Visit7Wonders launched in Dubai on 7 May 2013: A new global tourism platform bringing together the New7Wonders of Nature from across the world was announced today at one the leading international travel fairs, the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai.

The New7Wonders of Nature, elected following a global four-year campaign with hundreds of millions of votes, have decided to jointly develop coordinated tourism opportunities, by launching the Visit7Wonders brand marketing and online platform.

Visit7Wonders is launched under license from New7Wonders, the Swiss-based organisation responsible for the global New7Wonders of the World campaigns. TheNew7Wonders of Nature in alphabetical order are: the Amazon, South America; Ha Long Bay, Vietnam; Iguazu Falls, Argentina/Brazil; Jeju Island, South Korea; Komodo Island, Indonesia; Puerto Princesa Underground River, Philippines; Table Mountain, South Africa.

Visit7Wonders will feature some unique collaboration elements across the New7Wonders of Nature, including:

• Joint promotion across all 7 wonders
• Joint participation in leading tourism fairs
• Development of Visit7Wonders tourism packages
• A platform for operators, hotels, airlines and other tourism and travel brands to promote themselves
• Joint sustainable tourism initiatives
• Joint educational and heritage awareness initiatives
• The future www.visit7wonders.com web and digital platform

The Director of New7Wonders, Mr. Jean-Paul de la Fuente, announcing Visit7Wonders said: “The positive tourism impact of participating in and winning the New7Wonders of Nature has been extraordinary, depending on locations we have seen growth rates of 20 percent and much more. New airports are being built, new flights added, and independent research has shown that New7Wonders is a creator of multi billion dollars’ worth of positive tourism and marketing results. What we aim to do with Visit7Wonders is bring all that success and strength together under one brand for the global tourism industry.”

The Director of Visit7Wonders, Mr. Marcelo Almada, added: “This initiative is something the global tourism market has never seen before, seven officially voted as wonder locations across the world, coming together to develop new product and marketing initiatives. We believe that Visit7Wonders will become one of the leading global tourism brands, offering tourists life-changing choices and operators unique international business opportunities.”

Guest of honour, Dr. Maurice Closs, Governor of the Province of Misiones, Argentina who led the successful campaign for the election of Iguazu Falls as one of the New7Wonders of Nature, said: “Working with New7Wonders, we hosted in Iguazu, Argentina, the first ever congress of the New7Wonders of Nature, a highly successful event, and during that congress we decided to come together to develop joint tourism opportunities. I believe that Visit7Wonders is the fantastic outcome of that decision, and look forward to it becoming a joint success just as our wonder campaigns were for each of us.”

At the launch of Visit7Wonders, left to right: Jean-Paul De la Fuente, Director of New7Wonders; Maurice Closs, Governor of Misiones, Argentina; Daniel Aguilera, Undersecretary for Tourism, Argentina; Wilson Dockhorn Jr. representative of the Embassy of Brazil in Dubai, and Marcelo Almada, Director of Visit7Wonders.

For more information on Visit7Wonders, please contact info@visit7wonders.com

The three members of the South Korean pop group, JYJ, will be made honorary citizens of Jeju Island for their contribution to its successful New7Wonders of Nature campaign. The trio, Junsu, Yoochun and Jaejoong, had acted as ambassadors for the island and helped raise the profile of Jeju internationally. According to allkpop, the band members will attend the honorary citizenship ceremony, if their world tour schedule permits.

K-pop is a musical style that originated in South Korea. By leveraging social networks and the video sharing platform YouTube, K-pop stars such as JYJ, Girls’ Generation and Psy have attracted a vast overseas audience for the genre. In the first half of 2012, K-Pop grossed US$3.4 billion and became the 8th largest digital music market in the world.

