Biggest World building projects for Tourism

By Nick June 24, 2008

As the rest of the world’s growth is finally starting to outpace the US economy’s growth, most of the new huge building projects are happening overseas and we tend not to hear about them, at all. Well these projects are massive, elaborate, beautiful, gaudy, and seem to be a fixture in future urban landscapes and urban tourism internationally.

So are these projects sustainable? And will they be budget friendly? Well probably not too nice on the pocket book, but that is yet to really be determined. But for theses massive building projects going on…

Kazakhstan - Entertainment Center

Norman Foster is bringing Kazakhstan (yes, the Borat kazakhstan) up to speed amongst it’s Asian neighbors with this entertainment center meant to show off the country a bit. Featuring retail space, a massive park, and some “entertainment center” Kazakhstan is looking to tap into some high end tourism. Maybe they’ll have some budget hostels in the normal part of the city so a day trip wouldn’t be too impossible.

Moscow, Russia - Crystal tower with world’s tallest skyscraper

Another “world’s new tallest building” planned for Moscow that is huge. The Crystal tower is a breath taking development that has everything - apartments, hotels, shopping all within the same walls. The building is green and sustainable (kudos!) and has a base four times as large as the US’s Pentagon. Yeah, so it’ll be big and definitely a fitting development for the world’s most expensive city. Doesn’t seem too backpacker friendly, so don’t expect to see it anytime soon if you’re on a budget.

South Korea - Songdo City

Songdo City is probably one of my favorite developments. Basically it’s bringing the most technologically advanced, sustainable, environmentally friendly urban center to South Korea (as if they need any more right?) But the city is the perfect, high dense urban area featuring beautiful buildings, lush parks, a great university, and probably lots of shops, high end hotels, and nightlife. There will have to be some hostels in this perfect city, right? Let’s hope so.

(check out this songdo video)

Beijing, China - New Airport!

Sure, it’s meant to facilitate travel to Beijing and the rest of China, but the airport will probably be an attraction in itself to many travelers. The airport was another project by Foster, and it’s amazingly modern design actually attempts to solve a lot of travel hassles associated with flying. At 3.5 KMs long, it’s the world’s largest airport, and will be able to handle a lot of passengers.

Dubai, UAE - If you haven’t heard of Dubai you haven’t been stumbling around the internet very much. They have way too much going on that I couldn’t dream of covering in this simple post. Sports City, new Disney World, tallest building in the world, man made islands everywhere, indoor snow skiing, and amazing buildings everywhere….etc. Just look at some pictures below.