Five years after it opened, the London Eye has been voted the world’s best tourist attraction – beating such legendary landmarks as the Eiffel Tower, Sydney Opera House and the leaning tower of Pisa.
In the Ultimate Destinations poll, commissioned by the snack manufacturer Pringles, some 2,000 people were asked to name their favourite tourist attraction from a list of 11.
According to The Independent, the Eye has attracted more than 18 million visitors since it opened in 2000, and had scooped more than 40 awards for tourism, architecture and engineering.
It welcomed more than 3.7 million visitors in 2003 alone. Elliot Frisby, of Visit Britain, is quoted as saying that the attraction represents the “modern face” of Britain.
He reportedly said: “I think it encapsulates the contemporary side of our attractions. We are known around the world for our history, but the London Eye is a modern monument.
“It is not just the attraction itself but the wonderful views of other London attractions such as the Houses of Parliament and St Paul’s Cathedral that makes it so special.”
Report by Tim Gillett, News From Abroad Ltd
