- Tourism industry expected to get much-needed boost
Tourism in Sri Lanka is bound to see a boost with the recent announcement that the country has secured the bid to host the Miss Tourism World pageant this year, having competed with 15 other countries for the spot.
Miss Tourism World is a pageant established in 1991 to celebrate beauty, tourism, and culture, and a core objective of the event is promoting the host country, which is done through partnerships with government entities and tourist boards.
In addition to this, the pageant also aims to promote the competing countries, while the winning contestant is elected as the tourism ambassador of her country, showcasing her country and its culture and tradition.
The official media briefing announcing this was held last week, where Miss Tourism World Sri Lanka National Director Malith Ranasinghe said 80 countries will take part in the pageant.
“Around 15 countries fought for this spot in the finals. We took part in discussions to secure this, considering it a timely need and a national responsibility,” he said, adding that he hopes to bring in more tourists to Sri Lanka through this pageant.
Sri Lanka secured the bid to host Miss Tourism World after lengthy discussions held over the past three months, where concerns about the country’s economic decline and protests were raised. Furthermore, Ranasinghe explained that there is no threat to anyone who helps or supports the country and has assured the safety of the contestants.
With 80 contestants representing 80 countries taking part in the pageant, various competitions and activities will take place in various parts of Sri Lanka from 8 to 21 December. During this two-week period, contestants will have the opportunity to see the diverse beauty the country has to offer, which will undoubtedly give tourism a much-needed boost.
Turning point for tourism
State Minister of Tourism Diana Gamage said this would be a turning point for the tourism industry.
“In the past, we saw the youth take part in the ‘aragalaya’, demanding a system change. This is the time for that. We need to hand over the country to the future generation as a developed nation.”
She went on to say: “We may have an economic crisis in this country, but we are not bankrupt in our beauty, whether in our souls, smiles, or hearts, so we would like to welcome visitors from every one of these countries.”
Gamage also emphasised that Sri Lanka is a safe country, adding: “We may have a crisis at the moment, but we have always been a safe country to travel to. There are a few travel bans, but I am in the process of having them lifted.”
Miss Tourism World Global Director David Singh and Miss Tourism World Spain 2022 winner Maica Benedicto Méndez, who arrived in Sri Lanka last Tuesday (18), also took part in the official press briefing.
Mendez, along with local organisers and foreign delegates, is currently on a visit to all locations in the country where the Miss Tourism World events will be held in December.
Via the Miss Tourism World Spain Facebook page, she said: “We honestly have no words to describe what this experience is making us as individuals. How enriching it is to visit a country and be treated at home. You are always taken care of and welcomed with love and smiles. Every corner of Sri Lanka is a memory we take with us.”
Photos © Miss Tourism World Sri Lanka