UNESCO has expanded its World Heritage List with a new collection of cultural and natural treasures, giving travellers fresh reasons to explore destinations steeped in history, faith and nature.
The new inscriptions were approved during the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee, held in Busan, Republic of Korea, from 19 to 29 July. Among the standout additions are Thailand's Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan, Greece's Mount Olympus, France's D-Day Landing Beaches, Japan's Ancient Capitals of Asuka and Fujiwara, and South Sudan's Boma-Badingilo landscape.
Thailand: Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan
Thailand celebrated one of the biggest wins of this year's inscriptions, with Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan in Nakhon Si Thammarat becoming the country's ninth UNESCO World Heritage property and sixth cultural site.
Founded in the eighth century, the monastery has served as a major Buddhist centre for centuries, blending religious and architectural influences from India, Sri Lanka, Java and southern Myanmar. Its traditions, including the annual cloth-wrapping ceremony for the Great Reliquary and the Nora dance drama, have continued for more than 1,500 years.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is already building on the recognition through its year-round "The Twelve Sacred Discoveries Nakhon Si Thammarat: A Journey to World Heritage" campaign, which aims to showcase the province's living Buddhist heritage while encouraging responsible tourism.
TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool said: "TAT will build on this recognition to position Nakhon Si Thammarat as a leading destination for living heritage, where faith, culture and community remain central to the visitor experience. Our focus is to create lasting value through responsible tourism, strengthen local participation and ensure that the significance of Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan is understood, respected and sustained for generations to come."
Greece: Mount Olympus
After a 12-year campaign, Mount Olympus has officially joined the World Heritage List. The mythical home of Zeus and the 12 Olympian gods was recognised as a mixed World Heritage Site for both its cultural significance and exceptional biodiversity.
The designation is expected to raise the mountain's international profile while reinforcing efforts to protect its rare wildlife and landscapes as visitor interest grows.
France: D-day landing beaches
France's D-day landing beaches in Normandy were inscribed as a cultural landscape in recognition of their enduring historical significance. The 80-kilometre coastline was the site of the Allied landings on 6 June 1944, one of the defining events of the Second World War.
UNESCO said the beaches represent an "exceptional cultural landscape" shaped by both the events of 1944 and their continuing remembrance.
Japan: Asuka and Fujiwara
Japan's ancient capitals of Asuka and Fujiwara also secured UNESCO recognition. The archaeological sites offer a glimpse into the country's earliest planned capitals and highlight the political, cultural and architectural foundations of the Japanese state.
The inscription adds another major cultural attraction for travellers exploring Japan beyond its modern cities.
South Sudan: Boma-Badingilo migratory landscape
South Sudan celebrated its first-ever World Heritage Site with the inscription of the Boma-Badingilo migratory landscape.
The vast protected area is home to one of the world's largest land mammal migrations, earning global recognition for its outstanding natural value while putting the country's conservation efforts and wildlife tourism potential on the international stage.