New 7 Wonders Cities

The New 7 Wonders Cities refers to a selection of seven urban centers chosen through a worldwide public vote organized by the New7Wonders Foundation, aimed at recognizing cities that exemplify outstanding achievements in urban development, culture, history, and architecture. The winners, announced on December 7, 2014, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, are Beirut (Lebanon), Doha (Qatar), Durban (South Africa), Havana (Cuba), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), La Paz (Bolivia), and Vigan (Philippines).^[1][2] Initiated by Swiss filmmaker Bernard Weber as the third major campaign in the New7Wonders series—following the New 7 Wonders of the World in 2007 and the New 7 Wonders of Nature in 2011—the Cities initiative sought to celebrate urban innovation and global heritage amid rapid urbanization challenges. The campaign began in 2011 with nominations from over 1,200 cities worldwide, which were narrowed to a longlist of 77 by an international panel of experts including architects, urban planners, and policymakers. From this, 28 finalists were selected in October 2013, leading to an open online voting phase that attracted millions of participants through social media and digital platforms.^[2][1][3] The selection process emphasized democratic participation, with no ranking among the winners to promote equality, and focused on cities demonstrating resilience, cultural vibrancy, and contributions to human civilization. Notably, the list features no cities from Europe or North America, highlighting diverse regions such as the Middle East, Latin America, Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean. Official inaugurations for each city followed in 2015, boosting tourism and local pride, though the campaign drew some debate over the influence of organized voting efforts from certain nations.^[2][1]

Overview

Campaign introduction

The New7Wonders organization was established in 2001 by Swiss-born Canadian filmmaker and adventurer Bernard Weber in Zurich, Switzerland, with the aim of protecting human-built and natural heritage while promoting global cultural diversity through innovative voting campaigns.^[4] This initiative built upon the groundbreaking 2007 New 7 Wonders of the World poll, which engaged participants worldwide in selecting modern wonders via digital and telephone voting, marking the first global election of its kind and garnering over 100 million votes.^[4] Weber's vision extended the organization's mission to foster a collective "Global Memory" by involving people in democratic processes that highlight shared human achievements. In 2011, Bernard Weber launched the New7Wonders Cities campaign as the next phase of this movement, specifically designed to celebrate the blend of urban heritage and contemporary innovation across the world's cities.^[5] The campaign encouraged nominations and voting from individuals and communities globally, emphasizing participatory democracy to recognize cities that embody cultural, historical, and modern significance.^[6] Running from 2011 to 2014, the campaign culminated in the announcement of the winners on December 7, 2014, in Dubai, after a rigorous process of public engagement that saw millions of votes cast, contributing to the overall tally of over 600 million votes across all New7Wonders initiatives to date.^[7] This effort reinforced the organization's commitment to creating an enduring "Global Memory" through widespread involvement, bridging past traditions with future urban aspirations.^[4]

Objectives and global significance

The New7Wonders Cities campaign, launched in 2011 by the New7Wonders Foundation, aimed to engage global audiences in recognizing urban centers that exemplify a harmonious blend of historical preservation and modern innovation. By inviting public participation through online voting, the initiative sought to highlight cities as dynamic embodiments of human achievement, drawing from over 1,200 nominations across 220 countries to ultimately select seven winners. This process was designed to foster a collective appreciation for urban heritage while addressing contemporary challenges such as rapid urbanization and cultural continuity.^[3] A core goal of the campaign was to promote cultural diversity, sustainability, and tourism by involving citizens worldwide in the selection process, thereby raising awareness of cities' roles in preserving planetary diversity and driving economic growth. The foundation emphasized creating a forum for discussions on urban planning, governance, architecture, and environmental stewardship, encouraging sustainable practices that balance tradition with progress. Through this public-driven approach, the campaign aimed to boost tourism as a means of cultural exchange and economic vitality, while underscoring the importance of protecting both built and natural urban legacies.^[8][9] As the first major New7Wonders poll dedicated to urban centers—following campaigns on natural wonders and world monuments—the initiative held significant global importance by spotlighting non-Western cities and stimulating international dialogue on urbanization's societal impacts. With more than half the world's population residing in cities at the time, it reflected the era's demographic shifts and aspirations for inclusive urban development. The campaign's broader impact included instilling national pride among participating nations and delivering economic benefits to selected cities through heightened global visibility and tourism promotion.^[3][9][8]

