The New Seven Wonders of the World: Which Modern Landmarks Might Make the List

A global search has begun for the seven modern wonders created after 1801. Anyone can nominate a site, and the final winners will be announced in July 2027. Learn more about the selection criteria, the voting stages, and potential nominees

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The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has launched a campaign to select the Seven Modern Wonders of the World. The list may include man-made landmarks, buildings, cultural institutions, and resorts constructed from 1801 to the present. The selection process will consider not only the architectural value of the sites but also their impact on tourism, the local economy, and destination development. Residents of any country can submit a nomination.

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Seven Modern Wonders to Be Chosen Worldwide: What We Know About the WTTC Campaign

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has proposed creating a new global list of landmarks that best reflect the modern era of travel. The campaign will include both world-famous structures and lesser-known sites capable of drawing international attention to their cities and regions.

Unlike the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and the New7Wonders list, the new ranking will focus on sites built since 1801. Organizers will evaluate not only a structure’s appearance or engineering complexity but also its actual contribution to tourism, the economy, and the life of the local community.

Nominations are being accepted from people around the world. The campaign’s goal is to identify seven sites that have transformed the perception of their destinations and continue to influence how people travel today.

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Which landmarks could become the modern wonders of the world?

Participation in the selection process is not limited to monuments or famous architectural structures. Museums, cultural institutions, tourist complexes, and resorts may also be nominated, provided they were created by humans and fall within the campaign’s time frame.

The WTTC’s main requirements for candidates:

1. The site must have been built between 1801 and the present

2. It must have cultural, architectural, or social significance

3. The site must attract tourists and create opportunities for the local economy

4. Its operations must contribute to the responsible development of the destination

5. Both world-famous sites and those that have not yet gained international recognition may be nominated

The evaluation will also take into account job creation, investment attraction, support for local businesses, and the site’s impact on the international image of the city or country. Therefore, winners will be determined not only by their visual appeal but also by their practical benefits for the tourism destination.

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From the Eiffel Tower to the Giza Museum: Which Sites Are in the Running?

The WTTC has not yet released the official list of nominees, but it has cited three examples of sites that embody the concept of a modern wonder.

Each of them not only stands out for its architecture but has also significantly boosted the tourist appeal of its destination.

- The Eiffel Tower in Paris. The structure was completed in 1889 in time for the World’s Fair. Today, it welcomes about 7 million visitors a year and remains one of France’s main symbols.

- The Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao. Designed by Frank Gehry, the museum opened in 1997. Its construction contributed to the urban, economic, and social revitalization of Bilbao, and the resulting transformation came to be known as the “Bilbao Effect.”

- The Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza. It is the world’s largest museum dedicated to a single civilization. Its exhibits include the Tutankhamun Galleries, the main exhibition halls, and the Khufu Boat Museum.

These examples do not constitute an official shortlist. The final list of nominees will depend on the nominations submitted as part of the global campaign.

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How do you nominate a site, and when will the seven winners be announced?

Nominations opened on July 7, 2026. Anyone can nominate a site, regardless of their country of residence. To do so, visit the official WTTC campaign website, select the site you wish to nominate, and explain why it deserves the status of a modern wonder of the world.

The selection process will take place in several stages:

- January 7, 2027 The WTTC will announce 70 nominees and open public voting

- April 7, 2027 A shortlist of 30 sites will be presented

- July 7, 2027 The seven Modern Wonders of the World will be announced

The organizers do not limit nominations to popular tourist attractions. Participants may propose a lesser-known site if it meets the campaign’s criteria and is of significant importance to its destination.

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