The picturesque Slovenian town of Bled has been officially named one of the world’s Best Tourism Villages 2025 by the United Nations’ Tourism agency, recognising its commitment to sustainable, community-based tourism. Famed for its glacial lake, island church, and medieval clifftop castle, Bled joined a global network of rural destinations preserving natural and cultural heritage while promoting responsible tourism. 

 

 

Bled is the fourth Slovenian village to earn this title, following Solcava, Radovljica and Bohinj. The recognition was announced during a ceremony in Huzhou, China, where 52 villages were selected from over 270 applicants across 65 countries. 

 

 

The initiative aimed to deal with rural depopulation by turning tourism into a driver of local economic growth and cultural preservation. UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili praised the winners for showcasing how tourism can build inclusive, sustainable futures in rural communities.