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HAVANA, June 8 (Xinhua) -- Havana on Tuesday was officially inaugurated as one of the world's seven wonder cities by the Swiss foundation New7Wonders.
In steady rain, a monument and memorial plaque were unveiled at the entrance of Havana Bay in recognition of the city's efforts to preserve its historical sites.
The Caribbean city has experienced a tourist boom over the past two years, and the new status is widely expected to add steam to the trend.
Havana, the largest Cuban city known for its old architecture and beach scenes, was named a wonder city in 2014 out of a global poll arranged by New7Wonders.
"The Cuban people, the expats, lovers of this city and tourists who love Cuba and Havana are those who voted very strongly," Bernard Weber, president and founder of the Swiss organization, told Xinhua.
The other six cities are La Paz (Bolivia), Doha (Qatar), Durban (South Africa), Beirut (Lebanon), Vigan (the Philippines) and Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia).
"We knew and had a deep conviction that the city is wonderful, but for other people to see it that way and reach consensus to consider it as such is really very important," said Eusebio Leal, a historian of the city.
Leal, who leads the architectural and patrimonial conservation of the city's Old Town, said the award was a recognition of those who have worked hard to revitalize Havana's center.
The competition began in 2011, and after seven selections, the panel of New7Wonders experts announced the verdict in December 2014.
The Swiss foundation said it took into consideration cities that best represent the achievements and aspirations of the global urban society, have potential for sustainable growth and to leave a historical legacy in the future.
