Selling the New Seven Wonders of the World

While it’s true that the New Seven Wonders of the World aren’t exactly “new,” they could represent a new approach to selling your clients their next luxurious escorted land vacation. Two thousand years after the ancient seven wonders were defined, the New Seven Wonders of the World are accessible to travelers and represent ideal bucket list destinations for 2018.

In 2017, more than 100 million people voted to declare the New Seven Wonders of the World, all of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites. The contest was staged by the New Seven Wonders Foundation in Switzerland, whose goal is to highlight symbols of unity in the modern world and raise funds for their preservation.

If you haven’t done so before, perhaps it’s time to consider these irreplaceable icons for your latest marketing campaign or shareable content to clients on your social media. Here are some highlights worth passing on:

• Christ the Redeemer Statue in Rio de Janeiro. Since 1931, this art-deco style statue has been watching over Brazilians from atop Corcovado Mountain. An easily recognized icon for Rio and Brazil at large, the statue cost $250,000 to build. A journey by train up to this statue provides stunning views, as well as the history and significance of the monument. Let this “Wonder” be the centerpiece of a South American journey through not only Brazil, but Chile and Argentina where travelers can also marvel at the remarkable Iguassu Falls, taste wine at a Chilean vineyard, or experience life on a ranch in Argentina.

 

• The Colosseum in Rome. Italy has an allure all its own, but if we must remind you, this country’s grand past, romantic cities and, of course, natural and cultural wonders such as The Colosseum in Rome are just a few of many reasons to venture there. Consider a visit to St. Peter’s Basilica or Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, a tour of the Doge’s Palace in nearby Venice, a cruise in Capri, and the wineries of Tuscany.

 

• Taj Mahal in Agra. No doubt the most famous monument ever built for love, this icon of India is breathtaking. A mausoleum commissioned for the wife of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, it took 16 years to build and is considered one of the most flawless examples of Muslim art in India. Journey there and also search for the elusive Bengal tiger on the former royal hunting grounds in Ranthambore, take a stroll through a traditional spice market in the Pink City of Jaipur, or ride a rickshaw through Delhi’s bustling Chandi Chowk market.

 

• Machu Picchu. Built at the peak of the Incan Empire in the mid-1400s, this site remained unknown except to locals until 1911, when it was rediscovered by archaeologist Hiram Bingham. Board the Vistadome train for a visit back in time to this Incan city, while taking in the breathtaking scenery through the windows of its panoramic viewing cars. Visitors there can spend a whole day exploring this ancient fortress and also see a working tea plantation and orchid farm.