Organization and selection process

Launch and nominations

The New7Wonders Cities campaign was launched by the New7Wonders Foundation on November 4, 2011, marking the third global voting initiative following the New 7 Wonders of the World and New 7 Wonders of Nature. The qualification phase, which served as the official start for public nominations, began on March 7, 2012, and ran until October 7, 2013, inviting submissions from individuals and organizations worldwide.^[10][11][5] Over 1,200 cities were nominated during this period, representing more than 220 countries and highlighting the campaign's broad international scope.^[7][6] The nomination process was open to any city, with no restrictions on the number of submissions per country, allowing for diverse global participation.^[7] Participants were encouraged to nominate cities that exemplified cultural, historical, or architectural uniqueness, often emphasizing a harmonious blend of preserved heritage and modern urban relevance.^[2] Eligibility required cities to be existing urban centers capable of demonstrating significant human achievement in urban development, though formal evidentiary submissions were not strictly mandated beyond public endorsement via the online platform.^[12] The New7Wonders Foundation played a central role in validating and curating nominations, applying criteria to promote geographical and cultural diversity by limiting the longlist to one city per country, resulting in 77 selected cities announced on October 7, 2013.^[10] This step ensured equitable representation across continents while transitioning the process toward expert evaluation.

Expert panel and finalists

The expert panel for the New7Wonders Cities campaign was composed of seven distinguished professionals selected under the guidance of founder Bernard Weber to advise on the shortlisting process. Chaired by Professor Federico Mayor, former Director-General of UNESCO from 1987 to 1999, the panel included Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid, a Pritzker Prize winner known for innovative parametric designs; Professor Winy Maas, an architect and urbanist who co-founded MVRDV and directs The Why Factory at Delft University of Technology; Simon Anholt, a policy advisor specializing in nation and city branding; Bernard Weber, founder of the New7Wonders Foundation; social entrepreneur Kennedy Odede, founder and CEO of Shining Hope for Communities in Kenya; and Professor Amitabh Kundu, an economist at Jawaharlal Nehru University focusing on urban development and poverty.^[13] The panel evaluated a longlist of 77 cities, limited to one per country and derived from over 1,200 global nominations and public votes during the qualification phase, to select 28 official finalists. Their assessment emphasized criteria such as artistic and architectural value, cultural diversity, universal recognizability, structural integrity, and global representation to highlight urban achievements across history and regions.^[14][10] This curation ensured a balanced shortlist that reflected the multifaceted contributions of cities to human civilization, setting the stage for broader public engagement in the final voting. On October 21, 2013, Bernard Weber announced the 28 finalists, which included prominent examples like Istanbul (Turkey), London (UK), and eventual winners such as Beirut (Lebanon) and Havana (Cuba). The full list, in alphabetical order, was:

• Athens, Greece
• Bangkok, Thailand
• Barcelona, Spain
• Beirut, Lebanon
• Casablanca, Morocco
• Chicago, USA
• Doha, Qatar
• Durban, South Africa
• Havana, Cuba
• Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
• Istanbul, Turkey
• Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
• Kyoto, Japan
• La Paz, Bolivia
• London, UK
• Mendoza, Argentina
• Mexico City, Mexico
• Mumbai, India
• Perth, Australia
• Phnom Penh, Cambodia
• Prague, Czech Republic
• Quito, Ecuador
• Reykjavik, Iceland
• St. Petersburg, Russia
• Seoul, South Korea
• Shenzhen, China
• Vancouver, Canada
• Vigan, Philippines^[3]

The shortlist's purpose was to maintain high standards of quality and geographical balance ahead of the public voting phase, fostering a more equitable and thoughtful global dialogue on urban wonders.^[3]

Public voting and announcement

The public voting phase for the New7Wonders Cities campaign engaged participants worldwide through an online platform accessible via the official website and a dedicated mobile application, allowing free votes for up to seven cities per user.^[15][16] Additional voting options, such as SMS, incurred charges depending on the user's mobile provider, enabling broader participation while generating revenue for the campaign. The voting process emphasized democratic inclusion, with rules limiting entries to one city per country on the longlist to prevent any single nation from dominating the results.^[6] The final voting round, following the selection of 28 official finalists in October 2013, unfolded in progressive elimination phases: from 28 to 21 cities (October 21, 2013, to July 7, 2014), 21 to 14 (July 7 to October 7, 2014), and the ultimate selection of the seven winners (October 7 to December 7, 2014).^[6] Over 550 million votes were cast globally during the campaign, highlighting unprecedented public engagement in shaping urban heritage recognition.^[17] The results were announced on December 7, 2014, at a ceremony in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, hosted by New7Wonders founder Bernard Weber and broadcast live to audiences worldwide.^[7][18] The event revealed the seven winning cities—Beirut, Doha, Durban, Havana, Kuala Lumpur, La Paz, and Vigan—celebrating diverse urban contributions to global culture.^[7] Following the announcement, official inauguration ceremonies were held in each winning city over the subsequent years to formally commemorate their status and promote sustainable urban development, with events featuring commemorative plaques and cultural showcases.^[19][6]

