Weddings, honeymoons and family reunions weren’t the only milestones to be delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The annual United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Committee meeting — during which committee members select the cultural and natural sites to be added to the World Heritage List — also took a hiatus in 2020.
The delay resulted in a large batch of new sites added to the UNESCO World Heritage List for 2021, which was released last July during the extended 44th session of the committee (held virtually). Of the 39 nominations evaluated (for both 2020 and 2021 combined), 29 cultural and five natural properties were chosen to join the more than 1,121 sites that were already on UNESCO’s list.
These 34 new additions, which were selected because of their “outstanding universal value and [ability to] meet at least one out of 10 selection criteria” will undoubtedly crop up on vacation itineraries and traveler bucket lists in the months to come. And no matter the client, there’s likely a new UNESCO site that pairs perfectly with their interests.
Bookmark these top picks for new UNESCO sites to visit in 2022 and beyond.
The 11 Great Spa Towns of Europe are all near natural springs.
Credit: 2021 The Great Spa Towns of EuropeThe Great Spa Towns of Europe
The Destination for Wellness Seekers
Wellness seekers and spa mavens will want to add The Great Spa Towns of Europe to their travel bucket list.
Cumulatively representing just one new UNESCO entry, this transnational World Heritage Site spans 11 towns across seven European countries. Dubbed “The Great Spa Towns of Europe,” the cities, in alphabetical order (by country) are: Baden bei Wien, Austria; Spa, Belgium; Frantiskovy Lazne, Karlovy Vary and Marianske Lazne, the Czech Republic; Vichy, France; Bad Ems, Baden-Baden and Bad Kissingen, Germany; Montecatini Terme, Italy; and Bath, England.
According to UNESCO, each of these wellness meccas — all located around natural springs — were influential in paving the way for the rise of European spa culture between 1700 and 1930.
“Europe’s spa towns are incredible places where the spa tradition built up around the healing mineral waters at their centers,” said Paul Simons, general secretary for the Great Spa Towns of Europe. “The mineral waters are very much still part of a continuing tradition in all the towns, and are used for bathing, drinking and inhalation cures, as well as for leisure and relaxation.”
In addition to providing a recreational environment in which visitors and residents could socialize and recharge, the destinations were instrumental in helping close the gap between the aristocracy and a growing middle class by providing an accessible, therapeutic environment that promotes mental and physical well-being.
However, if clients choose to spend their vacations in the towns, they will find a fair number of non-spa attractions, as well.
“In the past, spa guests who took the cure for weeks or months at a time needed ‘diversions,’ and so theaters, concert halls, opera houses, art galleries and sporting venues — such as race courses and tennis courts — are found in all of the towns,” Simons said. “Post-pandemic, visitors are looking for a slower, more mindful pace of life, for cultural activities that lift the spirits and for breathing space and less-crowded areas.”
What Makes It a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
This entry represents a significant interchange of human values, and showcases innovative developments in town-planning (which satisfies UNESCO’s Criteria II). The towns are also an “exceptional testimony” to a cultural tradition that continues to this day (Criteria III).
The mineral waters are very much still part of a continuing tradition in all the towns, and are used for bathing, drinking and inhalation cures, as well as for leisure and relaxation.
Know Before You Go
For clients’ ultimate relaxation, travel advisors should book these spa destinations individually — and not necessarily strung together in one all-encompassing itinerary.
“Something to bear in mind is that visiting this particular World Heritage Site in its entirety will involve some dedication, as the towns are in seven different countries, and spread over a large geographical area,” Simons said. “We would not recommend visiting them all in one trip, as this would not be at all relaxing, and we want visitors to the Great Spa towns of Europe to enjoy a restful visit.”
Sitio Roberto Burle Marx showcases several modern gardening techniques.
Credit: 2021 Iphan-SRBMSitio Roberto Burle Marx, Brazil
The Destination for Art and Design Lovers
If clients are into art and design, they should consider the gardens at Sitio Roberto Burle Marx as a travel must-do. to In 1949, landscape architect and artist Roberto Burle Marx set out on a mission to develop a “living work of art” and a “landscape laboratory.” Over the next 40 years, he created an expansive garden just west of Rio de Janeiro in the mountainous Barra de Guaratiba district of Brazil. The finished garden features 3,500 species of tropical and subtropical plants, and, as of this year, represents the first modern tropical garden to be added to the World Heritage List. According to UNESCO, Marx’s garden represents an early version of today’s modern garden, featuring popular landscape design elements such as curved pathways, dramatic color contrasts, the use of tropical plants, mass-planting techniques and architectural plant arrangements.
