The Unexpected Side Of Tourism: How Travellers Are Reviving Ghost Towns Tourism

In a world saturated with bucket list cities, luxury resorts, and endless airport queues, more and more travellers are turning their backs on the usual routes and asking a quieter question: What's out there that no one else is seeing? That's how the fascination with abandoned villages tourism began, not as a trend, but as a quiet rebellion against mass tourism.

The travellers are drawn to these forgotten village travel corners for their raw authenticity, such as the stone-paved alleys untouched by time, the faded murals still whispering history, and the peace that comes from hearing only your footsteps. In an age where everything is always "on," these ghost villages offer the rarest luxury of all: stillness.

Unsurprisingly, these places are now considered top offbeat travel destinations. With slow travel on the rise and people longing for meaningful experiences, these once-deserted hamlets are becoming havens for reflection, photography, and connection. Behind this quiet shift lies a powerful transformation, as more people choose to travel to abandoned villages, bringing with them not just curiosity but also the potential to revive entire communities.

Global Case Studies – 10 Forgotten Villages, Now Revived

All across the globe, abandoned or dying villages are experiencing something remarkable: travellers arriving not just as tourists, but as participants in their renewal. Once empty or nearly forgotten, these villages now echo with footsteps, laughter, and the scent of traditional cooking. Here are ten places where rural tourism revival transforms communities and reshapes the travel experience.

1.Pentedattilo, Italy

Once abandoned after a 1783 earthquake, this hauntingly beautiful cliffside village in Calabria sat empty for decades. However, recent cultural tourism revival has brought it back to life. Artists, musicians, and travellers visit during the annual film festival and creative residencies, filling its stone alleys with new energy. Handcrafted souvenirs, restored homes, and artistic installations are now familiar sights. Visitors seek more than scenery—they come for storytelling, silence, and soul. Pentedattilo has become a prime example of how travel to abandoned villages for tourism can revive art, culture, and community.

2. Kuldhara, India

Located near Jaisalmer in Rajasthan, Kuldhara is often referred to as a ghost village, having been deserted overnight by its Paliwal inhabitants over 200 years ago. For decades, it was shrouded in mystery. But today, it attracts responsible travellers, heritage lovers, and photographers. With government restoration efforts and local guides sharing the legends, heritage village tourism has brought back life, even temporarily. The site generates employment for local youth, who act as storytellers and caretakers. It reflects how the tourism of abandoned villages can respectfully blend myth and tourism, creating economic opportunities without disturbing the past.

3. Houtouwan, China

A once-thriving fishing village on Shengshan Island, Houtouwan, was abandoned in the 1990s due to isolation. The project of reviving ghost town tourism began long a back. Nature has reclaimed it today—ivy drapes every home, and moss-covered steps wind through its hills. Drawing to its post-apocalyptic charm, travellers and photographers have put it back on the map. Known as one of Asia's most offbeat travel destinations, it thrives on controlled tourism. Former residents and their families now manage small tea houses and walking trails, proving how remote village tourism can coexist with preservation.

4. Al Jazeera Al Hamra, UAE

This ghost town near Ras Al Khaimah was abandoned in the 1960s, but its coral-stone architecture remains remarkably intact. Once empty, it serves as a cultural venue during the Ras Al Khaimah Fine Arts Festival, attracting artists, locals, and tourists. The restoration has sparked interest in eco-tourism in remote areas as it blends heritage with contemporary expression. The experience, including walking tours, cultural workshops, and nighttime photography, has turned it into a hub for responsible travel trends in the Gulf region.

5. Barichara, Colombia

Barichara never truly emptied, but it faded into obscurity until artists and eco-conscious travellers found it. With cobbled streets, whitewashed houses, and local artisan markets, it symbolised sustainable travel in 2025 in Latin America. Boutique homestays, slow food cafés, and clay workshops now thrive here, showing how rural travel experiences can support entire economies. The village's architecture and landscape also make it popular among hikers and filmmakers.

6. Ani, Turkey

Once a bustling Armenian city on the Silk Road, Ani was abandoned after centuries of conflict and earthquakes. Now part of a UNESCO World Heritage site, this "city of 1,001 churches" draws travellers seeking silence and sacred ruins. Though visitors cannot stay overnight, the nearby villages have benefited from guided tours and photography groups. This shift demonstrates that saving dying villages through tourism doesn't always mean complete repopulation; it can mean preserving stories and histories that would otherwise vanish.