Winners

Beirut, Lebanon

Beirut, the capital and largest city of Lebanon, was officially recognized as one of the New7Wonders Cities in May 2015, following a global public voting campaign that highlighted exemplary urban centers worldwide.^[20] One of the oldest continuously inhabited cities, with roots tracing back over 5,000 years to Phoenician settlements and first mentioned in the 15th century BC Amarna letters, Beirut has long served as a vital Mediterranean port.^[20] Historically dubbed the "Paris of the Middle East" for its cosmopolitan elegance in the mid-20th century, the city features Ottoman-era architecture, including triple-arched mansions built for the 19th-century elite, much of which was destroyed during the Lebanese Civil War (1975–1990) and subsequently rebuilt through extensive reconstruction efforts.^[21][22] Key to Beirut's urban character is its seamless fusion of ancient and contemporary elements, exemplified by Roman ruins like the Baths of Caracalla and the Cardo Maximus—remnants of a 1st-century AD city wall and colonnaded streets—integrated into the modern downtown alongside a striking skyline of high-rises and financial districts.^[23] The city, spanning about 100 km² with a Greater Beirut population estimated at 1–2 million in 2007, functions as Lebanon's primary seaport, economic hub in banking and finance, and a classified Beta World City by the Globalization and World Cities Research Network.^[20] Complementing this is a dynamic cultural landscape, particularly in neighborhoods like Gemmayzeh and Mar Mikhael, where a thriving arts scene—featuring galleries and street art—intersects with renowned nightlife venues offering live music, rooftop bars, and clubs that draw international visitors.^[24][25] Beirut's inclusion among the New7Wonders Cities underscored its remarkable resilience, demonstrated through post-civil war revitalization that transformed rubble into a bustling financial and cultural center, as well as its ethnic and religious diversity reflecting Lebanon's multifaceted society.^[20] This recognition also celebrated the city's enduring role as a Mediterranean crossroads, evolving from an ancient Phoenician trade hub to a modern gateway bridging East and West, fostering commerce and cultural exchange across continents.^[2] In the years following its 2015 designation, Beirut has leveraged the New7Wonders status to amplify tourism initiatives, emphasizing heritage sites such as the Roman Baths and Ottoman mansions through targeted marketing campaigns aimed at showcasing the city's layered history and drawing global visitors to its reconstructed landmarks.^[26]

Doha, Qatar

Doha originated as a modest fishing village in the 1820s, evolving from pearling and trade activities along the Persian Gulf coast.^[27] It was officially designated as Qatar's capital in 1971 following the country's independence, marking the start of its expansion from a small settlement to a major urban center.^[28] The city's rapid transformation accelerated in the 1990s, driven by the development of vast natural gas reserves in the North Field, which fueled investments in infrastructure and positioned Doha as an economic powerhouse.^[29] Doha's iconic skyline blends traditional and contemporary elements, highlighted by cultural landmarks such as Souq Waqif, a restored 19th-century market showcasing Qatari heritage through spices, handicrafts, and architecture.^[30] The Museum of Islamic Art, opened in 2008 on an artificial island, houses one of the world's premier collections of Islamic artifacts spanning 1,400 years, designed by architect I.M. Pei to evoke traditional Islamic motifs.^[31] Sustainable initiatives like Lusail City, a planned smart city north of Doha launched in 2005, emphasize energy-efficient buildings, green spaces, and advanced urban planning to accommodate up to 450,000 people, including residents, workers, and visitors.^[32][33] Doha's selection as a New 7 Wonders City in December 2014 exemplified its embodiment of modern urban planning, substantial cultural investments, and forward-looking development, as recognized by global public voting and the campaign's emphasis on innovative world cities.^[28] The announcement occurred during a ceremony in Dubai, underscoring Doha's rising international profile.^[34] Following its designation, Doha leveraged the accolade to bolster its global branding, particularly in preparation for hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup, which featured multiple venues in and around the city and amplified its image as a hub for international events and tourism.^[28]

