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.
It is internationally known and appreciated with a small island and church at its center, Bled received the accolade under the UN Tourism Best Tourism Villages initiative, which honors locations that preserve natural and cultural heritage while fostering sustainable tourism development.
According to Slovenia’s Ministry of Economy, Tourism and Sport, the recognition reaffirms Bled’s status as one of the world’s leading sustainable destinations.
The initiative aims to address rural depopulation by supporting villages that use tourism to generate economic opportunities and protect local traditions and values. Although non-financial, the award brings international visibility and access to UN Tourism’s global development network.
Home to around 8,000 residents, Bled is the latest Slovenian destination to earn the title, following Solcava and Radovljica in 2021 and Bohinj in 2022, the Slovenian Tourist Board said.