Heard about the “Sydney Splash”? It took place in September 2000 when Bernard Weber, Founder-President of New7Wonders, landed a seaplane in Sydney Harbour to highlight the official nomination of Sydney Opera House as a candidate in the New7Wonders of the World campaign. The dramatic touchdown took place one week before the 2000 Olympics Games began and the resulting news reports generated so much interest that the New7Wonders website could barely cope with the traffic.

The “Sydney Splash” is one of the many milestones along the road that New7Wonders has taken since September 1999, when Bernard Weber launched www.new7wonders.com, the New7Wonders website. Over the past 14 years, his vision has expanded dramatically as the initial campaign that encouraged the world to select the human-made Wonders of the World using the medium of the internet was followed by the New7Wonders of Nature campaign, which, in turn, has been followed by New7Wonders Cities.

The milestones — 77 in all — chronicle the growth of a global movement that encourages direct democratic participation and they can now be navigated in a dedicated ‘Milestones’ section of this website by simply clicking the left and right arrows or by scrolling through the timeline beneath the images and text.

The number of visitors to the Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer) statue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, grew by 107 percent between 2006 — the year before its election as one of the New7Wonders of the World — and 2011. This extraordinary rate of growth is cited in a paper titled “El Turismo Internacional y el ‘Efecto Maravilla’” (“International Tourism and the ‘Wonder Effect’”), by Gerardo Alonso Schwarz of the Fundación Mediterránea, a private not-for-profit organization based in Córdoba, Argentina.

Being named one of New7Wonders brings not only opportunities but also challenges, says Schwarz. The main tasks for the host nations of listed sites are the need for enhanced infrastructure, better regional tourism products and improved international flight connections to each destination.

Now that Iguazu Falls, which straddle the Argentine-Brazilian border, have been named as one of the New7Wonders of Nature, the Fundación Mediterránea is examining the impact of the listing on the regional tourism industry. Considering what he calls the “Wonder Effect” as it is manifested around the globe, Gerardo Alonso Schwarz looked at visitor statistics to the sites named as the New7Wonders of the World in 2007. According to data from 2011, the top five attracted the following numbers:

• 5.4 million tourists visited the Colosseum in Italy
• 5 million tourists visited the Taj Mahal in India
• 2.3 million tourists visited the Christ the Redeemer statue in Brazil
• 1.4 million tourists visited Chichen-Itzá in Mexico
• 832,000 tourists visited Machu Pichu in Peru

Between 2006 and 2011, visits to the Taj Mahal rose by 85 percent, to Chichen-Itzá by 53 percent, to Machu Pichu by 51 percent and to the Colosseum by 26 percent. Gerardo Alonso Schwarz noted that during the same period international tourist numbers worldwide grew 16 percent. This confirms that the New7Wonders title is a significant driver of international tourism.

In the case of Iguazu Falls, a total of 1,224,253 tourists visited the Parque Nacional Iguazú in Argentina during 2011, an increase of three percent over 2010, while the Parque Nacional do Iguaçu in Brazil, recorded 1,394,187 visitors, which represents growth of 10 percent over the previous year. During the last decade, the Argentinian park experienced overall growth of 162 percent, and the Brazilian park recorded growth of 89 percent.

The Fundación Mediterránea promotes research on economic issues and works to create a better understanding of regional economic problems in Latin America. The Zurich-based New7Wonders Foundation is dedicated to creating “Global Memory” by leveraging the networked power of communications technologies and social media. It organizes worldwide voting campaigns that enable millions of people to take part in democratic decision making.

Dear Supporters and Friends of New7Wonders

As we come to the end of 2012, I recall with pride and excitement the fantastic events that took place this year to honour and celebrate six of the seven New7Wonders of Nature. We have crossed the world from Asia, to South America, to Africa, to conduct the Official Inaugurations of Puerto Princesa Underground River, Ha Long Bay, Iguazu Falls, the Peruvian Amazon, Jeju Island and Table Mountain.

The New7Wonders of Nature Official Plaques, unveiled during these events, are now being carefully placed in special locations so that everyone — including the millions of voters — can take their photos and become part of the celebration every day.