Durban, South Africa

Durban was established in 1824 as Port Natal by British traders seeking a trading post on the eastern coast of South Africa, later renamed in honor of Sir Benjamin D'Urban, the Cape Colony's governor.^[35] During the apartheid era, the city served as a key hub for enforcing racial segregation through policies like the Group Areas Act, which designated residential and commercial zones by race, leading to forced removals and the creation of townships such as Clermont for Black residents.^[36] Following the end of apartheid in 1994, Durban emerged as a symbol of national reconciliation, with its diverse population of Zulu, Indian, White, and Coloured communities fostering integrated urban spaces and cultural harmony under the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality. The city's coastal identity is epitomized by the Golden Mile, a 6-kilometer beachfront promenade featuring sandy beaches like North Beach and Addington Beach, ideal for swimming, surfing, and family activities, protected by lifeguards and shark nets.^[37] A major attraction is uShaka Marine World, a 16-hectare theme park opened in 2004, encompassing an aquarium with over 11,000 marine animals, water slides, and cultural exhibits that draw millions of visitors annually.^[38] Durban's architecture and cuisine reflect profound Indian Ocean influences from its large Indian diaspora, descended from 19th-century indentured laborers; Victorian-era buildings blend with ornate mosques like the Juma Mosque, while "bunny chow"—a curry-filled bread loaf—highlights fusion flavors incorporating Zulu spices and seafood from the Indian Ocean.^[39] Durban's selection as a New7Wonders City in 2014 celebrated its vibrant multiculturalism, subtropical natural beauty with year-round warm weather and beaches, and its role as South Africa's busiest port and third-largest economic center, handling significant trade and manufacturing.^[40] Voters highlighted the city as Africa's "melting pot," emphasizing its innovative urban development and welcoming spirit amid rapid growth.^[41] Since the announcement, the designation has amplified Durban's global profile, contributing to a surge in tourism that supports eco-tourism initiatives, such as protected wetlands in the nearby Umgeni River Bird Park and sustainable beach conservation efforts.^[41] It has also enhanced cultural festivals, including the annual Durban July horse race and Diwali celebrations, drawing international visitors and boosting local economies through preserved heritage sites and community events.^[42]

Havana, Cuba

Havana, the capital of Cuba, was founded on July 25, 1519, by Spanish conquistador Diego Velázquez de Cuéllar, initially as San Cristóbal de la Habana on the southern coast before relocating to its current northern site in 1519.^[43] It became the island's capital in 1607 when the Spanish colonial government transferred the seat from Santiago de Cuba, solidifying its role as a major port for trade and shipbuilding under Spanish influence that shaped its Baroque and neoclassical architecture.^[44] The 20th-century revolutionary history contributed to the preservation of its pre-1959 urban landscape, as economic isolation limited new construction and vehicle imports, maintaining an intact cityscape reflective of colonial and early modern eras.^[45] As one of the New 7 Wonders Cities, selected in 2014 after inclusion on the expert panel's finalist shortlist, Havana was honored for its remarkably preserved 500-year-old urban fabric, featuring one of the finest collections of colonial architecture in the Americas.^[19] Old Havana, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982, encompasses over 900 historic buildings from the 16th to 19th centuries, including private homes with arcades, balconies, and wrought-iron gates that exemplify Spanish colonial urban planning.^[43][46] Iconic features include the Malecón, an 8-kilometer seawall and promenade constructed starting in 1901 to protect against sea surges, which has evolved into a vital social space along the city's coastline.^[47] The streets are animated by classic American cars from the 1940s and 1950s, preserved due to the U.S. trade embargo imposed in 1960, which halted imports and fostered a unique culture of mechanical ingenuity.^[45] Complementing this heritage is Havana's vibrant music and arts scene, rooted in genres like son, rumba, and salsa, with venues such as the historic Tropicana cabaret hosting performances that blend African, Spanish, and Caribbean influences.^[48] The city's cultural resilience, demonstrated through sustained architectural integrity amid historical challenges, underscored its selection by the New7Wonders campaign, which recognized Havana's ability to retain its historical essence while fostering living cultural traditions.^[19] Following the 2014 announcement, post-win developments included an official inauguration in June 2016, featuring the unveiling of a bronze CityMark monument at the Esplanada de la Punta overlooking the Malecón.^[19] This recognition has supported ongoing restoration projects in Old Havana, where revenues from tourism—channeled through the Office of the Historian of the City—fund the rehabilitation of historic buildings, housing, and infrastructure to preserve the urban heritage for future generations.^[49]