What Makes It a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
This garden highlights unique developments in landscape design (fulfilling UNESCO’s Criteria II) and is an outstanding example of a landscape that is significant to the development of today’s modern gardening techniques (Criteria IV).
Know Before You Go
Both individual and group visitors to the garden can make reservations in advance for 90-minute walking tours of the complex, which include a tour of the home where Marx lived during the garden’s creation. The price of admission is about $2 per person (cash only); children 5 and under can enter for free, and seniors (age 60 and above) and students receive a 50% discount.
Chankillo Archaeoastronomical Complex in Peru dates back to 250 B.C.
Credit: 2021 PromperuChankillo Archaeoastronomical Complex, Peru
The Destination for Astronomers
Dating back to 250-200 B.C., the Chankillo Archaeoastronomical Complex in Peru’s Casma Valley once functioned as a solar calendar, and now may be the oldest astronomical observatory in the Americas — reason alone to add it to your clients' bucket lists.
The complex includes multiple attractions: The Fortified Temple (a hilltop complex); two building complexes (the Observatory and the Administrative Center); a series of 13 towers along a hill ridge that allows for observation of the rising and setting positions of the sun; and the Cerro Mucho Malo mountain.
Although the site was only in use for a short time before being abandoned, it is an impressive representation of early astronomical development and innovation in the Americas. In fact, this method of observing the skies was extremely accurate at the time it was used — ancient time-tellers were able to mark the winter and summer solstices, the equinoxes and every date within a calendar year with a strikingly accurate precision point of one to two days.
“We are very excited about each achievement of our country and that our archaeological sites are recognized by institutions such as UNESCO and as a World Heritage Site,” said Amora Carbajal, executive director of Promperu, the official tourism board for Peru. “These are important steps to develop responsible tourism around our historic sites, preserve them properly and educate visitors about their importance to our culture and society.”
These are important steps to develop responsible tourism around our historic sites, preserve them properly and educate visitors about their importance to our culture and society.
What Makes It a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Not only does this site represent “a masterpiece of human creative genius” (meeting the organization’s Criteria I), but its solar calendar is also an example of a technological ensemble that proved to be innovative for human development (Criteria IV).
Know Before You Go
Chankillo is still relatively under-the-radar for international tourists, but a stop here can be incorporated with several other historic and cultural attractions in Peru, according to Carbajal.
“The best route that exists to visit Chankillo is going through the road from Lima to Huaraz,” she said. “Stopping in this area will greatly enrich the cultural experience of visitors, especially if they visit [the] Ancash [region] next, and Chavin (also a UNESCO World Heritage Site), which is a very emblematic of pre-Inca culture.”
Inscriptions at Hima Cultural Area depict what life was like some 7,000 years ago.
Credit: 2021 Heritage CommissionHima Cultural Area, Saudi Arabia
The Destination for History Buffs
History buffs and wannabe archaeologists should make time for a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the well-preserved collection of rock art images found at Hima Cultural Area, which is located on an ancient Arabian Peninsula caravan route in southwest Saudi Arabia. The new UNESCO Site makes up one of the largest rock art complexes in the world, and its images and petroglyphs depict what life was like for those in the area beginning some 7,000 years ago through to the 20th century. Much of the artwork is still in prime condition, and inscriptions are written in a variety of different languages, including Greek; Arabic; the ancient Arabic languages Thamudic and Musnad; and South Arabian. Adding to its allure? The attraction is located on the oldest-known toll station on an ancient desert caravan route, and its 3,000-year-old wells are still producing fresh water to this day.
“Saudi Arabia’s Hima Cultural Area is an adventure for the wannabe Marion Ravenwood or Indiana Jones,” said travel advisor Rani Cheema, owner of Cheema’s Travel. “[The destination] is incredibly tricky for U.S. travelers, but in my opinion, to make the effort to see something that’s older than almost anything you will ever see in your lifetime would be very well worth it.”
[The destination] is incredibly tricky for U.S. travelers, but in my opinion, to make the effort to see something that’s older than almost anything you will ever see in your lifetime would be very well worth it.
