World Travel & Tourism Council Launches Historic Global Search for 7 Contemporary Wonders of the World as Modern Landmarks Built Since 1801 Transform Travel, Tourism Growth and Destination Futures

Written By: Ricky Acharjee

Ricky Acharjee

I am travel writer at Travel And Tour World with 3 years of experience covering global tourism, aviation, hospitality, and destination news. Dedicated to accurate reporting and compelling storytelling, Ricky explores the trends, innovations, and developments shaping the international travel industry while delivering engaging insights for travellers and industry professionals.

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July 8, 2026 6:07 PM |

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The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has officially begun a worldwide search to identify the 7 Contemporary Wonders of the World, launching a landmark initiative that aims to celebrate the most influential modern creations built from 1801 onwards. The global campaign will recognise extraordinary landmarks and architectural achievements that have transformed Travel & Tourism, strengthened local communities, boosted economic development and shaped the future identity of destinations worldwide.

For the first time, travellers and communities across the globe will have the opportunity to participate directly by nominating and selecting the places they believe represent the spirit of the modern era. The initiative goes beyond recognising impressive architecture, focusing on how these destinations contribute to tourism growth, attract international visitors, encourage investment, support employment and create long-term benefits for local populations.

Modern icons such as the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France, the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain, and the Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza, Egypt, demonstrate the powerful influence of visionary projects on global tourism. These landmarks have become more than visitor attractions; they have helped transform cities, strengthen national identities, encourage business opportunities and create new economic ecosystems around tourism.

WTTC’s initiative comes at a time when destinations worldwide are searching for sustainable growth opportunities and stronger economic resilience. The campaign highlights how exceptional tourism assets can serve as important strategic infrastructure by generating economic activity, improving visitor experiences and supporting community development. It also underlines the importance of cooperation between governments, private investors and local stakeholders in creating globally recognised destinations with lasting value.

The search for the 7 Contemporary Wonders of the World will not only focus on famous landmarks already recognised internationally. It will also give attention to emerging attractions that have delivered significant social and economic benefits to their communities and have the potential to influence the next generation of global tourism destinations.

The selection process will evaluate each nominee based on several key factors, including its contribution to Travel & Tourism, economic influence, benefits for local communities, role in destination development, cultural importance and architectural excellence. Through this approach, WTTC aims to recognise places that represent both human creativity and the transformative power of tourism.

The year-long global campaign will follow a four-stage selection process:

• 7 July 2026: Global nominations officially open, allowing people worldwide to submit their choices.
• 7 January 2027: The list of 70 selected nominees will be announced, followed by public voting.
• 7 April 2027: The competition will advance to the final stage with a shortlist of 30 finalists.
• 7 July 2027: The final seven landmarks will be officially announced as the 7 Contemporary Wonders of the World.

Gloria Guevara, President & CEO of WTTC, said:

“Wonder is not something humanity stopped creating centuries ago. 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.”

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) is placing greater focus on the evolving future of global tourism by showcasing both internationally recognised attractions and emerging destinations that are gaining importance on the world travel map. The initiative aims to demonstrate how Travel & Tourism continues to act as a powerful force for economic growth, community development and long-term investment across different regions.

By bringing attention to a diverse range of destinations, WTTC highlights that tourism success is no longer limited to traditional global hotspots. While iconic locations continue to attract millions of visitors and generate significant economic value, lesser-known destinations are increasingly creating new opportunities through unique cultural experiences, natural landscapes, heritage attractions and innovative tourism offerings.

The approach reflects the growing importance of spreading tourism benefits more widely among communities. Expanding visitor interest beyond overcrowded destinations can help create new employment opportunities, support local businesses and encourage infrastructure development in regions that have significant tourism potential but remain underexplored.

Travel & Tourism has become a key contributor to economic resilience by connecting people, businesses and cultures around the world. From hospitality and aviation to food, entertainment, retail and local services, the sector supports a wide network of industries that benefit from increased visitor activity. By promoting balanced tourism growth, WTTC aims to encourage destinations to develop sustainable strategies that create lasting value for residents and travellers.

The focus on emerging destinations also reflects changing traveller preferences. Modern travellers are increasingly seeking authentic experiences, meaningful cultural connections, nature-based adventures and destinations that offer something different from traditional holiday locations. This shift is creating opportunities for new markets to attract international visitors and strengthen their position within the global tourism ecosystem.

Investment will play a crucial role in shaping the next phase of tourism development. Improved connectivity, modern infrastructure, quality accommodation, digital solutions and sustainable practices are essential elements for destinations seeking to compete in the global tourism market. By highlighting future-focused destinations, WTTC aims to encourage investors, governments and industry stakeholders to recognise new possibilities for growth.

As global travel continues to evolve, destinations that combine innovation, sustainability and authentic experiences are expected to play a major role in defining the future of tourism. Through its focus on both established icons and emerging locations, WTTC reinforces the message that Travel & Tourism can create opportunities far beyond visitor numbers, helping communities prosper and shaping a more diverse and inclusive global travel landscape.