Hundreds of potential candidates were initially proposed, before a shortlist of 77 sites was published.

A panel of experts reduced this to 28, before millions of people, via telephone, text messaging and social networking sites, voted for the best. A provisional list of the seven top sites was announced at the weekend - the final list will be confirmed next year.

Here are the chosen attractions...

The Amazon, South America
The Amazon represents over half of the planet's remaining rainforests and comprises the largest and most species-rich tract of tropical rainforest in the world. The Amazon River is the largest river in the world by volume.

Visit
Journey Latin America (www.journeylatinamerica.co.uk) recommends four lodges in the Amazon and offers a variety of trips and excursions throughout the region.

Komodo, Indonesia
Indonesia's Komodo National Park includes the islands of Komodo, Rinca and Padar, as well as many smaller ones. It was founded in 1980 to protect the Komodo dragon and now also includes the protection of marine animals.

Visit
Explore (www.explore.co.uk) has a 14-day sailing voyage that takes passsengers east from Bali to islands that include Komodo and Rinca, where the dragons can be sighted.

Table Mountain, South Africa

Cape Town's flat-topped mountain has withstood six million years of erosion and hosts the richest, yet smallest floral kingdom on earth with over 1,470 floral species. It also boasts numerous rare and endangered species.

Visit
Exodus (www.exodus.co.uk) has a Discover the Cape 13-day tour which includes the Winelands and main sights such as a cable car trip up to Table Mountain.

Jeju Island, South Korea

This volcanic island lies 130km from the southern coast of Korea. It is dominated by a dormant volcano Hallasan. A further 360 satellite volcanoes are found nearby.

Visit
Cox and Kings (www.coxandkings.co.uk) runs tailor-made trips to South Korea which can include a visit to the island's beaches, temples and volcanoes.

Puerto Princesa Underground River, Philippines

This 8.2km navigable river (claimed to be the world's longest underground) runs through a cave system before flowing into the South China Sea. A lagoon framed by ancient trees marks the mouth of the cave.

Visit
Audley Travel (www.audleytravel.com) runs tailor-made tours of the Philippines which can include trips to Palawan, the island group where the river is located, for diving, snorkelling and general exploration.

Halong Bay, Vietnam
Halong Bay features thousands of limestone karsts and isles, many of which are filled with caves. In the bay are several floating villages where local fishermen live. There is also an abundance of lakes inside the limestone islands, for example, Dau Be island has six enclosed lakes.

Visit
Bridge and Wickers (www.bridgeandwickers.co.uk) runs two-day sailing trips in a luxury junk around Halong Bay.

Iguazu Falls

Iguazu Falls, on the border with Argentina and Brazil, is made up of 275 cascades. "Devil's Throat" is the tallest at 80m in height. One of the world's largest waterfalls, it is more than 2,700m long.

Visit
Journey Latin America (www.journeylatinamerica.co.uk) has a seven-night trip taking in Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires and Iguazú Falls.

Source : http://www.telegraph.co.uk