At a festive ceremony held in China, the United Nations Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) announced the inclusion of the ecological and cooperative kibbutz in the southern Arava, Neot Semadar, in the organization’s prestigious BTV – Best Tourism Villages list. The list brings together the 250 best tourism villages in the world thanks to their leadership in the fields of sustainable tourism, cultural preservation, and tourism innovation.
This is the second recognition of a tourism village in Israel on the UN’s prestigious list – in 2022, the village of Kafr Kama in the Lower Galilee was chosen for the list, after reaching the final stage together with Kibbutz Neot Semadar and Moshav Tzipori.
Global recognition for the Arava and Israel
Kibbutz Neot Semadar is located in the southern Arava and was founded in 1989. About 250 residents live in the kibbutz: Members, families, children, and volunteers from Israel and abroad. The kibbutz serves as a unique model of an ecological cooperative community.
The kibbutz offers an exceptional tourism experience that includes an Arts House, built over 15 years by community members; an organic boutique winery; an inn with local produce; desert guest rooms; artist workshops; star observation near the Weizmann Institute’s survey telescope; and guided tours of breathtaking desert landscapes. Neot Semadar represents tourism innovation, sustainability, and art, combining projects for nature conservation, renewable energy, and desert cultural heritage. This combination makes it an inspiring destination for rural tourism in Israel and around the world.
Neot Semadar’s win in the prestigious competition reflects its compliance with all UN criteria and establishes it as an international leading model for ecological tourism and sustainable desert living. Even during a challenging period for the State of Israel in international competitions, the World Tourism Organization chose to highlight Neot Semadar and place Israel and the southern Arava on the world map – an achievement that underscores the power of a small community to create international inspiration and open the door to a new tourism future in Israel.
The BTV competition is considered one of the most prestigious in the global tourism industry. The selected villages gain global exposure through their inclusion in an international network of leading destinations, attracting tourists and decision-makers from around the world. Today, there are only about 250 tourism villages worldwide recognized by the World Tourism Organization.
From the award letter received from the World Tourism Organization: “We are pleased to congratulate you on this achievement, which recognizes the cultural and natural richness of Neot Semadar and its commitment to sustainability in its three aspects – ecological, social, and economic. Kibbutz Neot Semadar was chosen from among more than 270 nominations from 65 countries – clear evidence of its exceptional values and its efforts to promote rural tourism.”
The Ministry of Tourism initiated and led the kibbutz’s candidacy for the award as part of a comprehensive policy to promote unique communities in Israel on the global stage. The ministry, in cooperation with the Hevel Eilot Regional Council, provided professional support, assisted in preparing the materials, and connected the kibbutz with the judging committee. This was done with the understanding that the win has significant value both for the community itself and for strengthening the regional area and deepening Israel’s branding as a diverse and sustainable tourism destination.
“Great pride for the entire southern Arava”
Dr. Hanan Ginat, Head of the Hevel Eilot Regional Council – the southern Arava: “Neot Semadar’s win in the UN’s selected tourism villages is an emotional moment and great pride for the entire southern Arava. It is international recognition of the vision and efforts of the local community, reflecting the values we promote here daily – sustainability, innovation, and cooperation. Neot Semadar places the southern Arava and the State of Israel on the global tourism map, and we will continue to develop unique desert tourism that will attract visitors from Israel and around the world.”
Neot Semadar Secretariat: “Over the past decade, Kibbutz Neot Semadar has undergone a real transformation in the field of tourism. Today, we make the site’s culture, cuisine, and unique architecture accessible to visitors from Israel and abroad. We welcome this important international recognition and hope it will serve as a springboard for continued tourism development in the Arava and in all of Israel.”
Minister of Tourism Haim Katz: “Congratulations to Kibbutz Neot Semadar, which represents the Israeli spirit at its best – combining innovation, sustainability, and community. We are proud to have promoted the kibbutz’s candidacy, which won the prestigious Best Tourism Villages 2025 title. This is another step led by the Ministry of Tourism within the framework of the United Nations Tourism Organization, and it expresses international recognition of Israel’s uniqueness and the quality of our sustainable tourism. We will continue to promote Israel’s position as a sought-after tourism destination.”