7. Tsunoshima Island, Japan

The rural fishing communities here saw mass depopulation until recently, when their scenic bridges and abandoned buildings began drawing slow travellers, artists, and domestic tourists. Today, pop-up cafés, locally hosted tours, and guesthouses run by returning families make it a model for regenerative tourism. It's not a full revival but a delicate balancing act of memory, nature, and innovation.

8. Castelluccio di Norcia, Italy

After a devastating 2016 earthquake, this Umbrian village was nearly erased. But thanks to the help of returning families, NGOs, and community-based tourism, it's bouncing back. Every spring, fields surrounding the village bloom in reds, purples, and yellows, drawing photographers and hikers alike. Food tourism and artisanal product sales have helped fund rebuilding efforts, making it one of Europe's best examples of tourism saving dying villages.

9. Craco, Italy

Perched on a cliff in southern Italy, Craco was evacuated due to landslides. It remained a cinematic ghost town until film crews, tourists, and history buffs began arriving. Although no one currently resides there, locals from nearby villages earn an income through guided tours, historical reenactments, and film location services. Craco showcases how forgotten villages' travel can fuel rural economies in creative ways.

10. Gásadalur, Faroe Islands

Once isolated by cliffs, Gásadalur had only 16 residents until a tunnel connected it to the rest of the island in 2004. Since then, it has seen a slow trickle of hikers, photographers, and travellers seeking solitude. Now, a model for travel that gives back, locals run homestays and eco-tours, ensuring the village grows at its own pace. Surrounded by waterfalls and meadows, it exemplifies the low-impact, high-value tourism that defines sustainable travel 2025.

How Local Communities Are Benefiting

The revival of abandoned or declining villages has become a lifeline for once-forgotten communities. As travellers venture into quieter corners of the world, they're not just exploring but investing. From hosting visitors in homestays to selling handmade crafts and traditional meals, locals are becoming the heartbeat of these renewed destinations.

In many cases, entire micro-economies are forming. Villagers have converted their old homes into guesthouses, schools into art galleries, and courtyards into gathering spaces. The beauty of this movement lies in its sustainability. Instead of outsourcing labour or importing luxury, the focus is on community-based tourism. The locals are the storytellers, entrepreneurs, and protectors of their heritage.

This model supports everything from job creation to cultural preservation. Through rural travel experiences, travellers are helping reintroduce age-old traditions, regional cuisines, and lost dialects into public life. These are living, breathing identities being reawakened.

Importantly, this kind of tourism aligns with the ideals of regenerative tourism. It's not about overwhelming fragile places with foot traffic, but allowing them to grow at their own rhythm. When done right, it leads to dignity, not dependency and genuine partnership between guests and hosts.

In this quiet revolution, it's the villagers themselves who are becoming the curators of their future. Those who choose remote village tourism are helping rebuild livelihoods, restore pride, and rekindle hope.

The Rise of Remote Work and Digital Nomads in Villages

The post-pandemic world has significantly altered how people live and work, and small, previously overlooked communities are starting to benefit. Here's how digital nomads in remote villages are transforming abandoned and rural spaces worldwide.

• Why Villages Are the New Remote Work Hotspots?

Tired of high rents, fast cities, and overcrowded digital nomad hubs, many remote workers are now turning to the countryside. In doing so, they're helping spark a quiet revolution. Abandoned stone homes, empty cafés, and silent markets are coming alive again. It's the perfect blend of the slow travel movement and modern flexibility, aligning with the spirit of sustainable travel in 2025.

What's the appeal?

1. Affordable living and low-cost rentals
2. Beautiful, natural surroundings far from tourist noise
3. A chance to connect with authentic local culture
4. Access to peaceful workspaces with better work–life balance

• What Happens When Nomads Settle In?

When a digital nomad moves into a remote village, the ripple effects are real and positive. It's not just about opening a laptop in a scenic spot; it's about creating long-term value for communities. This is where rural tourism revival meets remote work, a potent, regenerative mix.

Here's what begins to happen:

• Old homes are restored and rented long-term
• Cafés and corner shops reopen, serving new customers
• Local guides and artists get new clients and collaborators
• Traditional skills and languages are preserved through day-to-day interactions
• Real Stories: Villages Making a Comeback

All across the globe, remote workers are settling in villages that were once on the verge of fading into history. This shift shows how digital nomads in remote villages are no longer rare; they're becoming vital to local economies.