What Makes It a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
This site gives a compelling testimony to a cultural tradition (and civilization) that has long disappeared, which satisfies Criteria III.
Know Before You Go
Hima Cultural Area is the sixth UNESCO World Heritage Site for Saudi Arabia. The destination may soon be stepping into the tourism spotlight; recently, it was announced as the host for the 22nd World Travel & Tourism Council Global Summit in late 2022. Visiting this site prior to this country’s potential tourism spike may provide a quieter, less-crowded experience.
A Mangrove in Amami-Oshima Island
Credit: 2021 OCVB/KPVBAmami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, the Northern part of Okinawa Island and Iriomote Island, Japan
The Destination for Nature and Wildlife Lovers
For a UNESCO World Heritage Site rich in biodiversity, look no further than southern Japan’s Amami-Oshima, Tokunoshima, (northern) Okinawa and Iriomote islands, all of which were newly inscribed by UNESCO this year.
The islands are home to many native and endangered species. Within an area of 165 square miles are 1,819 vascular plants, 21 terrestrial mammals, 394 bird species, 21 amphibians, 36 terrestrial reptiles and 267 inland fish, including endemic species such as the Amami rabbit, the Okinawa rail and the Iriomote cat.
Kay Allen, communications manager for the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) in Los Angeles, calls these islands a “paradise.”
“These islands feature some amazing biodiversity and endemic species that cannot be found anywhere else on Earth,” she said. “Getting to come face to face with such rare and amazing flora and fauna is exciting, and the stunningly lush natural scenery and clear waters don’t hurt, either.”
Getting to come face to face with such rare and amazing flora and fauna is exciting, and the stunningly lush natural scenery and clear waters don’t hurt, either.
However, she said it is imperative for visitors to use professional guides when traveling to the site.
“The most important thing to keep in mind is that these islands have delicate ecosystems that locals and conservationists work tirelessly to protect, so utilizing professional island guides and being respectful of the natural environment is key,” Allen said.
What Makes It a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
This addition to the list meets Criteria X, as the islands provide “an important and significant natural habitat for conservation of biological diversity.”
Know Before You Go
Getting access to the islands is relatively easy for travelers via domestic flights available from Kagoshima to Amami-Oshima and Tokunoshima, Allen says. Additionally, Iriomote is accessible by ferry from nearby Ishigaki Island, which can be reached by plane from most major airports in Japan.
Muslim and Christian communities co-exist peacefully in As-Salt, Jordan.
Credit: 2021 Jordan Tourism BoardAs-Salt, Jordan
The Destination for Social Advocates
Over the past couple of years, tourism leaders have become increasingly vocal in their desire to push for a more socially inclusive, tolerant tourism landscape as we recover from the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic.
And if there’s one destination we all could learn from, it’s As-Salt, a city in west-central Jordan that represents a prime example of the early wave of hospitality and cultural fusion between the East and the West.
According to Omar Banihani, marketing manager for North America for The Jordan Tourism Board, As-Salt is known as “the most charming city in Jordan.”
“As-Salt has a unique place in every Jordanian’s heart, as it encompasses what Jordan is all about … (it’s) an authentic society based on affection, brotherhood and love,” he said.
As-Salt has a unique place in every Jordanian’s heart, as it encompasses what Jordan is all about … (it’s) an authentic society based on affection, brotherhood and love.
The city is perched on three adjacent hills and features 650 historic buildings, along with a distinctive layout that intertwines residential districts with public spaces. As-Salt is home to large Muslim and Christian communities, and the lack of physical segregation between these groups built the foundation for a lasting tolerance between its people, and ultimately contributed to the destination’s position as a thriving trade stop between the 1860s and 1920s.
According to UNESCO, the two communities developed shared “traditions of hospitality” in both their use of madafas (guesthouses, also known as dawaween) and a social welfare system called Takaful Ijtimai.
What Makes It a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
This city showcases an important interchange of human values — including tolerance and hospitality (meeting UNESCO’s Criteria II), while also paying homage to the way of life for the civilizations who lived there (Criteria III).
Know Before You Go
In addition to marveling at the architecture within the city, Banihani encourages clients to visit the As-Salt Archaeological Museum within the city’s commercial center, as well as the city’s folklore museum. He also suggests touring the Religious Harmony Trail (which showcases the mosques and churches existing in interreligious harmony within one neighborhood) and Al-Hammam Street, a bustling pedestrian corridor that meanders through the hillside.
