It's now official: Table Mountain is a New 7 Wonder of Nature

Table Mountain was, this morning, officially inaugurated as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature at a ceremony held at the foot of the mountain.

City of Cape Town Executive Mayor, Alderman Patricia de Lille, unveiled the New 7 Wonders of Nature plaque at the inauguration ceremony that was also attended by 41 international delegates.

"Table Mountain's inauguration as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature is a worthy recognition of this symbol that we all own and cherish. While it defines our city, it is much greater than that. It is a piece of our natural heritage that belongs to all South Africans and, we believe, the world. I would like to thank everyone who voted for Table Mountain to win this precious accolade," said Mayor De Lille.

"Being listed as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature will bring tremendous direct economic and socio-economic benefits to both Cape Town and South Africa, " Mayor De Lille added.

Bernard Weber, Founder-President of the New 7 Wonders Foundation, said the inauguration marked the culmination of an inspiring campaign of which all South Africans could be proud.

"Table Mountain is not only a spectacular backdrop for Cape Town, one of the most beautiful cities in the world, but also offers visitors the unique experience of walking on top of the mountain and enjoy the most awe-inspiring panoramic views," said Weber.

The global voting process for the New 7 Wonders of Nature closed on 11 November 2011 when the provisional New 7 Wonders sites were announced. The inauguration follows an international audit which confirmed the voting results.

Sabine Lehmann, CEO of the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company and Chairperson of the Table Mountain Official Supporters Committee, said the economic impact of the accolade was already being felt.

"We have had a record number of visitors this November - the best in 10 years," said Lehmann.

The African icon is the sixth site to host its inauguration ceremony following the Puerto Princesa Underground River, the Amazon, Jeju Island, Halong Bay and Iguazu Falls. The seventh site, Komodo Island, will host its inauguration ceremony in 2013.

For more information about Table Mountain's official inauguration as a New 7 Wonder of Nature, please visit www.tablemountain.net or follow @tablemountainca on twitter.

Statement issued by the City of Cape Town, December 2 2012

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