The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) unveiled a new global campaign this week to identify and celebrate the 7 Contemporary Wonders of the World, a project recognizing landmarks and structures built since 1801 that have had the greatest impact on tourism, local economies and the identity of the destinations that host them. For the first time, people around the world are being invited to nominate and vote for the sites they consider most representative of the modern era of travel.

Among the examples the organization cites as benchmarks are the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao and the Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza, sites that, according to the WTTC, have not only drawn millions of visitors over the years but have also driven investment, job creation and urban transformation. The campaign aims to show how architectural ambition, paired with sustained long-term investment, can completely reshape a city or country's place on the global tourism map.

WTTC President and CEO Gloria Guevara led the announcement, emphasizing that humanity's capacity for wonder remains as strong as ever. "Human wonder didn't stop centuries ago. Every generation leaves its mark on the world," she said, inviting people everywhere to help recognize the landmarks that have defined the modern era and will continue inspiring new ways of experiencing the world. She added that the most influential tourism assets create jobs, drive investment, support local businesses, strengthen communities and elevate the global profile of destinations. 

According to the organization, selection criteria will go beyond a site's cultural or architectural significance, also weighing its tourism contribution, economic impact and the value it generates for surrounding communities. Under that framework, the campaign will recognize both globally established icons and emerging landmarks that may not yet enjoy worldwide fame but have already transformed their immediate surroundings.

The process will unfold over a full year in four distinct phases. Public nominations opened on July 7, 2026; the top 70 nominees will be announced on January 7, 2027, kicking off public voting; that list will be narrowed to 30 finalists by April 7, 2027; and the final 7 Contemporary Wonders of the World will be revealed on July 7, 2027.

The WTTC noted that the initiative arrives at a time when governments worldwide are seeking new sources of economic growth and resilience. The organization argues that public-private collaboration is key to building world-class landmarks capable of driving future growth and enhancing the visitor experience at every destination. Those interested in nominating a site can already do so through the campaign's official website, which has been live since July 7.