DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania (Xinhua): Tanzania has secured the rights to host the 74th edition of Miss World in May 2027, in a move expected to boost tourism and raise the country's global profile, officials said on Monday.
The agreement was signed in the presence of Minister of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports Paul Makonda, who described the development as a major milestone for the East African nation.
Makonda said Tanzania will become the second African country after South Africa to host the global pageant and the first in the East and Central African region to stage the event.
He noted that more than 130 countries are expected to participate, with over 20,000 international visitors projected to attend the month-long activities, and that the event is set to reach a global television audience of more than 2 billion people.
"This is more than a beauty contest. It is a strategic platform to showcase Tanzania's tourism, culture, investment opportunities, and creative industries to the world," he said.
Founded in 1951, Miss World is one of the longest-running international beauty pageants, bringing together contestants from around the globe to compete not only in physical presentation but also in talent, charity work, and social impact initiatives under the "Beauty with a Purpose" programme.
Organisers said the event will include a series of activities, including cultural showcases, talent competitions, charity events, and the grand finale. -- Xinhua
