DOT Vows Miss Universe 2016 Will Be Among “Most Memorable, Beautiful”

In what the Department of Tourism (DOT) promises to be a most memorable and beautiful pageant to be held in the country, Miss Universe 2016 contestants is set to visit the island paradise of Cebu and Boracay, the iconic Vigan, romantic Baguio, and the vast greenery of Davao City.

Tourism Secretary Wanda Tulfo-Teo said the Miss Universe organizing committee is considering other localities as venues of the pre-pageant events leading to the coronation night on January 30, 2017 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

“We are working closely with our private partners to ensure a total tourism experience for our special guests throughout their two-week stay. Let’s show the Philippines’ best-kept secrets,” Teo said.

Teo made the assertion, following the formal signing of memorandum of agreement between the DOT, the Miss Universe organization and the pageant’s private partners, led by the Luis ‘Chavit’ Singson Group (LCS Group) Wednesday night at Shangri-la Hotel in Mandaluyong City.

Former Ilocos Sur Governor Luis ‘Chavit’ Singson lauded the private partners and sponsors, as well as the DOT for their determination in hosting the Miss Universe pageant in the country, the first since 1994.

Referring to reigning Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach, Singson said, “We find no better tribute to finishing your reign and passing the crown to your successor than right here in your home country.”

In addition to the LCS Group, the pageant’s other private partners are Okada Manila, Solar Entertainment, Inc. and the SM Lifestyle Entertainment, Inc., while sponsors include the San Miguel Corporation, Jpark Island Resort and Waterworld of Cebu and the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Baguio City.

More private sponsors at the regional level are being considered, Singson said.

“This partnership between the private and public sectors in a venture as big as Miss Universe is certainly a big step for the country’s tourism towards the global stage,” said Undersecretary Kat De Castro, of DOT’s Public Affairs and Communications.

“We are thankful that the Miss Universe will finally return to its second home, to the Philippines. Now we can showcase the awesome beauty of the country in its entirety and our people, of course,” De Castro added.

De Castro expressed optimism that the country’s hosting of the pageant will pay off in terms of visitor arrivals.

“I’m sure we are getting off to a good start in 2017 in meeting our quota and our targets next year with the staging of the spectacular, unforgettable Miss Universe event. Everybody is excited and everywhere I go people are asking if there is a package tour for this Miss Universe pageant. Some of the fanatics… they want to fly to the Philippines and attend all the events leading to the final show,” De Castro exclaimed.

She also noted the benefits of holding the pre-pageant’s ancillary events outside Metro Manila like Cebu which holds traditional festivals in January.

Assistant Secretary Ricky Alegre represented Sec Wanda Teo at the press launch of the 65th Miss Universe pageant held at Makati Shangri-la.

In a statement read by Alegre, he thanked President Rodrigo R. Duterte for giving the DOT the green light to stage the pageant in the country and promised the Filipino and global audience of the beauty tilt “that the DOT will give its solid support in making this Miss Universe Pageant among the most beautiful and memorable.” (DOT)