Swiss village Valendas named among best in the world for tourism

The UN Tourism Organisation has announced its annual list of Best Tourism Villages, naming the Swiss village Valendas, in the eastern canton of Graubünden, as one of the best in the world. This is the 10th village in Switzerland to be honoured with the title.

Valendas awarded title Best Tourism Village

The UN World Tourism Organisation has reviewed over 270 applications from 65 UN Tourism Member States and revealed which towns have been accredited as Best Tourism Villages in 2025. 

In total, 52 villages from across the world received the title, joining the growing list of 319 villages recognised in previous years. Valendas, located in District Surselva in canton Graubünden, was named as one of the 52 Best Tourism Villages in 2025. 

The title recognises the small town of Valendas, with a population of around 288 people, for its “accredited cultural and natural assets, a commitment to preserving community-based values, and a clear commitment to innovation and sustainability across economic, social, and environmental dimensions,” according to the UN Tourism website. 

Evolène, a village in Valais, was selected as one of 20 villages to take part in the Upgrade Programme by the UN Tourism Organisation, designed to help villages that did not meet the award’s requirements to prepare for the 2026 applications.

Some villages in Switzerland’s neighbouring countries also received recognition: two villages in Germany (Schiltach and Bad Hindelang), three in Italy (Arquà Petrarca, Asolo and Bellano) and one in France (Pont-Croix).

10 Swiss villages recognised as the best in the world for tourism

The award brings the number of Swiss villages that have received the UN Tourism Organisation’s recognition to 10. The other villages already recognised are Andermatt, Gruyères, Morcote, Murten, Romoos, Saas-Fee, Saint-Ursanne, Splügen and Valposchiavo. 

In a press release, the federal government explained the benefits that the title can have, including “a worldwide media campaign by UN Tourism”, “additional visibility” and “access to an international and national network for the exchange of experiences, knowledge transfer, and further training opportunities.”