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur originated as a modest tin mining settlement in 1857, established by a group of Chinese miners in the Ampang area near the confluence of the Klang and Gombak rivers.^[50] The town grew steadily under British colonial administration, becoming the capital of the Federated Malay States in 1895, and solidified its role as the capital of independent Malaya upon the nation's declaration of independence from Britain on August 31, 1957.^[51] During the 1990s, Kuala Lumpur underwent rapid urbanization driven by economic liberalization and infrastructure projects, evolving from a regional trading post into a bustling Southeast Asian hub with a population exceeding one million by the decade's end. The city's landscape exemplifies a fusion of tradition and modernity through its iconic landmarks and architectural diversity. The Petronas Twin Towers, completed in 1998 and once the world's tallest buildings at 452 meters, symbolize Malaysia's ambitious skyline with their stainless-steel-clad design inspired by Islamic motifs.^[52] Nearby, the Batu Caves feature dramatic limestone formations housing Hindu shrines, including a 42.7-meter golden statue of Lord Murugan at the entrance, drawing pilgrims and tourists alike.^[53] Vibrant Chinatown markets, centered on Petaling Street, offer a glimpse into the city's multicultural commerce with street vendors selling spices, textiles, and street food amid colonial-era shophouses. Architectural highlights blend Islamic elements, such as the dome and minarets of the Sultan Abdul Samad Building, with British colonial influences in structures like the historic Kuala Lumpur Railway Station.^[54] Kuala Lumpur's selection as a New 7 Wonders City in December 2014 stemmed from its embodiment of Southeast Asian progress, cultural diversity, and bold architectural innovation, as determined by global public voting from 28 finalists.^[55] Voters recognized the city's role as a cultural melting pot where Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous influences coexist, alongside its pioneering urban developments that balance heritage preservation with futuristic design.^[56] In the years following its designation, Kuala Lumpur has advanced its profile as a smart city through targeted green initiatives, including the development of the Green Connector network—a series of pedestrian-friendly pathways linking parks, landmarks, and neighborhoods to promote sustainable urban mobility and reduce carbon emissions.^[57] These efforts align with broader ASEAN sustainability goals, positioning the city as a leader in eco-urban planning with events like the 2025 Smart City Expo showcasing AI-driven environmental solutions.^[58]

La Paz, Bolivia

La Paz, founded on October 20, 1548, by Spanish captain Alonso de Mendoza as Nuestra Señora de La Paz, was established in the valley of Chuquiago Marka to commemorate the end of civil wars in Peru. Originally a colonial outpost, it became Bolivia's de facto administrative capital in 1898 following a brief civil war between liberal forces favoring La Paz and conservatives supporting Sucre, shifting the seat of government northward while Sucre retained its constitutional status.^[59] Situated at an elevation of 3,640 meters (11,942 feet) above sea level in a dramatic Andean canyon, La Paz holds the distinction of being the world's highest major city and capital, nestled amid the Altiplano plateau with the snow-capped Illimani peak as a backdrop.^[60] This extreme geography shapes its subtropical highland climate, featuring dry winters and rainy summers, and influences daily life through adaptations to altitude-related challenges. The city's key features highlight its blend of indigenous Aymara heritage and colonial legacies, evident in its Andean architecture that fuses ornate Spanish colonial facades—characterized by wooden balconies and intricate stonework—with Aymara motifs and vibrant colors reflecting pre-Columbian influences.^[61] Iconic sites include the Witches' Market (Mercado de las Brujas), a bustling hub where Aymara yatiris (healers) sell medicinal herbs, ritual items like dried llama fetuses for prosperity rites, and potions rooted in Andean spiritual traditions that predate Spanish arrival.^[62] Complementing this cultural tapestry is Mi Teleférico, the world's longest and highest urban cable car network, spanning 10 lines and over 30 kilometers to connect the steep city center with the satellite city of El Alto, offering panoramic views of the rugged terrain and easing mobility in this vertically expansive urban landscape.^[63] La Paz's inclusion among the New 7 Wonders Cities in 2014 stemmed from its recognition for extreme geographical setting, profound cultural authenticity tied to Aymara indigenous practices, and innovative urban adaptations like the cable car system that harmonize modern needs with high-altitude living.^[63] These elements underscore the city's resilience and unique identity, distinguishing it as a living embodiment of Andean urbanism amid global metropolises. Following its designation, La Paz saw enhanced tourism accessibility through initiatives like the 2017 Super Host program by the municipal agency La Paz Tours, which trained locals to provide safer, more authentic experiences, capitalizing on the win to boost visitor infrastructure and cultural promotion.^[64] This contributed to steady rises in international arrivals, with Bolivia welcoming over 1.2 million foreign tourists by 2017, more than double the figure from a decade prior, as improved connectivity and heritage-focused developments drew global interest.^[65]

