Overview
- The UN World Tourism Organization announced the honors on 17 October 2025, a designation expected to elevate the villages’ international visibility.
- It marked the first time two German communities received the title in the same year.
- Meisenheim received recognition in the UN Upgrade stream, which provides advisory support and international networking.
- The initiative has run annually since 2021, drawing over 800 applicants from more than 100 countries and naming 185 awardees to date.
- The selection criteria emphasize sustainable development, cultural heritage and social inclusion, reflected in Bad Hindelang’s hiking and family winter offerings and Schiltach’s medieval townscape and craft heritage.