Rural Hungary has once again captured international attention. This year, two small Hungarian villages received recognition from the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism), which annually awards the world’s best rural destinations.
The Best Tourism Villages initiative celebrates communities where tourism serves local interests and promotes sustainable development. The award highlights villages that preserve their cultural heritage while creating opportunities for the future. It is both an honour and an example — proof that rural life can be modern, vibrant, and forward-looking.
Mórahalom – The town that learned the art of renewal
Located on the edge of Hungary’s southern sand ridge, Mórahalom has become a remarkable success story in rural tourism. Once known mainly for its thermal baths, the town has transformed itself over the past decade through a series of green developments, cultural projects, and community spaces designed to make it both livable for locals and attractive to visitors.
The years of hard work have now paid off: Mórahalom has been listed among the world’s best rural destinations by UN Tourism.
The award was received in China by Mayor Zoltán Nógrádi, who expressed his pride and gratitude at the ceremony.
“It’s a tremendous honour, an incredible experience, a huge achievement. The Secretary-General himself called this award the Oscars of Villages. What a joy — thank you all so much,” said Nógrádi after receiving the prize.
Best Tourism Villages awards by the UN Tourism Organization. Photo: Untourism.int
The mayor also thanked everyone involved in developing the town, calling the award a shared success for the entire community.
Hosszúhetény – Tradition and Sustainability in the heart of the Mecsek Hills
Nestled at the foot of the Mecsek Mountains, the village of Hosszúhetény in southern Hungary has also been recognised for its dedication to sustainable and community-based tourism. Once a mining village, Hosszúhetény has reinvented itself through eco-friendly tourism, craftsmanship, and local heritage programs.
The community has developed hiking trails, organised regular cultural events, and promoted authentic local experiences — from traditional food and handicrafts to guided tours through the surrounding nature. The village even offers free public Wi-Fi, a small but telling sign of how it combines rural charm with modern convenience.
This thoughtful approach has now earned international attention. Hosszúhetény joined this year’s list of UN Tourism’s best tourism villages, confirming that true hospitality lies in preserving the spirit of a place.
Hungarian villages on the global map
With Mórahalom and Hosszúhetény joining the list, Hungary once again proves that rural innovation and tradition can go hand in hand. Both communities show how local identity, environmental awareness, and smart development can make even the smallest village a world-class destination.
Journalists — rather than copy-and-pasters working from press releases — might have included links to the tourism-promoting webpages of the two villages named. But . . . this is DAILY NEWS HUNGARY, and journalism is not to be expected.
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Journalists — rather than copy-and-pasters working from press releases — might have included links to the tourism-promoting webpages of the two villages named. But . . . this is DAILY NEWS HUNGARY, and journalism is not to be expected.