Vigan, Philippines

Vigan, located in the province of Ilocos Sur in the Philippines, was established in the 16th century as a key trading post during the Spanish colonial era, serving as a link between the Pacific coast towns of New Spain and the broader Philippine archipelago.^[66] The city's historic core, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, exemplifies the fusion of Hispanic urban planning with Asian building traditions, earning recognition under criteria (ii) and (iv) for its outstanding universal value as a preserved example of European trading towns in Asia.^[66] This designation highlights Vigan's role in illustrating the cultural exchanges between East and West, particularly through its architecture that blends Filipino, Chinese, and European elements.^[66] The city's key features center on the Mestizo District, particularly Calle Crisologo, a cobblestone street lined with well-preserved ancestral houses featuring two-storey brick-and-wood structures, wide overhanging eaves, and capiz shell sliding windows that allow natural ventilation.^[66] These bahay na bato residences, constructed with lower stone walls and upper wooden levels, reflect Ilocano cultural traditions such as communal living and agricultural influences, including the use of local materials like narra wood and the incorporation of courtyard designs for family gatherings.^[66] The district's Hispanic checkerboard layout, including Plaza Salcedo and St. Paul's Metropolitan Cathedral, further preserves Ilocano heritage through festivals like the Binatbatan ikat weaving celebration, which honors traditional textile production tied to the region's agrarian roots.^[66] Vigan's selection as one of the New7Wonders Cities in 2014 stemmed from its status as the best-preserved example of a planned Spanish colonial town in Asia, showcasing intact urban planning rare in the region due to historical destructions elsewhere.^[67] Its architecture incorporates earthquake-resistant designs, such as flexible wooden upper stories on sturdy brick bases and wide doorways for stability, allowing structures to withstand seismic activity common in the Philippines—a feature that distinguished it among global finalists for its adaptive resilience.^[68] This recognition, announced via a ceremony at St. Paul's Cathedral, emphasized Vigan's unique blend of Philippine, Oriental, and European styles, setting it apart as a living testament to colonial-era innovation in Asia.^[67] Following its New7Wonders designation, Vigan intensified local preservation efforts, including the establishment of the Vigan Heritage Village and stricter ordinances mandating research-based restoration of ancestral homes to maintain authenticity.^[69] These initiatives, supported by UNESCO and the Philippine Department of Tourism, have boosted heritage tourism campaigns, such as guided kalesa (horse-drawn carriage) tours and cultural immersion programs, leading to increased visitor numbers and economic opportunities while fostering community involvement in safeguarding the site's integrity.^[69] The win has also enhanced global awareness, prompting investments in sustainable development that balance tourism growth with the preservation of Ilocano traditions.^[70]

