The Alamo now an official World Heritage site
The Alamo has made the cut in a new designation of World Heritage sites by the United Nations.
The San Antonio Missions, including the Alamo, site of the iconic 1836 stand-off between Texas settlers and the Mexican Army, becomes the 23rd UNESCO World Heritage site in the US, joining the likes of Yellowstone National Park, and the Grand Canyon.
UNESCO described The Missions as "an example of the interweaving of Spanish and Coahuiltecan cultures, illustrated by a variety of features, including the decorative elements of churches, which combine Catholic symbols with indigenous designs inspired by nature".
The designation has been welcomed by tourism leaders and city officials, who envisage a major boost in local tourism.
"San Antonio has grown to become the nation’s seventh-largest city while preserving the iconic history upon which it was built," said Casandra Matej, Executive Director of the San Antonio Convention & Visitors Bureau.
"Treasures like The Missions set us apart as an authentic destination, and now with World Heritage status, we are provided a tremendous opportunity to bring even more awareness, visitors and business to our city."
The city said it expects an economic boost of up to $105 million, adding 1,100 newly created jobs over the next decade.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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