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Global search begins for the 7 Contemporary Wonders of the World

The public are invited to nominate landmarks and buildings created since 1801

Eiffel Tower, Guggenheim Museum, and Grand Egyptian Museum in a vertical collage.

The World Travel & Tourism Council has launched a search for the 7 Contemporary Wonders of the World

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has launched a search for the 7 Contemporary Wonders of the World.

The initiative aims to identify and celebrate the landmarks and buildings created since 1801 that have had the biggest impact on global travel and tourism, local communities and economic development.


For the first time ever, the public will get the chance to nominate wonders, from the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao to the Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza.

Per a press release, these places have attracted visitors, stimulated investment and supported jobs.

Grand Egyptian Museum facade with an obelisk and glowing pyramid structures at sunset. For the first time ever, the public will get the chance to nominate contemporary wonders of the world

"Wonder is not something humanity stopped creating centuries ago. Every generation leaves its mark on the world," said Gloria Guevara, president and CEO of WTTC.

"We are inviting people everywhere to help recognise the landmarks that have defined the modern age and will continue to inspire new ways of experiencing the world."

The WTTC's campaign will recognise globally celebrated icons as well as emerging landmarks that have had a meaningful impact on local communities.

The selection criteria consider factors including tourism contribution, economic impact, community value and destination development, as well as cultural and architectural significance.

Modern metallic building called Guggenheim Bilbao by the water with mountain views and urban surroundings. The World Travel & Tourism Council is inviting the public to nominate landmarks and buildings created since 1801

"The most influential tourism assets do far more than attract visitors. They create jobs, stimulate investment, support local businesses, strengthen communities and enhance the global profile of destinations," Guevara added.

"We want to showcase how visionary investments in tourism infrastructure and cultural assets can deliver lasting economic and social value for generations."

The public nomination phase is now open, with submissions accepted here. The 70 nominees will be announced on 7 January, when public voting will start.

The shortlist will be narrowed down to 30 finalists, which will be announced on 7 April. On 7 July, the 7 Contemporary Wonders of the World will be revealed.

Images courtesy of the World Travel & Tourism Council