The world’s top tourist attractions – including one right here in South Africa

Machu Picchu in Peru has been named as the World’s Leading Tourist Attraction for 2024.
This is according to the results of the 2024 World Travel Awards, an annual event that was established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all key sectors of the travel, tourism and hospitality industries.
Today, the World Travel Awards brand is recognised globally as the ultimate hallmark of industry excellence.
Looking at this year’s awards, the winner and nominees were:
Machu Picchu, Peru (2024 winner)

Machu Picchu is an ancient Incan city nestled high in the Andes Mountains of Peru.
Known as the “Lost City of the Incas,” it’s renowned for its stunning architecture, intricate stonework, and breathtaking mountaintop location.
This UNESCO World Heritage site offers a glimpse into the advanced civilization of the Inca Empire.
Table Mountain, South Africa
Table Mountain is a flat-topped mountain forming a prominent landmark overlooking the city of Cape Town, South Africa.
It’s a popular tourist destination, offering stunning views of the city and surrounding areas. Visitors can hike to the top or take a cableway for a more convenient ascent.
Burj Khalifa, UAE

The Burj Khalifa is the world’s tallest building, located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
At 828 meters tall, it is described as a stunning architectural marvel, known for its impressive height and luxurious amenities.
Dark Sky Alqueva, Portugal

Dark Sky Alqueva is a designated Dark Sky Reserve in Portugal, renowned for its exceptionally clear night skies.
This region offers prime conditions for stargazing, with minimal light pollution allowing for stunning views of the Milky Way and other celestial objects. It’s a popular destination for astronomers and astrophotographers.
Ferrari World, UAE

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is a Ferrari-branded theme park located on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
It’s home to thrilling rides and attractions inspired by the iconic Ferrari brand, including Formula Rossa, the world’s fastest roller coaster.
Grand Canyon National Park, USA

Grand Canyon National Park is a vast natural wonder located in Arizona, USA.
Known for its immense size and colorful rock formations, the Grand Canyon is one of the most visited national parks in the world.
Visitors can hike, raft, and camp within the park, or simply admire the breathtaking views from the rim.
The Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China is a series of fortifications built over centuries to protect China from invaders.
It’s one of the largest and most impressive engineering feats in human history, stretching thousands of kilometers across the country.
Guinness Storehouse, Ireland

The Guinness Storehouse is a visitor attraction at St. James’s Gate Brewery in Dublin, Ireland.
It offers an immersive experience into the world of Guinness, including its history, brewing process, and a rooftop Gravity Bar with panoramic views of Dublin city.
Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

Ha Long Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Vietnam, renowned for its stunning limestone karsts and emerald waters.
Thousands of islands and islets, many topped with lush vegetation, dot the bay, creating a breathtaking landscape.
Visitors can explore the bay by boat, kayak, or cruise ship, and discover hidden lagoons, caves, and fishing villages.
IMG Worlds of Adventure, UAE

IMG Worlds of Adventure is a massive indoor theme park in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
It features themed zones based on Marvel, Cartoon Network, and dinosaur adventures, offering a variety of rides and attractions for visitors of all ages.
Intramuros, Philippines

Intramuros is a historic walled city located in Manila, Philippines. It served as the capital of the Philippines during Spanish colonial times.
Today, it’s a popular tourist destination, offering visitors a glimpse into the country’s colonial past. The area is filled with historic churches, forts, and museums, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the Philippines.
Las Vegas Strip, USA

The Las Vegas Strip is a famous stretch of road in Nevada, known for its luxurious hotels, casinos, and vibrant nightlife.
It’s a popular tourist destination, offering a wide range of entertainment, from world-class shows to fine dining. Iconic landmarks like the Bellagio Fountains and the High Roller Ferris wheel are major attractions on the Strip.
Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort, USA

Magic Kingdom Park is one of the four theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida.
It’s the original Disney theme park and is known for its iconic Cinderella Castle, classic Disney characters, and thrilling rides and attractions for families and Disney fans of all ages.
Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa, known for its iconic snow-capped peak rising above the African savanna.
It’s a popular destination for climbers and hikers, offering stunning views and diverse ecosystems.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania

Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Tanzania, famous for its diverse wildlife, including the Great Migration of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles.
The Ngorongoro Crater, a massive volcanic caldera, is a major attraction, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and abundant wildlife.
Niagara Falls, Canada

Niagara Falls is a group of waterfalls located on the Niagara River, which flows from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario.
It’s a popular tourist destination, known for its powerful water flow and scenery. The falls straddle the border between the United States and Canada.
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, USA

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is a skyscraper in New York City that offers panoramic views of the city skyline.
It features outdoor observation decks, indoor exhibits, and a unique glass elevator experience.
Taj Mahal, India

The Taj Mahal is a white marble mausoleum located in Agra, India. It was commissioned in 1632 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to house the tomb of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal.
The Taj Mahal is considered one of the greatest architectural achievements in the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
teamLab Planets TOKYO DMM, Japan

teamLab Planets TOKYO DMM is an immersive digital art museum in Tokyo, Japan. It features a series of interactive installations that blend art, science, and technology.
Visitors can walk through large-scale installations, interact with digital art, and experience a unique blend of physical and digital worlds.
The Acropolis of Athens, Greece

The Acropolis of Athens is an ancient citadel located on a rocky hill overlooking the city of Athens, Greece.
It’s home to iconic structures like the Parthenon, a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena. The Acropolis is a symbol of ancient Greek civilization and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, UAE

Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi is a theme park located on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
It features themed lands based on popular Warner Bros. franchises such as DC Comics, Cartoon Network, and Warner Bros. Animation.
Wintjiri Wiru Ayers Rock Resort, Australia

Wintjiri Wiru is a stunning light installation at Ayers Rock Resort in Australia.
It features thousands of illuminated spheres spread across the desert landscape and drones in the sky, creating a mesmerising spectacle, especially at night.
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