Kibbutz Neot Semadar, located in Israel’s Southern Arava, has been recognized by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) as part of the prestigious Best Tourism Villages network for 2025. This network includes 250 villages from around the world that excel in sustainable tourism, cultural preservation, and innovation.

An official ceremony announcing this achievement took place on October 17, 2025, in China. Haim Katz, Israel’s Minister of Tourism, congratulated the kibbutz, emphasizing its embodiment of the Israeli spirit through innovation and sustainability. He stated, “We are proud to have promoted the kibbutz’s candidacy and its achievement of this title.”

Kibbutz Neot Semadar, founded in 1989, houses around 250 inhabitants, blending art, agriculture, and environmental awareness. The community offers tourists a unique desert experience, featuring an art center, a boutique winery, a restaurant-cafe, and eco-lodging.

Dr. Hanan Ginat, head of the Eilot Regional Council, expressed pride in the community’s inclusion in this network, stating, “This recognition reflects our values of sustainability and cooperation.”

This recognition builds on Israel’s previous inclusion of Kfar Kama in 2022, showcasing the country’s commitment to highlighting its unique local communities on a global platform.