Plateliai Named “Best Tourism Village 2025” by the World Tourism Organization

The Plungė Tourism Information Center Director, Sandra Kasmauskienė, and the Head of the Culture, Tourism and Public Relations Department of Plungė District Municipality Administration, Vida Saukalienė, attended the official award ceremony organized by the UNWTO.
This recognition highlights the uniqueness of the Žemaitija (Samogitia) region – and especially the Plungė area – its natural beauty and the local community’s dedication to fostering sustainable tourism. The achievement is even more remarkable considering that the prestigious UNWTO competition received 270 applications from 65 countries around the world. At the national level, the Ministry of the Economy and Innovation of the Republic of Lithuania selected six locations to represent the country: Niūronys (Anykščiai District), Marcinkonys and Merkinė (Varėna District), Palūšė (Ignalina District), Plateliai (Plungė District) and Žagarė (Joniškis District).
Plateliai’s victory is a significant accomplishment achieved thanks to the Plungė Tourism Information Center team, which prepared the application emphasizing the town’s authenticity and sustainability initiatives. The success of Plungė District confirms that Plateliai met the UNWTO’s exceptionally high criteria for sustainability, culture, and authenticity, proving that Lithuania has much to offer the global rural tourism map.
Although Plateliai is a relatively small town, its advantage over other tourism villages lies in its harmonious combination of nature, culture, and sustainability. Plateliai is located in the heart of Žemaitija National Park, known for its extraordinary landscapes, rolling hills, and biological diversity. The town takes pride in Lake Plateliai – one of the largest and most beautiful lakes in Lithuania – which offers opportunities for diving, sailing, and a variety of other water activities.
However, what won the hearts of the jury was not only nature. Plateliai has preserved the authentic spirit of Žemaitija’s regional culture. Local residents actively nurture and demonstrate traditional crafts, giving visitors the chance to experience the true essence of Lithuanian rural culture through local festivals and events.
One of the key evaluation criteria was sustainable tourism, and in this respect, Plateliai has become an example to follow. The town and the Žemaitija National Park Administration work closely together to preserve the unique natural and cultural heritage. Tourists are offered an extensive network of walking and cycling trails that allow them to explore the surroundings with minimal environmental impact. Local entrepreneurs and community members cooperate to ensure that tourism remains economically beneficial and long-lasting.
This UNWTO award is not only an honor but also proof that the combination of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and sustainability is the formula for success in global tourism. With this title, Plateliai now faces the important task of fully utilizing the international attention it has received.
Plungė District Mayor Audrius Klišonis expressed his joy and pride, noting that earning the United Nations World Tourism Organization’s recognition and the title of “Best Tourism Village” is a world-class achievement worthy of great pride, not only for Plateliai and Plungė but for the whole of Lithuania. He emphasized that it is gratifying that world-class experts not only noticed but also highly appreciated the region, valuing not only its nature and beauty but also its people – their diligence, creativity, and initiative – and invited everyone to visit Plateliai, “the best tourism village in the world.”
Plungė Tourism Information Center Director Sandra Kasmauskienė said she was extremely happy that their application was recognized at the highest level and that Plateliai received such a prestigious title. She highlighted the scale and competitiveness of the global contest, noting that it included not only traditional villages but also small settlements with administrative centers and strict population limits – one of the main eligibility criteria. This achievement, she said, is significant not only for the local community and district but also for all of Lithuania, as until now none of the Baltic countries had received this UNWTO award. It will undoubtedly draw global attention to the authenticity and rural tourism potential of the region. She also expressed hope that this victory will be an important step toward gaining resort area status and attracting investment.
According to Kasmauskienė, the result demonstrates that hard work, often unseen, can yield tangible results and that teamwork leads to the best outcomes. With the award also comes great responsibility – to continue promoting Plateliai and its title of “Best Tourism Village 2025.” She emphasized that this recognition must be upheld through quality service, sustainability, and the preservation of traditions so that Plateliai continues to be one of the best rural tourism destinations in the world.

Information provided by the Plungė Tourism Information Center and Plungė District Municipality.