Two villages in Ukraine, Kolochava and Synevyrska Polyana, have been recognized as some of the best tourist destinations according to the UN. This information comes from the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).
This year, the list includes 52 villages from various regions of the world, including Africa, America, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. These were selected from over 270 applications submitted by 65 countries — members of the UN in tourism.
In addition, 20 villages have joined a support program aimed at developing potential communities that have not yet made it into the main ranking but possess great opportunities for sustainable tourism development.
As a result, these 72 villages are now part of the global network of Best Tourism Villages, which the UN in tourism forms annually, promoting rural tourism that preserves authenticity and enhances the wellbeing of local residents.
The BTV ranking honors villages that exemplify sustainable tourism, possessing unique cultural and natural resources, carefully preserving local traditions and values, while also achieving success in economic, social, and environmental development.

About Kolochava and Synevyrska Polyana

Kolochava is located in the Khust district of the Transcarpathian region — within the territory of the "Synevyr" National Nature Park. It lies in a mountain valley surrounded by meadows. Here, visitors can explore the "Bird Park" and several museums, such as the "Old Village" and the "Kolochava Narrow Gauge Railway". Kolochava is known as the birthplace of the last Carpathian haidamak — Mykola Shuhai. This village has been featured in 40 books and 15 films. It also boasts a military monument, the Arpad Line — a Hungarian defensive system from World War II.
Synevyrska Polyana is famous for its proximity to Lake Synevyr and the "Wolf Valley" eco-park. The village also hosts an architectural monument — a wooden church of the Protection and a bell tower from the 18th-19th centuries.