Reception and legacy

Public and media response

The announcement of the New 7 Wonders Cities on December 7, 2014, in Dubai elicited widespread celebrations in the winning cities, underscoring the campaign's role in fostering civic pride. In Vigan, Philippines, local officials and residents marked the occasion with public festivities, including an official inauguration ceremony in May 2015 led by New7Wonders Founder-President Bernard Weber, who presented a bronze plaque to the mayor at St. Paul's Cathedral.^[71][72] Similarly, in Beirut, Lebanon, the selection was hailed as a testament to the city's resilience and cultural vibrancy, with media outlets praising its inclusion as a symbol of Middle Eastern urban excellence.^[73] Global media coverage emphasized the diversity of the winners, noting the absence of cities from Europe or the United States among the finalists, which highlighted a shift toward underrepresented global metropolises. Outlets such as Condé Nast Traveler described the results as a surprising outcome from millions of public votes, celebrating the blend of historical sites like Vigan and modern hubs like Doha, Qatar, as reflective of innovative urban planning and governance.^[1] Business Insider echoed this sentiment, portraying the list as a fresh perspective on world cities that prioritized cultural and architectural uniqueness over traditional powerhouses like New York or Tokyo.^[55] The event's spectacle in Dubai, combined with reports of hundreds of millions of votes cast worldwide, amplified discussions on voter engagement and the campaign's democratic approach.^[7] Despite the enthusiasm, the announcement faced criticisms regarding the voting process's integrity and overall impact. Travel industry analysts pointed to a lack of transparency in vote verification and the campaign's vague objectives, arguing that it failed to generate sustained media buzz despite two years of effort involving over 1,200 initial nominees from 220 countries.^[74] Debates emerged over potential biases favoring cities with aggressive promotional campaigns, as the selection process relied heavily on public participation without independent oversight beyond basic validation.^[74] In response, New7Wonders officials defended the process's transparency, stating that votes were counted at the campaign's close, verified independently, and subject to post-announcement audits, with any adjustments communicated through media channels. Bernard Weber emphasized the expert panel's role in initial shortlisting and the global public's decisive input, positioning the results as a true reflection of collective choice rather than commercial influence.^[7]

Impact on cities and tourism

The designation of the seven winning cities as New7Wonders Cities in 2014 has spurred notable growth in tourism across several locations, with representative examples illustrating increases in visitor numbers and subsequent marketing efforts. In Vigan, Philippines, tourist arrivals surged to 752,074 in 2015, marking nearly a 30% rise from 580,381 the previous year, following the announcement and official inauguration.^[75] This uptick was particularly evident in late 2014, when December alone recorded 350,000 visitors, exceeding the entire 2013 total of 271,000.^[70] Similarly, cities like Durban, South Africa, leveraged the accolade in promotional campaigns, with local authorities emphasizing the global recognition to attract more international arrivals and position the city as a subtropical tourism hub.^[41] The status has prompted urban initiatives focused on preservation and infrastructure enhancements, particularly in heritage-rich winners. In Vigan, the designation reinforced commitments to cultural conservation and sustainable development, including the installation of commemorative monuments and improved governance for historic sites.^[70] Havana, Cuba, saw its official inauguration in 2016 highlight ongoing restorations of colonial architecture, aligning the New7Wonders title with UNESCO World Heritage efforts to maintain the city's intact urban fabric amid urban growth.^[19] These investments have extended to infrastructure, such as expanded public transport and visitor facilities in La Paz, Bolivia, where the cable car network—already a draw—benefited from heightened global attention to urban innovation.^[63] Economically and culturally, the recognition has elevated the winners' profiles, fostering partnerships and broader visibility. For instance, Vigan's enhanced status has driven economic contributions through tourism-related jobs and local crafts, while promoting cultural exchange via international events tied to the New7Wonders framework.^[75] In Doha, Qatar, the title complemented rapid urban development, attracting collaborations in sustainable city planning and boosting cultural tourism tied to modern architecture.^[28] However, challenges persist, including strains from rising visitor volumes; in Vigan, the influx has pressured historic infrastructure, necessitating balanced growth strategies to mitigate overcrowding. Beirut, Lebanon, has faced additional hurdles from regional instability, limiting tourism gains despite the designation's potential for cultural promotion.^[76] The legacy endures through integration into national tourism frameworks and sustained promotions. Philippine tourism authorities actively market Vigan as a New7Wonders City, embedding it in national campaigns to highlight heritage destinations.^[75] Durban's local boards continue to reference the status in economic development plans, while the New7Wonders organization maintains ongoing global initiatives, such as annual celebrations, to perpetuate the winners' visibility and encourage long-term urban vitality.^[41] As of 2025, the impacts have been mixed due to global events like the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted tourism worldwide from 2020 to 2022, leading to temporary declines in visitor numbers across the winners. Recovery has varied; for example, Vigan saw renewed growth in heritage tourism post-2023, supported by sustainable practices, while Beirut's sector continues to face setbacks from ongoing regional conflicts as of November 2025.^[77][76] The New7Wonders Foundation extended its urban focus with the launch of the 7 Wonders of Future Cities campaign on October 31, 2025, building on the 2014 initiative to promote innovative urban development globally.^[78]