In this article, we are going to discuss the 10 must-see UNESCO world heritage sites. If you want to check out our detailed analysis of the global tourism industry, the largest travel company in the world, and the need for sustainable tourism, head to 30 Must-See UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
10. Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Insider Monkey Score: 5
The Great Barrier Reef makes up about 10% of the world’s coral reef ecosystems, and is one of the best-known and most complex natural systems on Earth. The Reef is also an economic powerhouse, contributing more than $6.4 billion each year to the Australian economy and around 64,000 full-time jobs.
9. Chichén Itzá, Mexico
Insider Monkey Score: 5
In ancient, pre-Columbian times, Chichén Itzá was a vibrant city with a diverse population of Mayan people extending well into the tens of thousands. Today, the site is home to the remnants of many ancient Mayan structures, including the famed El Castillo pyramid that dominates the site’s center.
8. Easter Island, Chile
Insider Monkey Score: 6
The Easter Island’s mysterious moai statues stand in silence but speak volumes about the achievements of their creators. The stone blocks, carved into head-and-torso figures, average 13 feet (4 meters) tall and 14 tons.
Tourism is the main source of income for the island, with its economy dependent on 89% of income from services, 6% from industry, and 5% from agriculture.
7. Acropolis, Athens, Greece
Insider Monkey Score: 6
This ancient citadel dominates Athens as it holds the remnants of buildings that had major historic importance. Highlighted by the Parthenon, the Acropolis is one of the most significant UNESCO world heritage sites in the world.
6. Historic Center of Rome, Italy
Insider Monkey Score: 6
Brimming with ancient history, from the Colosseum to the Pantheon, Rome is also home to the Vatican and its wonderful museums. Because of its rich history, architecture, beauty, and perhaps also its pasta and gelato, The Eternal City is among the top 10 UNESCO world heritage sites.
5. Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Insider Monkey Score: 8
Angkor Wat is the world’s largest religious monument and contains impressive remains from the 9th – 15th century Khmer Empire. Hosting more than two million visitors a year, this artistic masterpiece is one of the most-visited world heritage sites in the world.
4. Petra, Jordan
Insider Monkey Score: 8
Petra is filled with spectacular tombs, monuments, and houses that were carved into the sandstone cliffs. These elaborate structures were chiseled by hand out of the rose-red rocks, then covered with stucco and painted bright colors.
As Jordan’s largest private sector employer, the tourism sector is an important driver of the national economy and accounts for 14% of the country’s GDP.
3. Pyramids of Giza, Egypt
Insider Monkey Score: 8
The Giza Pyramids, built to endure an eternity, have done just that. The monumental tombs are relics of Egypt’s Old Kingdom era and were constructed some 4,500 years ago.
Egypt’s National Tourism Strategy, launched in November 2022, aims to attract 30 million tourists to the country by 2028, increasing arrivals by 25-30% annually. The strategy targets a threefold increase in seat capacity on flights in collaboration with the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
2. Machu Picchu, Peru
Insider Monkey Score: 9
Tucked away in the rocky countryside northwest of Cuzco, Machu Picchu is believed to have been a royal estate or sacred religious site for Inca leaders, whose civilization was virtually wiped out by Spanish invaders in the 16th century.
Machu Picchu counts among the Top 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
1. Taj Mahal, India
Insider Monkey Score: 10
The Taj Mahal is widely considered one of the most beautiful buildings ever created. The exquisite marble structure in Agra is a mausoleum, an enduring monument to the love of a husband for his favorite wife. It’s also an eternal testament to the artistic and scientific accomplishments of a wealthy empire.
Embracing a positive outlook towards tourism, India welcomes 100% FDI in the tourism industry under the automatic route. Additionally, 100% FDI is permitted for tourism construction projects, including the development of exquisite hotels, resorts, and unparalleled recreational facilities.
Taj Mahal is the #1 UNESCO World Heritage Site in our list.
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