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First came the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, then the New7Wonders of the World. Now, the search is on to decide a new ranking: the 7 Contemporary Wonders of the World.
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This week, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) launched a campaign to decide the world’s top contemporary wonders – landmarks and buildings created since 1801 that have had the “greatest impact” on travel and tourism and “continue to redefine the future of destinations around the world”.
As part of the global initiative, the WTTC is inviting people from around the world to have their say to nominate and select the contemporary wonders that “best define the modern age of travel”.
The campaign will recognise globally celebrated icons, as well as emerging landmarks. The selection criteria will consider factors such as tourism contribution, economic impact, community value and destination development alongside cultural and architectural significance.
“Wonder is not something humanity stopped creating centuries ago,” said Gloria Guevara, President and CEO of WTTC. “Every generation leaves its mark on the world. 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 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. We want to showcase how visionary investments in tourism infrastructure and cultural assets can deliver lasting economic and social value for generations.”
What makes a contemporary wonder?
With examples including the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, and the Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza, contemporary wonders demonstrate how “bold ambition, visionary investment and long-term collaboration can transform a destination’s global standing”.
So, what makes a contemporary wonder? According to the WTTC, the criteria includes:
- Made by human hands: landmarks, buildings, institutions, resorts
- Born of the modern era: built from 1801 to today
- A force for its place: it draws the world, responsibly, and creates opportunity where it stands
- Open to discovery: the celebrated and the not-yet-celebrated alike
Nominations are now open via contemporary-wonders.wttc.org, and the year-long campaign will have a further three stages.
On 7 January 2027, 70 nominees will be announced and public voting will begin. On 7 April a shortlist will then narrow to 30 finalists. Then on 7 July 2027, the final 7 Contemporary Wonders of the World list will be revealed.
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