I also was happy to see that everywhere we went we met passionate believers in the New7Wonders goal of building Global Memory. They are doing this concretely by continuously honouring what has been achieved, by promoting positive and sustainable tourism, by expanding economic and commercial opportunities intelligently (in partnership with the New7Wonders team and in line with our guidelines), and by supporting educational and environmental initiatives in the New7Wonders spirit. This is very much Global Memory creation in action.

And more is set to happen in 2013. More Official Inaugurations events are being planned; we are working on the next steps for the New7Wonders of Nature Congress and the soon-to-be announced location of the New7Wonders Global Network meeting bringing together the 14 wonders from 20 countries— our own “W20″ group of countries. As well, the New7Wonders Cities campaign is gathering momentum, and some exciting things are set to happen in the digital and media world of New7Wonders.

Along with all this activity, I am glad to report that I have finally had time to start writing a long overdue book, chronicling my personal adventures and the magic New7Wonders journey so far, which I hope to publish in the coming year so you can get even more insight on how and why the New7Wonders movement, empowered by your participation, has become so successful.

So, once again, best wishes for 2013, another wonderful year!

Bernard Weber
Founder-President, New7Wonders

Bernard Weber, Founder-President of New7Wonders, (left) with Maurice Closs, Governor of Misiones, (right), at the unveiling of the plaque listing Iguazu Falls as one of the New7Wonders of Nature.

In the first part of our series reviewing the Official Inauguration celebrations for the New7Wonders of Nature, we visited the Philippines. That trip was followed by a journey to Vietnam, and today we’re on the border of Argentina and Brazil recalling the Official Inauguration of Iguaza Falls. The candidacy of these magnificent displays of falling water was shared by both countries and in late May, the two hosted memorable events to mark the listing of Iguazu Falls as one of the New7Wonders of Nature.

As the New7Wonders airship hovers above the rainforest, the assembled crowds celebrate the inclusion of Iguazu Falls in Global Memory.

Brazil: Accompanied by music and fireworks, the unveiling of a specially-cast commemorative bronze plaque honouring the cross-border achievement took place in Foz do Iguaçu in Paraná state.

Argentina: Young bandoneón player at the official inauguration of Iguazu Falls as one of the New7Wonders of Nature. The bandoneón is a type of concertina particularly popular in Argentina.

Iguazu Falls are an incredible sight as tonnes of water pour over steep cliffs and thunder down in an endless display of nature’s awesome power.

The name “Iguazu” comes from the Guarani or Tupi words meaning “water” and “big”. The cascades produce rainbows and spray that create an unforgettable panorama of sound and vision.

Fireworks fill the Hanoi night sky above My Dinh National Stadium as dragon runners and their cheerleaders take part in the Official Inauguration ceremonies listing Halong Bay as one of the New7Wonders of Nature.

In front of cheering spectators in My Dinh National Stadium in Hanoi, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Thien Nhan thanked the Vietnamese at home and abroad, who had voted for Halong Bay. “I also hope that local authorities and government agencies will increase their efforts to preserve the natural values of the bay in the near future,” he added during the unveiling of the plaque listing Halong Bay as one of the New7Wonders of Nature. Bernard Weber, Founder-President of New7Wonders, praised the people of Vietnam for their commitment to the four-year campaign and urged them to be careful custodians of their Wonder.

The Official Inauguration events in Vietnam were unforgettably happy, vivid and dynamic. New7Wonders is grateful to all those who made them such a success.

Founder-President of New7Wonders, Bernard Weber, (left), with Hoang Tuan Anh, the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, (right) and Nguyen Thien Nhan, Deputy Prime Minister of Vietnam, during the unveiling of the Halong Bay commemorative plaque in Hanoi.

The unveiled New7Wonders of Nature plaque was incorporated into a choral-balletic performance that paid tribute to Vietnam’s history and culture.

