Sri Lanka will host the much awaited Grand Finale of the ‘Miss Tourism World 2022’ worldwide pageant in December 2022. Eighty beauties, winners of their National Pageants will vie for the Miss Tourism World 2022 title. The contest commences on December 8 and will conclude with the Grand Finale on December 21.
Komangodage Thilini Kumari, Miss Sri Lanka for Miss Tourism World 2022 will represent Sri Lanka.
Undoubtedly, the hosting of this mega pageant will give a welcome and much needed boost to the tourism industry in Sri Lanka. The pageant apart from focusing on beauty also focuses on the promotion of the host country’s tourist attractions, culture and heritage.
Speaking at a recent press conference, State Minister for Tourism, Diana Gamage said that Miss Tourism World is one of the biggest promotions in Sri Lanka and that the Miss Tourism World pageant will promote Sri Lanka among the 80 competing countries during the fortnight that the pageant will take place.
“Miss Tourism World will generate a lot of revenue for Sri Lanka’s tourism industry, it can open up a doorway for the countries to come to Sri Lanka even after the pageant,” Gamage added.
Successful bid
Miss Tourism World 2022 National Director, Malith Ranasinghe and State Tourism Ministry Coordinating Secretary and Chief Advisor Dr. Arosha Fernando said that much hard work went into the achievement of the successful bid. They said that Sri Lanka won the bid to host the Grand Finale competing with 15 other countries at a time when the island’s tourism industry is struggling to revive itself after the pandemic and other problems. They also pointed out that Sri Lanka successfully outbid Croatia and Russia in the final round to win the host country status.
These efforts had the total backing of the Government as well as industry stakeholders.
Miss Tourism World is one of the top five pageants which is conducted globally for years. Ranasinghe also said that the event undoubtedly will be one of the best platforms to promote the tourism sector in Sri Lanka at this crucial hour.
He said that the contestants will visit important places of tourismContestants from 80 countries will spend two weeks in Sri Lanka from 8-21 December, attending 80 mini pageants and ultimately the Grand Finale. in Sri Lanka including Kandy, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Habarana, Ella, Arugam Bay, Mirissa, Galle, giving the much needed destination value to these areas.”
National Director Ranasinghe told the ‘Youth Observer’ that the visits of the contestants to various destinations would give the people an opportunity to showcase Sri Lankan hospitality, culture and craftsmanship. It would also give them a chance to sell their wares and earn an income.
He said that it is estimated that about 500 people would accompany the contestants including family and friends, make-up artistes and beauticians. This would also generate much foreign exchange.
Promotional gesture
As a promotional gesture Ranasinghe will get each contestant to refer and research about Sri Lanka and do a brief video clip on Sri Lanka prior to their arrival here. An invitation to join the contestant would be included in the video clip.
National Director, Malith Ranasinghe was very appreciative of the support given by the State Minister for Tourism, Diana Gamage and State Tourism Ministry Coordinating Secretary and Chief Advisor, Dr. Arosha Fernando.
Miss Tourism World International Finale 2022 Global Director David Singh and Miss Tourism World - Spain 2022 pageant winner, Maria Del Carmen Benedicto are currently in Sri Lanka on a promotional tour and are working closely with National Director, Malith Ranasinghe and State Tourism Ministry Coordinating Secretary and Chief Advisor Dr. Arosha Fernando.
David Sigh told the Sunday Observer that he was very happy to be in Sri Lanka. He said that the country had much tourist potential and the contestants would certainly enjoy their stay here and would most certainly promote Sri Lanka once back home.
The Cinnamon Group plays host to David Singh Maria Del Carmen Benedicto during their visit to Sri Lanka.
Reigning Miss Sri Lanka for Miss Tourism World 2022, Thilini Kumari said that it was a great achievement for Sri Lanka to host this pageant which would bring 80 contestants from all over the world to the island. She said, this would put Sri Lanka not only on the regional map but also on the global map. The reigning beauty queen also said that she was very proud and happy to represent her motherland at this international pageant and vowed to do her utmost for the country using her talent.