“As-Salt has always been a great place to visit,” Banihani said. “Now, with the UNESCO recognition, we hope that more visitors can enjoy what the city has to offer.”
Clients can stroll the world-famous Promenade des Anglais in Nice.
Credit: 2021 Otm Hugues LagardeNice, France
The Destination for Snowbirds
Paris has long been a common bucket-list destination for U.S. travelers to France, so it's no surprise that the French city of Nice, the capital of France’s Cote d’Azur, made it onto UNESCO's List this year. It was a favorite winter destination of the British and Russian aristocracies.
Dubbed a “Winter Resort Town of the Riviera,” Nice is located on the Mediterranean Sea at the foot of the Alps, near France’s border with Italy. Because of its pleasing climate and coastal location, the town has long been a haven for sun-seekers looking for respite during the colder months.
“We were very happy that this beautiful Cote d’Azur capital, that is smack on the Mediterranean coast, has been recognized by UNESCO as a winter resort,” said Anne-Laure Tuncer, USA director of Atout France, France Tourism Development Agency. “It is not only a winter resort … but a year-round one. The city and its weather make it so versatile.”
If clients do decide to visit in winter, Tuncer has several suggestions. She recommends strolling the world-renowned Promenade des Anglais; visiting the city’s Old Town; skiing in the lower Alps (just a two-hour-drive away); or heading to the Roman ruins (in Nice’s Cimiez neighborhood). Wintertime visitors should also note that Nice’s famous carnival takes place next year from Feb. 11-27, 2022.
What Makes It a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
This city in the French Riviera has long been a prime example of advanced development in town-planning as it developed into a cosmopolitan winter resort destination for the world (satisfying UNESCO’s Criteria II).
Know Before You Go
The Nice Cote d’Azur Convention & Visitors Bureau has a section of its website exclusively for travel advisors. There, agents will find sections on booking groups to the destination, working with tour operators, a multimedia library with royalty-free marketing assets and more. Consider gifting clients a French Riviera Pass, which is available for 24-, 48- and 72-hour visits to the destination and offers visitors access to many of the city’s sites and museums, along with discounted rates in shops, restaurants and artists’ studios. According to Tuncer, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines and the business class-only French boutique airline La Compagnie will resume seasonal nonstop flights to Nice from New York (John F. Kennedy International Airport for Delta, and Newark Liberty International Airport for La Compagnie and United Airlines) beginning next spring.
UNESCO’s Push for Diversity in World Heritage Sites
In 1994, UNESCO launched its Global Strategy for a Representative, Balanced and Credible World Heritage List, with the aim of ensuring “that the list reflects the world’s cultural and natural diversity of outstanding universal value.” Back then, among the 410 properties listed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, the majority were in developed regions of the world (most notably, in Europe).
Thirty-nine new countries have since been ratified by the World Heritage Convention — many from smaller Pacific Island States, Eastern Europe, Africa and Arab States — but the organization still has a long way to go: Forty-seven percent of UNESCO World Heritage sites are located in Europe and North America, and 24% are located in Asia and the Pacific. Following these are Latin America (with 13%), Africa (8%) and Arab States (8%).
“If you look at the top five countries with the most UNESCO World Heritage sites, four of them are European,” said travel advisor Rani Cheema, founder of Cheema’s Travel. “Italy is No. 1, and China is close behind at No. 2, with two fewer sites than Italy. Of the top 32 countries [with the most World Heritage sites], 22 of them are countries that are predominately white. The vast continent of Africa — aka the cradle of man, and the second-largest continent on Earth — only has South Africa in the top 32 [countries with the most sites].”
Cheema is noted for her knowledge of UNESCO World Heritage sites on her Tzell Travel Group advisor profile. When reviewing this year’s selections, she said she was “ecstatic” to see some non-Anglo sites make the list for 2021, including Cote d’Ivoire’s Sudanese-style mosques, and Gabon’s Ivindo National Park in Africa, and encourages travel advisors to recommend these sites to their clients.
“I hope these sites encourage more travelers to expand their views on this glorious continent,” she said. “Africa is a magical land that is more than South Africa, Kenya and Egypt. So much of Africa has been destroyed or taken by colonists — and those who kidnapped and trafficked Africans around the world — so to have something this special, this unique and this old, warrants us to drop everything and head [there]. We are always taught about European history, but never about places like these.”
