourism Villages" of the year, featuring three Iranian and two Ukrainian villages. The agency's criteria include promoting gender equality, women's empowerment, and youth participation. However, the inclusion of these destinations raises concerns about the risks associated with traveling to these countries, particularly in light of ongoing conflicts and human rights abuses. Three villages in Iran and two in Ukraine have been included, despite warnings from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) against traveling to these areas.

Key Takeaways:

  • Three Iranian villages, including Shafabad, have been recognized for their progressive schemes and local initiatives, such as the "Women of the Sun," who have sparked transformation in a "male-dominated society."
  • The villages of Kolochava and Synevyrska Polyana in Ukraine's Zakarpattia Oblast have also been included in the list, despite the ongoing threat of war in the region.
  • Iran has faced severe criticism for its human rights abuses, including forcing daughters as young as eight into marriage, peaceful activism against compulsory veiling laws, and the death penalty for same-sex relationships.
  • Lone and Craig Foreman, two British tourists, were detained by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps on espionage charges in January and remain imprisoned in Iran.
  • The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advises against all travel to Iran due to the high risks faced by UK citizens.
  • Western Ukraine has also been impacted by war, with Russia carrying out large-scale attacks in August 2025, targeting the city of Mukachevo, less than 50 miles from the two Best Tourism Villages.
  • The UN's promotion of these destinations has been criticized as irresponsible and ignoring the ongoing conflicts in the region.

Statistics:

  • 30-page, 5,700-word application form required for the "Best Tourism Villages" program.
  • 52 villages recognized by UN Tourism as the "Best Tourism Villages" of the year.
  • 3 Iranian villages, including Shafabad, have been included in the list.
  • 2 Ukrainian villages, Kolochava and Synevyrska Polyana, have been included in the list.
  • Over 150 destination experts worldwide available to help with travel suggestions and advice.
  • UN Tourism has been contacted for comment on the inclusion of these destinations despite concerns about human rights abuses and conflict risks.

Sources:

  • UN Tourism, "52 Best Tourism Villages of 2025"
  • The Telegraph, "Iranian villagers: Winners of UN tourism prize despite human rights abuses"
  • Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), "Travel Advice: Iran"
  • Amnesty International UK, statement from Polly Truscott, Foreign Affairs Director