MBOMBELA – Tourism is set to take centre stage as a local entrepreneur, Ms Gugu Nyarenda has clinched the rights to host the Miss Tourism Universe South Africa at Emnotweni at the end of July.
This means that contestants from the nine provinces will converge in the city with two representatives each, vying, for the first time ever, for the coveted crown of Miss Tourism Universe South Africa.
In a communique sent by MTV Agency, acting on behalf of the Miss Tourism Universe Organisation, Nyarenda has been offered an international franchise contract as national director of the country for 2016 Miss Tourism Universe.
It further stated that she would send the winner to represent the country at the international event. It added that as concessionary, Nyarenda was responsible for selecting the contestant from South Africa to attend the Miss Tourism Universe 2016 in Lebanon.
She would also provide the winner with a return ticket to the country.
The regulatory requirements for contestants include that they should be aged 18 to 26 years, be 1,73 metres or taller in height and must have experience on the catwalk.
Their measurements must meet international standards, they must have a portfolio comprising 10 quality photos and have a friendly and sociable personality.
“I’m actually ecstatic about this opportunity to once again contribute to Mpumalanga’s economic growth within the tourism industry.
This didn’t come about on a silver platter, but through the illustrious effort one has put into it obviously. It is also due to the success Miss Mpumalanga has attained in the past six years – I have produced a Miss South Africa this year in Ntandoyenkosi Kunene.
The tourism ambassador to be crowned here will represent the country in the international final in Beirut, Lebanon, a first for South Africa. The province, as the inaugural host, will have all tourism departments from the nine provinces under one roof, showcasing the best products here on home ground.
“What more could the province ask for as the focus will be on our tourism products – the end result will be a spin-off for economic growth and job creation,” she said excitedly.
According to Nyarenda, the crowning event will be an colourful invite-only ceremony that will leave an indelible mark on the minds of the distinguished guests.
“The judging panel will be drawn across the nine province’s celebrities and still keeping it close to my chest, are the MCs who will be an incredible and sought-after duo. Just watch this space. We will shortly embark on auditions to be held in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal before the final event. I can’t wait to showcase a cross-section of South African entertainment on the night,” she added.
Nyarenda is the CEO of Mzimari Productions, a local event-management company responsible for producing the Crowning Miss Mpumalanga beauty pageant for the past six years.
The company has also been engaged in hosting exclusive Women’s Month events for the past eight years and is renowned for having managed the Zazi – Know Your Strength provincial HIV/Aids campaign.
“That was a learning curve for us. Wow, now it’s a national event. We’ll go for it and do our best, as our company slogan says, ‘If it’s not the best, it’s not us’,” she concluded.
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