The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has opened nominations for a new global ranking: the Seven Contemporary Wonders of the World. Unlike the ancient or medieval lists, this initiative focuses on landmarks constructed since 1801 that have demonstrably reshaped travel and tourism.
Announced this week, the campaign invites the public to propose modern icons—from the Eiffel Tower in Paris to the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao—that meet criteria including tourism contribution, economic impact, community value, and architectural significance. The WTTC aims to highlight how visionary investments can transform a destination's global standing.
What Makes a Contemporary Wonder?
According to the WTTC, the selection process will weigh factors such as job creation, local business support, and cultural influence. Gloria Guevara, President and CEO of WTTC, stated: “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 campaign will unfold in stages. Nominations are open until early 2027, with 70 nominees announced on 7 January 2027. Public voting will then narrow the list to 30 finalists by 7 April, and the final seven wonders will be revealed on 7 July 2027.
European landmarks are expected to feature prominently. The Eiffel Tower, completed in 1889 for the Exposition Universelle, remains a symbol of Paris and a global tourism magnet. The Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, opened in 1997, is often cited as a catalyst for urban regeneration in the Basque Country. Other potential nominees include the Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza, which opened partially in 2023 and aims to redefine cultural tourism in North Africa.
The initiative comes as European tourism continues to rebound and evolve. Recent data shows Italy leading European tourism in 2026, with regions like Calabria and Sardinia seeing surges in visitors. Meanwhile, nearly half of European travellers plan 'skillidays' this summer, according to a Mastercard survey, indicating a shift toward experiential travel.
The WTTC's campaign also reflects broader trends in destination development. As hiking trails transformed a Greek island's tourism, contemporary wonders can serve as anchors for sustainable growth. The council emphasises that the most influential tourism assets do more than attract visitors—they create jobs, stimulate investment, and strengthen communities.
Nominations can be submitted at contemporary-wonders.wttc.org. The final list will be announced in July 2027, offering a snapshot of how modern architecture and infrastructure have shaped the way we travel.