• In Spain, rural towns like Rubiá now offer tax breaks and co-working spaces
• In Georgia, digital nomads are reviving sleepy mountain towns with craft shops and cultural events
• In Vietnam, lesser-known villages are becoming hubs for content creators and slow travellers
• A Win-Win Model for Travel and Community

Here's why this model works so well:

• It provides year-round income to villages, beyond tourist seasons
• It supports community-based tourism in a low-impact, high-value way
• It encourages responsible travel trends, with deeper engagement and fewer crowds
• It promotes skills exchange, tech access, and inclusive storytelling

The Challenge of Sustainable Growth

The revival of abandoned villages through tourism is a beautiful and hopeful story, but it's not without its pitfalls. As more travellers seek out these quiet, off-the-beaten-path destinations, the risk of overwhelming them grows. What starts as a slow trickle of curious visitors can quickly become a flood, and without careful management, this influx can threaten the charm and authenticity that made these places special.

One common challenge is over-tourism. Villages that once thrived in peaceful isolation can become crowded, noisy, and commercialised almost overnight. Instagram-famous ghost towns are swarmed by photo-hungry tourists who often disregard local customs and the environment. This surge can increase housing costs, pushing locals out and turning once-living communities into seasonal showpieces.

This scenario highlights the importance of locally led tourism. Successful revivals are those where communities take charge, forming tourism boards, setting visitor limits, and crafting experiences prioritising cultural integrity and long-term well-being over quick profits. When locals guide the process, tourism becomes a tool for travel that gives back, ensuring benefits reach those who call these villages home.

But sustainability alone is no longer enough. Many villages are embracing regenerative tourism, a forward-thinking approach that aims to leave destinations in a better state. This means actively encouraging visitors to participate in restoration efforts, funnelling tourism revenue into infrastructure improvements, and educating travellers on minimising their footprint. Through this model, reviving ghost towns' tourism becomes a genuine partnership between visitors and hosts.

Achieving this balance is delicate. The goal is to attract better tourists: those who stay longer, engage more deeply, support local artisans and farmers, and opt for homestays over chain hotels. These travellers spread their visits throughout the year, easing pressure on village resources and allowing cultural traditions to flourish without being commodified.

Ultimately, the future of tourism in abandoned villages depends on thoughtful stewardship. With careful stewardship, these places can remain vibrant, living examples of how tourism can uplift without overwhelming.

Planning Your Visit to an Abandoned Village (Tips & Ethics)

Visiting an abandoned or nearly forgotten village isn't like booking a beach resort or city tour. It calls for more thoughtfulness, respect, and preparation. As the popularity of abandoned villages tourism grows, travellers have a unique opportunity to be part of a positive change, but only if they travel responsibly.

• Do Your Homework Before You Go

Research is your best friend when planning a trip to these hidden gems. Every village has its own history, culture, and current challenges. Understanding the local context helps avoid unintentional harm. Look for:

• The village's story and why it was abandoned
• Current population and community dynamics
• Local rules or customs that travellers should know
• Sustainable travel initiatives or community projects you can support

By learning before you leave, you join a global movement of responsible travel trends to protect fragile places.

• Choose Authentic Stays and Local Experiences

Skip the international hotel chains. Instead, look for guesthouses, family-run homestays, or eco-lodges that are locally operated. This choice ensures your money stays in the community, fostering economic empowerment and cultural exchange.

Seek out activities that showcase real village life, like:

• Cooking traditional meals with locals
• Participating in craft workshops
• Attending cultural festivals or storytelling sessions

This approach aligns perfectly with community-based tourism, enabling you to experience rural life while supporting local communities.

• Respect Pace, Privacy, and Property

One key to responsible village travel is understanding that these places often move to a different rhythm than bustling tourist spots. Respect the quiet, avoid loud behaviour, and be mindful when exploring abandoned buildings or private property. Always ask permission before taking photos of people or homes. Remember, your role is not just to visit but to observe and honour.

• Support Local Economies Directly

Buy handmade crafts, fresh produce, and meals from local vendors whenever possible. Hiring local guides, even for simple walks, keeps money circulating within the village. This direct engagement is vital for the tourism-saving dying villages movement.

Conclusion

The rise of abandoned villages, tourism tells a hopeful story: travel that doesn't just take, but gives back. Whether through supporting local artisans, respecting fragile ecosystems, or simply slowing down to appreciate heritage, travellers today are redefining what it means to explore.

As travel to abandoned villages grows, it offers a powerful alternative to crowded hotspots and fast tourism. This movement champions community-based tourism, responsible travel trends, and tourism saving dying villages, proving that even the quietest places can have the loudest impact.

So next time you plan your journey, consider stepping into a forgotten village to see and to help write the next chapter in its story. After all, the most meaningful travel experiences leave a positive mark, long after the suitcase is unpacked.