For Towns

Why Join?

Certification as one of America's Most Beautiful Towns gives your community a powerful credential that attracts visitors and validates what residents already know.

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Credibility

Third-party validation that your town meets rigorous standards for beauty, heritage, and visitor experience.

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Visibility

Exposure to travelers actively seeking authentic small-town destinations through our website and marketing.

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Community

Connection with a network of like-minded towns sharing best practices for sustainable tourism.

The Certification Badge

Your most valuable benefit: the right to display our certification badge on your website, signage, and marketing materials.

Certified Member

America's Most Beautiful Towns

★ Certified Community

Display on your website, welcome signs, and promotional materials

Member Benefits

Official Certification

Right to use AMBT logo, digital badges, and certification language in all marketing

Website Profile

Dedicated profile page with professional photography on our website

Directory Listing

Searchable listing in our town directory with regional itinerary inclusion

Media Access

Media kit, press release templates, and access to journalist inquiries

Technical Support

Tourism development consultation and grant opportunity alerts

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the certification process take?

The typical timeline from application to certification is 2-4 months, depending on scheduling site visits and review committee meetings. We work to accommodate municipal budget cycles and can provide timeline estimates for planning purposes.

What if we don't meet the score threshold?

Towns that don't initially meet our 70-point threshold receive detailed feedback on areas for improvement. Many towns use this as a roadmap for enhancement and reapply successfully within 1-2 years.

Who can apply—the town government or tourism board?

Either can initiate the application, but we require official support from the town government or a designated tourism authority. This ensures the community is committed to the program.

How is certification renewed?

Certification renews annually with payment of membership dues. We conduct full reassessments every five years to ensure ongoing quality standards are maintained.

Can we use the badge on commercial materials?

Yes! Certified towns can use the AMBT badge on websites, brochures, advertisements, signage, and other promotional materials. We provide brand guidelines and high-resolution assets.