UNESCO to name 2018 sites

It’s not as flashy as the Oscars, but it’s far more culturally important. UNESCO is currently convening in Bahrain to debate which 2018 nominees will be officially given World Heritage status. Some sites have already been given the honor, like the ancient city of Qalhat in Oman — known for its incredible archaeological remains — Al-Ahsa Oasis in Saudi Arabia, and the Thimlich Ohinga archaeological site in Kenya. Nominees whose fate is still up in the air include WWI memorial sites in Belgium and France, and the Prosecco Hills of Italy’s Conegliano and Valdobbiadene regions.

UNESCO meets every year to review new nominees, which must demonstrate “outstanding universal value” to win inclusion. It sounds a little vague, but it’s been working since 1978 when the first list was published. World Heritage status is highly coveted by destinations around the world, as it leads to increased tourism and revenue.

Winners may range from architectural to natural sites. The Caliphate city of Medina Azahara, a collection of vast medieval ruins in Spain, was one of this year’s additions, as well as South Africa’s Barberton Makhonjwa Mountains.

UNESCO is expected to make its final decisions by July 4th.

H/T: CNN Travel

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