New7Wonders of the World (2000–2007)

Selection process and organisation

The campaign began with an international call for nominations that produced a longlist of about 200 monuments. That longlist was reduced to a group of finalists before the public voting stage. Voting was carried out worldwide through internet ballots, telephone and SMS, allowing individuals to register choices directly. The initiative was managed by a private foundation based in Zurich; proponents described it as funded through private contributions and media rights rather than public budgets. For more on the concept and background see the project's introduction and the early longlist at the shortlist.

Winners

In the final announcement, seven sites emerged as winners and have since commonly been referred to as the New7Wonders. These sites reflect a variety of cultures and eras and include:

• Great Wall of China
• Petra (Jordan)
• Christ the Redeemer (Brazil)
• Machu Picchu (Peru)
• Chichén Itzá (Mexico)
• Colosseum (Italy)
• Taj Mahal (India)

The declaration in Lisbon was widely reported; the event and its timing are documented in several contemporary accounts and releases by the organisers.

Reception and criticism

The campaign drew substantial global attention and increased visitor interest in many of the nominated sites, but it also provoked criticism. Scholars, cultural organisations and some governments questioned the methodology and whether a popularity contest could substitute for expert assessment. UNESCO and other heritage bodies emphasised that the New7Wonders list was a private, symbolic exercise and did not replace official heritage designations. Critics pointed to unequal access to voting technologies, potential promotional campaigns by participating countries, and concerns about transparency.

Funding, claims and legacy

The foundation stated it operated on private donations and income from media and broadcast arrangements; supporters noted that no public taxpayer funding was solicited. The organisation reported that it recovered little or no surplus from the exercise. For statements on funding and financial outcomes see the foundation's notices about private donations, broadcast rights and advertising, and its summary comments at post-campaign reports. Travel and tourism businesses responded quickly to the list: tour operators and cruise lines highlighted visits to several winners in promotional materials and itineraries.

Notable distinctions

It is important to distinguish the New7Wonders initiative from historical lists of ancient wonders and from formal heritage registers. While the New7Wonders list raised public awareness and stimulated tourism, it remains an informal, privately organised recognition based on popular vote rather than an expert or governmental designation. Further reading and archived materials about the campaign and its stages are available through contemporary coverage and the organisers' releases about the voting, on the foundation and its Swiss base, including the announcement event in Lisbon.