With a rich cultural and spiritual heritage, characterized by the peace and tranquility found in the courtyards of its monasteries and the authenticity of traditions preserved by local artisans, together with the beauty of the Vânători-Neamț Natural Park and its highly appreciated traditional gastronomy, Vânători-Neamț Commune is one of the six tourist villages that will represent Romania in this year’s edition of the international Best Tourism Villages competition.

The Ministry of Economy, Digitalization, Entrepreneurship and Tourism (MEDAT) has announced the Romanian localities that will participate this year in the international Best Tourism Villages competition organized by UN Tourism.

Among the localities with previous experience in the competition, Vânători-Neamț Commune has once again been selected to represent Romania, alongside Albac (Alba County) and Jurilovca (Tulcea County).

Three other localities will compete internationally for the first time:

Vama Buzăului (Brașov County)

Rimetea (Alba County)

Jieț (Hunedoara County)

The selection was carried out by specialists from the Ministry of Economy, Digitalization, Entrepreneurship and Tourism (MEDAT), which coordinates Romania’s participation in this global competition.

According to the official statement, the selected tourist villages met the evaluation criteria established under the National Competition Regulations 2026, covering cultural and natural resources, promotion and preservation of cultural heritage, economic, social and environmental sustainability, tourism development and value-chain integration, governance and local tourism prioritization, infrastructure and connectivity, health, safety and security, as well as presentation materials.

Best Tourism Villages is a global initiative that highlights communities where tourism contributes to preserving culture and traditions, celebrating diversity, creating economic opportunities, and safeguarding biodiversity.

At the international level, the committee appointed by UN Tourism evaluates the participating localities and either awards them the title of Best Tourism Village or includes them in the Upgrade Programme, through which they receive support from UN Tourism and its partners to improve specific areas of activity. Both distinctions involve inclusion in the Best Tourism Villages Network.

Currently, the following Romanian localities are part of the Best Tourism Villages Network:

Rășinari (Sibiu County) – designated a Best Tourism Village in 2022;

Ciocănești (Suceava County) – included in the Upgrade Programme in 2023;

Breb (Maramureș County) – included in the Upgrade Programme in 2024;

Polovragi (Gorj County) – included in the Upgrade Programme in 2024.

Furthermore, all Romanian localities participating in the international competition become members of the Network of Candidate Villages for the Best Tourism Villages title, providing a framework for the exchange of experience and best practices among rural communities. They are also included in the Route of Traditional Tourist Villages of Romania, a national cultural-tourism route officially recognized by MEDAT.

The Treasures of Vânători-Neamț Commune

Four renowned monasteries, nine sketes, the Dumbrava Oak Reserve, the “Dragoș Vodă” Zoo, the Vânători-Neamț Natural Park Visitor Center, the Mihail Sadoveanu Memorial Museum located in the former Visarion Puiu Memorial House, the Old School (now the Village Museum), the Vasile Găman Museum, as well as the museums of Neamț, Sihăstria, Vovidenia, and Secu Monasteries, together with the Heroes’ Monument in Nemțișor, are just a few of the treasures and important resources that define the local heritage of the commune and the Vânători-Neamț local tourist resort.

The commune stands out through two symbols that give it a unique identity:

The European bison, which returned „home” beginning in 2012 after having disappeared from the area for centuries. Today, the free-ranging population exceeds 70 individuals within the Vânători-Neamț Natural Park.

Neamț Monastery, the majestic foundation of the Mușatin dynasty, known as the Lavra of Moldova and the Jerusalem of Romanian Orthodoxy. It is a major center of spirituality, culture, and education, home to hundreds of monks over the centuries, characterized by intense spiritual life and a crucial role in preserving Romanian culture and Orthodoxy.

An interesting fact: the reintroduction of the European bison in 2012 took place only a few kilometers from Neamț Monastery, in forests that were once part of the ancient territory of the Moldavian bison, the historic symbol featured on the coat of arms of Moldavia.

Beyond the beauty of the landscapes of the Vânători-Neamț Natural Park, the rich cultural heritage, the serenity of the monasteries, and the authenticity of traditions preserved by local craftsmen, visitors can also enjoy traditional local gastronomy and participate in unique local events.

More information about each attraction within the Vânători-Neamț Tourist Resort, located beneath the ancient Neamț Fortress and considered a cradle of Romanian spiritual, cultural, historical, traditional, and natural values, can be found on the website of the Vânători-Neamț Local Destination Management Organization:

https://www.omd-vanatorineamt.ro

Why Vânători-Neamț Is an Inspired Choice?

For Nature Lovers

The Vânători-Neamț Natural Park is included in the Top 100 Sustainable Destinations, a ranking compiled by international sustainable tourism experts. The Park’s Visitor Center offers a modern and interactive perspective on biodiversity conservation. The park’s star attraction is the European bison, which visitors can observe in the wild accompanied by rangers, in semi-captivity, or in captivity.

For Culture and Spirituality Enthusiasts

The Vânători-Neamț monastic cultural landscape has been proposed as a mixed UNESCO site on Romania’s Tentative List. The area is recognized as the “Athos of Romania”, with more than 50 places of worship. Visitors can admire valuable works of national historical and cultural heritage in the museums of Neamț, Vovidenia, Secu, and Sihăstria Monasteries.

 For Tradition Lovers

The local traditions of wood carving, painting, and miniature art are renowned throughout the Christian world thanks to the skill of local artisans. Entirely dedicated to woodworking and the preservation of objects and tools that reflect traditional village life, master craftsman Vasile Găman spent a lifetime creating works and collecting artifacts, which are now displayed in a museum-house over 200 years old.