Halong Bay's elevation Friday as one of the “New 7 Wonders of Nature” is revving the engines of boats across this UNESCO World Heritage Site as operators anticipate a new wave of interest in the wake of the Nov. 11 announcement.

Vietnam’s dramatic bay, studded with nearly 2,000 limestone karst islands, won a spot on the list, besting the likes of the Grand Canyon, the Maldives and Mt. Kilimanjaro.

Halong Bay expects to see 5.4 million visitors in 2011, including 2.5 million foreign travelers. Designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1994, and then again in 2000 for its geological value, the bay is Vietnam's top tourist attraction. Millions cast votes for their favorite wonders, beginning in 2007. There was never any doubt that the final seven would, in part, be the winners of a popularity contest. Indeed, tourism bureaus and hotels from all over actively campaigned on their favorite's behalf. For more information, visit www.vietnamtourism.com.