The aim of this study was to determine whether individuals engaged in the development of themed villages experience a sense of connectedness to nature. The research was conducted in 13 themed villages located in three voivodeships of Eastern Poland: Podlaskie Voivodeship, Lublin Voivodeship, and Subcarpathian Voivodeship. To assess connectedness to nature, the CNS (Con- nectedness to Nature Scale) questionnaire was applied and completed by 57 individuals involved in the establishment and management of themed villages. Demographic factors differentiating the results were also analyzed. High CNS scores obtained by the respondents indicate a strong bond with nature. No statistically significant differences in the level of connectedness to nature were observed between women and men. Such differences were, however, identified between age groups – the mean CNS scores for the 29–44 and 45–59 age groups differed significantly. A strong attachment to nature among leaders and animators of themed villages not only enriches their per- sonal experiences but also fosters the development of sustainable tourism practices that promote environmental protection and ecological education. The findings highlight that connectedness to nature is universal in character and constitutes an important factor in the development of tourism initiatives in the context of rural tourism.