Argentina selects eight towns for UNWTO Best Tourism Villages 2026

Eight Argentine localities have been chosen to represent the country in the United Nations World Tourism Organization’s Best Tourism Villages 2026 programme. The towns – Villa General Belgrano (Córdoba), Mar de las Pampas (Buenos Aires), Cachi (Salta), El Trapiche (San Luis), Puerto Pirámides (Chubut), Tafí del Valle (Tucumán), Villa Sanagasta (La Rioja) and Zenón Pereyra (Santa Fe) – were selected from 56 applications submitted by 19 provinces.

The selection was announced at the Federal Council of Tourism in Mendoza. The programme seeks to honour rural destinations that preserve cultural and natural heritage while promoting sustainable tourism models. Argentina will host the international award ceremony in December 2026.

“​La selección de Villa General Belgrano como representante de Córdoba y de la Argentina en esta instancia internacional es un reconocimiento al trabajo sostenido que realiza la localidad para preservar su identidad, potenciar sus tradiciones y consolidar un modelo de desarrollo turístico sustentable,” said Darío Capitani, president of Córdoba Tourism Agency. The initiative is expected to boost international promotion, attract investment and showcase Argentina’s commitment to sustainable tourism.

The 2026 edition saw an 80 % rise in national submissions, reflecting growing interest in eco‑friendly tourism across the country.