Eight out of the 18 recent applications for the UNESCO Global Geopark status were approved, including the one filed by Luxembourg's Mullerthal region.

On Wednesday, UNESCO presented the list of new geoparks on its website. There are now 177 official parks across 46 countries. Luxembourg and Sweden have both become the newest additions to the global network.

UNESCO officials showed themselves impressed by the history of the Mullerthal region. Their website notes: "It features the Luxembourg Sandstone Formation which reaches a thickness of up to 100 metres and dates from the Lower Liassic age (205 to 180 million years ago). It forms one of the most spectacular sandstone landscapes in Western Europe and has been a tourist attraction since the late 19th century."

It continues: "Today, the region can be explored by following a dense network of well-signposted hiking trails, including the 112 km-long Mullerthal Trail, which has won the Leading Quality Trails – Best of Europe award."

The Mullerthal region already tried achieving the status with an application filed in 2017, which was however rejected. In January this year, local officials decided to try their luck again and managed to convince the UNESCO Global Geopark Council.

The status is important for the national tourism sector, as the label helps bing more people to the region. It also enhances awareness and understanding of the area.