UNESCO site

Meaning

This is a landmark or area legally protected by an international convention administered by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). These sites are designated for having outstanding cultural, historical, scientific, or natural value to humanity.

Examples

• The historic center of Prague was designated as a UNESCO site in 1992.

  The historic center of Prague was designated as a UNESCO site in 1992.

• Our travel agency specializes in tours that visit at least one UNESCO site per week.

  Our travel agency specializes in tours that visit at least one UNESCO site per week.

• Being declared a UNESCO site brought a massive wave of tourism to the small island.

  Being declared a UNESCO site brought a massive wave of tourism to the small island.

• This national park is not only beautiful, but it is also a protected UNESCO site.

  This national park is not only beautiful, but it is also a protected UNESCO site.

• How many UNESCO sites have you checked off your travel bucket list so far?

  How many UNESCO sites have you checked off your travel bucket list so far?

Common Mistakes

• ✗ The Taj Mahal is a UNESCO's site.

  ✓ The Taj Mahal is a UNESCO site.

  Do not use the possessive apostrophe-s ('s) after the acronym UNESCO. It is used directly as a noun modifier.

• ✗ We visited an UNESCO site during our trip to Italy.

  ✓ We visited a UNESCO site during our trip to Italy.

  Although 'UNESCO' starts with the vowel letter 'U', it is pronounced with a consonant 'Y' sound (/juː/). Therefore, the article 'a' must be used instead of 'an'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• The Great Barrier Reef is a world-famous natural ___.

  💡 A place protected by a UN agency for its outstanding value.

  Show answer

  UNESCO site

• This old town was officially recognized as a ___ last year.

  💡 Often used interchangeably with World Heritage Site.

  Show answer

  UNESCO site