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Cuban capital makes New7Wonders list

Reporter: Michael Voss 丨 CCTV.com

06-09-2016 09:36 BJT

Cuba's capital Havana has become the place for celebrities and VIPs to be seen in. So far this year, the city has played host to US President Obama, the Rolling Stones, the Kardashians and a fashion show by top models for Chanel. And this week at an inauguration ceremony, Havana was officially named one of the New Seven Wonders Cities of the World.

 Image taken on March 24, 2012 shows a kid playing baseball in a sports center in Havana city, Cuba. Havana was officially inaugurated on June 7, 2016 as one of the world

Image taken on March 24, 2012 shows a kid playing baseball in a sports center in Havana city, Cuba. Havana was officially inaugurated on June 7, 2016 as one of the world's seven wonder cities by the Swiss foundation New7Wonders. (Xinhua/David de la Paz)

It was a wet windswept evening but that didn't deter senior communist party and local government officials from joining the unveiling of a waterfront monument, proclaiming Havana one of the new seven wonder cities of the world. 

This was based on an online and telephone voting campaign organized by the Swiss based foundation New7Wonders. Havana was one of almost four thousand cities to enter the competition.

"It signifies and reaffirms what we always knew; Havana is a wonderful place, which we treasure," President of Havana Council Marta Hernandez said.

The city of Havana was founded by the Spanish almost 500 years ago in 1519. Much of colonial old Havana has been restored and is one of the major tourist attractions.

The competition winners, though, are an unusual mix. London, Paris and New York don't make the cut, while Doha, Beirut and Kuala Lumpur do.

"In our election campaign, it's like in the real world, it's not necessarily the best who wins but the one who can motivate its voters and Cuba was very successful in sending votes and motivating their expats and tourists to vote for La Havana as their wonder city," President of New7Wonder Foundation Bernard Weber said.

This latest endorsement of the unique nature of Havana is likely to provide yet another boost to the tourist trade. But this is a city which is already struggling to cope with the growing number of visitors.

Cuba saw a surge in tourists after mending relations with the United States. Three and a half million visitors came last year, a 17 percent increase over the year before. Hotels have doubled their prices while the best private restaurants need booking days, if not weeks, in advance.

Now they wonder, how many more will come.

Image taken on March 24, 2012 shows a couple watching the sunset in the pier of Havana city, Cuba. Havana was officially inaugurated on June 7, 2016 as one of the world

Image taken on March 24, 2012 shows a couple watching the sunset in the pier of Havana city, Cuba. Havana was officially inaugurated on June 7, 2016 as one of the world's seven wonder cities by the Swiss foundation New7Wonders. (Xinhua/David de la Paz)

Image taken on May 1, 2016 shows students watching the parade of the International Labor Day at the Revolution Square of Havana city, Cuba. Havana was officially inaugurated on June 7, 2016 as one of the world

Image taken on May 1, 2016 shows students watching the parade of the International Labor Day at the Revolution Square of Havana city, Cuba. Havana was officially inaugurated on June 7, 2016 as one of the world's seven wonder cities by the Swiss foundation New7Wonders. (Xinhua/Liu Bin)

 Image taken on July 19, 2015 shows people traveling in an old car in Havana city, Cuba. Havana was officially inaugurated on June 7, 2016 as one of the world

Image taken on July 19, 2015 shows people traveling in an old car in Havana city, Cuba. Havana was officially inaugurated on June 7, 2016 as one of the world's seven wonder cities by the Swiss foundation New7Wonders. (Xinhua/Liu Bin)

Image taken on April 18, 2014, shows a woman walking in a street in the Old Havana, in Havana city, Cuba. Havana was officially inaugurated on June 7, 2016 as one of the world

Image taken on April 18, 2014, shows a woman walking in a street in the Old Havana, in Havana city, Cuba. Havana was officially inaugurated on June 7, 2016 as one of the world's seven wonder cities by the Swiss foundation New7Wonders. (Xinhua/David de la Paz)

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