The modern face of Vietnam in the form of some of its most popular contemporary performers was also visible during the Official Inauguration ceremonies in Hanoi for Halong Bay.

On 1 May, a very special day in the calendar of Vietnam, the celebrations moved to Halong Bay itself, the place that has become part of Global Memory by being added to the New7Wonders “canon of 7″.

Huge crowds gathered in Halong City, the capital city of Quang Ninh province, to take part in the celebrations marking the listing of the local bay as one of the New7Wonders of Nature.

Against the backdrop of Halong Bay with its boats at anchor, the stage was set for a night of drama, music, colour, fireworks and fun.

The ethnic groups that make up Vietnam’s Quang Ninh province, including the Kinh, Dao, Tay, San Diu and San Chi peoples, took part in the Halong Bay New7Wonders of Nature celebrations.

Groups representing the Nung, Muong, Kh’me, Hre, Hmong, Ede, Co Tu, Gia Rai, Ngai, Xu Dang, Co Ho and Ha Nhi peoples also attended the celebrations in Halong City.

According to an ancient creation story, the Vietnamese people are descended from a dragon, and the symbolic dragon, expressing the folklore and mythology of the country, was a constant motif in the Halong Bay celebrations

For Bernard Weber, Founder-President of New7Wonders, the Official Inauguration ceremonies in Hanoi and Halong City were a confirmation of the success of his global vision.

President Benigno S. Aquino III of the Philippines (left) shares a moment with Bernard Weber, Founder-President of New7Wonders (right), during the Official Inauguration celebrations for the Puerto Princesa Underground River in Manila.

A year of Official Inauguration celebrations for the New7Wonders of Nature began in April in the Philippines with ceremonies in Manila and at the site of the wonder itself, the Puerto Princesa Underground River (PPUR), in Palawan Province. The focal point of each of the two events was the unveiling of a specially-commissioned bronze plaque listing the site in the “canon of 7″ and committing it to Global Memory. Guests of honour at the Official Inauguration events were President Benigno S. Aquino III, Puerto Princesa Mayor Edward Hagedorn and Bernard Weber, Founder-President of New7Wonders

The Official Inauguration events in the Philippines were colourful, joyful and memorable. New7Wonders is grateful to all those who made them such a success.

The inauguration event in Manila was preceded by a traditional Philippine dance ceremony during which the performers made evocative use of light and shadow.

The Manila event also paid tribute to contemporary Philippine culture with a show of song and dance featuring some of the country’s top stars.

“The result of the New7Wonders of Nature vote reveal the active participation of the citizens in their countries and supporters all around the world,” said Bernard Weber, New7Wonders Founder-President, pictured centre-stage in Manila.

The unveiling of the plaque listing the Puerto Princesa Underground River as one of the New7Wonders of Nature was the highlight of the Manila event.

Sustainable development in the form of locally-operated boats beached at the entrance to the Puerto Princesa Underground River (PPUR) in Palawan Province.

Palawan is home to the Kagayanen, Tagbanwa, Palawano, Taaw’t Bato, Molbog and the Batak tribes. The Official Inauguration of the Puerto Princesa Underground River (PPUR) involved the participation of the local indigenous people.

Bernard Weber, Founder-President of New7Wonders, joins a group of guests preparing to enter the Puerto Princesa Underground River (PPUR).

The mouth of the 8.2 km. navigable Puerto Princesa Underground River (PPUR) offers a dramatic contrast of colours and forms.

The subterranean landscape includes major formations of stalactites and stalagmites, and several large chambers filled with the most extraordinary formations.

Light at the end of the tunnel signals that Puerto Princesa Underground River (PPUR) is entering the sea in the form of a lagoon surrounded by ancient trees.

“From the inception of New7Wonders, my goal was to bring inspiration and create motivation and participation on themes that everyone on our planet can understand, themes that have real and lasting value,” Bernard Weber tells the press in Palawan.

