Section 10: famous world icons and attractions
The difference between a tourist attraction and an icon
Tourist attraction: attraction that causes tourists to visit
Icon: a significant feature of country that makes it famous all over the world, has
value to human race due to its unique characterises, know and recognised easily.
Why is it an icon?
• Tourist are interested in way it was created. UNESCO World Heritage Site –
• Give people a sense of belonging
• Ability to withstand destruction
• The tragedy that led to its creation
Australian icons
Sydney Opera House
Location: Sydney, Australia
Why is it an icon?
Shores Sydney harbour
Unique modern design
Roof looks like sails in wind, covered in
white tiles
Description:
• Busiest performing arts centres
• 1500 performance/year Ayers Rock
• Venuses for conferences and ceremonies
Ayers Rock Sydney Opera House
Location: Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
Why is it an icon?
Gigantic free-standing rock formation-
monolith
Know by locals- Uluru
Sacred Aboriginal site + traditional
paintings on lower walls and caves
Description:
• Red in colour, changes shade according to
light of day.
• People are not allowed to climb it.
1
, Chichen Itza
South American icon
Macho Picchu
Chichen Itza
Christ the Redeemer
Location: Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico
Why is it an icon?
Archaeological site built by Mayan civilisation
In English ‘at the mouth of the well of the
Itza’
Abandoned in year 1200, human sacrifices
here
Description:
• Many fine stone buildings in complexes
• Natural sinkholes providing water (cenotes)
Machu Picchu
Location: Cusco Region, Peru
Why is it an icon?
Referred to as ‘Lost City of the Incas’
Remains of Inca temples, parks, sanctuaries,
residential area.
Religious sacred site, great spiritual and cultural
significance to Peruvians.
Description:
• Said to be built for Inca emperor Pachacuti
• In a cloud forest
• Is the end of hiking trail- ‘Inca Trail’
Statue of Christ the Redeemer
Location: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Why is it an icon?
On peak of Corcovado Mountain
5th largest statue of Jesus
Made reinforced concrete + soapstone
Description:
• Open arms – peace
• Access- walkways, escalators, elevators
• Bc statue is exposed to high winds + bad weather, needs regular repairs.
2
, Niagara Falls
North America icons Statue of Liberty
Grand Canyon
Niagara Falls
Location: Ontario, Canada/ New York sates, USA
Why is it an icon?
Collective name of 3 waterfalls boarding
Canada and New York
On Niagara river
Daredevils and movies preform here
Description:
• Boat cruises, aerial views, viewing decks
The Grand Canyon
Location: Arizona, USA
Why is it an icon?
Largest canyon in world
Different rock layers, change colour according to
day light.
Description:
• Adventure + eco-tourists (3m)
• Colorado River flows through
• In canyon is Grand Canyon National Park
• 3 visitor centres
The Statue of Liberty
Location: Liberty islands, New York City
Why is it an icon?
Designed by a French sculptor Frederic Bartholdi
46m
Upper New York Bay on Liberty island
Description:
• Originally called ‘Liberty Enlightening the World’
• Gift to America from France, unveiled in 1886
• Symbol- freedom
3
The difference between a tourist attraction and an icon
Tourist attraction: attraction that causes tourists to visit
Icon: a significant feature of country that makes it famous all over the world, has
value to human race due to its unique characterises, know and recognised easily.
Why is it an icon?
• Tourist are interested in way it was created. UNESCO World Heritage Site –
• Give people a sense of belonging
• Ability to withstand destruction
• The tragedy that led to its creation
Australian icons
Sydney Opera House
Location: Sydney, Australia
Why is it an icon?
Shores Sydney harbour
Unique modern design
Roof looks like sails in wind, covered in
white tiles
Description:
• Busiest performing arts centres
• 1500 performance/year Ayers Rock
• Venuses for conferences and ceremonies
Ayers Rock Sydney Opera House
Location: Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
Why is it an icon?
Gigantic free-standing rock formation-
monolith
Know by locals- Uluru
Sacred Aboriginal site + traditional
paintings on lower walls and caves
Description:
• Red in colour, changes shade according to
light of day.
• People are not allowed to climb it.
1
, Chichen Itza
South American icon
Macho Picchu
Chichen Itza
Christ the Redeemer
Location: Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico
Why is it an icon?
Archaeological site built by Mayan civilisation
In English ‘at the mouth of the well of the
Itza’
Abandoned in year 1200, human sacrifices
here
Description:
• Many fine stone buildings in complexes
• Natural sinkholes providing water (cenotes)
Machu Picchu
Location: Cusco Region, Peru
Why is it an icon?
Referred to as ‘Lost City of the Incas’
Remains of Inca temples, parks, sanctuaries,
residential area.
Religious sacred site, great spiritual and cultural
significance to Peruvians.
Description:
• Said to be built for Inca emperor Pachacuti
• In a cloud forest
• Is the end of hiking trail- ‘Inca Trail’
Statue of Christ the Redeemer
Location: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Why is it an icon?
On peak of Corcovado Mountain
5th largest statue of Jesus
Made reinforced concrete + soapstone
Description:
• Open arms – peace
• Access- walkways, escalators, elevators
• Bc statue is exposed to high winds + bad weather, needs regular repairs.
2
, Niagara Falls
North America icons Statue of Liberty
Grand Canyon
Niagara Falls
Location: Ontario, Canada/ New York sates, USA
Why is it an icon?
Collective name of 3 waterfalls boarding
Canada and New York
On Niagara river
Daredevils and movies preform here
Description:
• Boat cruises, aerial views, viewing decks
The Grand Canyon
Location: Arizona, USA
Why is it an icon?
Largest canyon in world
Different rock layers, change colour according to
day light.
Description:
• Adventure + eco-tourists (3m)
• Colorado River flows through
• In canyon is Grand Canyon National Park
• 3 visitor centres
The Statue of Liberty
Location: Liberty islands, New York City
Why is it an icon?
Designed by a French sculptor Frederic Bartholdi
46m
Upper New York Bay on Liberty island
Description:
• Originally called ‘Liberty Enlightening the World’
• Gift to America from France, unveiled in 1886
• Symbol- freedom
3
