Table Mountain is in the running to be named a New7Wonder of Nature, a global election that predicts over 1 billion votes worldwide. South Africa's flat-topped wonder needs to beat 27 other natural sites from around the world such as the Amazon, the Grand Canyon and the Great Barrier Reef to make it into the final seven.
Voting for Table Mountain today means that for thousands of years to come, children will be learning about it as one of the New7Wonders of nature. It will forever have a place in the history books of the world.
"2500 years ago, Herodotus became a tour guide for intrepid Greek travellers. He put his thinking cap on and chose his favourite seven sites. He told the world about his final list and the Seven Wonders of the World were born. Now that was one man who surely did not know it at the time, but it was his list that was to dominate the world's history books. Now, South Africans all have a chance to name the new seven wonders of the natural world in the world's biggest global election," says Sabine Lehmann, chairperson of the Table Mountain Bid Committee.
If Table Mountain is named, South Africa can expect a massive boost in tourism revenue and brand value. Studies have shown that sites participating in the New7Wonders of the man-made world (which were named in 2007) saw an increase of more than US$5 billion (R35 billion) in tourism revenue and brand value.
"South Africans have to make sure that our flat-topped wonder makes it into the final seven. It's a once-in-a lifetime opportunity to create a legacy, an opportunity that we can't ignore - there will never be another election like it. Once the final seven are decided, that's it," says Lehmann.
"If you have ever experienced Table Mountain, ever wanted to climb it, hike it, walk it, or ride it, then tell at least one person to vote for it."
Table Mountain Aerial Cableway, Table Mountain National Park and Cape Town Tourism have formed an official supporting committee to champion the mountain's cause. Table Mountain needs approximately 30 million votes to secure a top seven spot. SMS voting is unlimited, so you can vote as often as you like.
To vote for Table Mountain, SMS "table" to 34874 every Thursday or visit www.votefortablemountain.com or call +44 203 347 0901.
(Images: www.votefortablemountain.com)