Of the people, for the people, by the people… In Puerto Princesa City, people gather to celebrate the Official Inauguration of their underground river as one of the New7Wonders of Nature.

Celebratory poster at a junction in Puerto Princesa featuring Bernard Weber, Founder-President of New7Wonders, Mayor Edward Hagedorn of Puerto Princesa City and Jean-Paul de la Fuente, New7Wonders Director.

In Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, enthusiastic crowds celebrated the Official Inauguration of Halong Bay as one of the New7Wonders of Nature.

Starting here tomorrow, and continuing until the end of the year, we’ll be presenting a review of the New7Wonders of Nature Official Inaugurations ceremonies that took place around the world this year. Our voyage in the coming days will take us from the Philippines to Peru and from Vietnam to South Africa. Along the way, we’ll visit Argentina and Brazil.

This will be a joyful journey filled with images that reflect the pride felt by the custodians of the sites that were elected to the “canon of 7″ by millions of voters following the four-year global campaign which ended on 11 November 2011. The inaugurations, the ceremonies and the sites are now part of Global Memory and available for all to enjoy as part of our natural heritage as celebrated by New7Wonders.

A highlight of each Official Inauguration event is the unveiling of a commemorative bronze plaque. These unique artifacts are made by the Kunstgießerei München, a foundry in the heart of Munich, Germany, where they are cast using a combination of art and craft that dates back to ancient times.

Bernard Weber, Founder-President of New7Wonders (centre), with Hasan Göktepe (left) and Aslan Göktepe (right) of the Kunstgießerei München, inspecting the Puerto Princesa Underground River plaque.

Bernard Weber, Founder-President of New7Wonders, has been involved in all stages of the plaque-making process, from the design to the application of the patina finish. “I felt very privileged to witness a process that humans have been doing for over 4,000 years. It’s just amazing,” he said as he watched the plaques being made.

Our journey begins tomorrow in the Philippines and features images and video from the celebrations that surrounded the unveiling of these plaques in the capital Manila and in Palawan Province, where the Puerto Princesa Underground River (PPUR), one of the New7Wonders of Nature is located. We invite you join the expedition.

Bernard Weber, Founder-President of New7Wonders (left) with Dr David Mabunda, CEO of South Africa National Parks (right), during the unveiling of a memorial plaque in Muckleneuk.

The celebrations marking the Official Inauguration of Table Mountain as one of the New7Wonders of Nature moved to Pretoria, the administrative capital of South Africa, yesterday with the unveiling of a memorial plaque at the headquarters of South African National Parks in Muckleneuk.

Speaking in Muckleneuk, Bernard Weber, Founder-President of New7Wonders, said the inauguration ceremonies marked the culmination of an inspiring campaign of which all South Africans could be proud.

“Table Mountain is the only African site to be named one of the New7Wonders of Nature. It possesses a biodiversity that is exceptionally important, given its proximity to a major city, and offers visitors to South Africa the unique experience to actually walk on top of the mountain and enjoy the most inspiring perspective,” he said.

Dr David Mabunda, CEO of South Africa National Parks, said he looked forward to capitalizing upon the status of Table Mountain as one of the New7Wonders of Nature.

“Table Mountain is a wondrous site and will remain a national park in perpetuity,” he said. “We look forward to showcasing Table Mountain to the world by using this title to our country’s benefit.” Dr Mabunda added that the New7Wonders campaign had touched the lives of South Africans as a symbol of hope, unity and transformation.

Sabine Lehmann, Table Mountain Cableway Managing Director and chairperson of the Table Mountain Official Supporters Committee, expressed her gratitude to all those who had supported the Vote for Table Mountain campaign including Nobel Peace Prize winners Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu.

“I am very grateful to the people of South Africa and the entire African content for making this moment possible,” said Lehmann. “Table Mountain, the sole African representative among the New7Wonders of Nature is exceptional in the way it embraces humanity in an urban environment.”