Community Corner

Public Urged to Vote Balboa Island 8th Wonder of the World

Visit Newport Beach says visitors from around the world enjoy the charm of Balboa Island. Voting for the seaside village continues through Sept. 30.

Balboa Island has attracted visitors from around the globe, and it's seaside charm could make it the 8th Wonder of the World.

Visit Newport Beach, the city's marketing group, announced Tuesday that it nominated Balboa Island for VirtualTourist.com’s contest to crown the 8th Wonder of the World. Officials said Balboa Island would be an excellent choice because it's "a slice of nautical Americana."

“Balboa Island is a quaint coastal community that combines the hip energy of the Southern California vibe with a relaxing atmosphere and feeling of tranquility only found in some of the most remote beaches in the world," Vicki Higgins, the executive vice-president and chief marketing officer of Visit Newport Beach, said in a released statement. "Visitors from across the globe come to Newport Beach to experience the charm that Balboa Island offers."

Balboa Island boasts scenic waterfront views, more than two miles of coastline, 
boutique shopping, ferry rides, famous frozen bananas and much more. But there is some stiff competition vying for the title of the 8th Wonder of the World.

More than 200 places worldwide are in the contest, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Bora Bora, Oahu's Diamond Head, the giant Sequoia tree in Sequoia National Park and the Hollywood Sign.
   
“It’s wonderful to have a nomination from every corner of the world so we are thrilled to receive Balboa Island as a nomination from Visit Newport Beach Inc.,” Giampiero Ambrosi, general manager of VirtualTourist.com, said.  “We are eager to see which landmark they will choose to be crowned the Eighth Wonder of the World.”

The community can vote for Balboa Island once a day through Sept. 30 at virtualtourist.com. The winner will be featured in a national TV segment and will receive a "massive" media relations campaign push from VirtualTourist.
   
Do you think Balboa Island is deserving of being named the 8th Wonder of the World? Tell us in the comments.

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