KUCHING: Suphatra Kliangprom of Thailand won the Miss Tourism International (MTI) World Final 2022–2023 crown, edging nine other contestants in the pageant’s finale.
In addition to the prestigious title, she took home a crown, sash and trophy, as well as a cash prize of RM10,000. She also won the Best in Social Media subsidiary title.
The 25th edition of the pageant themed “Promoting Tourism, Culture, and Friendship”, was held at RAIA Hotel last night (Nov 25).
There were 40 contestants vying for the title, but only 10 countries made it to the final, including Suphatra, Gabriella Oxley of Australia, Phoebe Ong of Malaysia, Crystal Huang of Singapore, Alysa Cook of the United States, Abigail Curd of New Zealand, Ndahiro Megane of Burundi, Laura Zabaleta of Venezuela, Maria Angelica Pantaliano of the Philippines, and Raskina Sofia of Russia.
The Miss Tourism Queen of the Year title went to Laura Zabaleta (Venezuela), and the Miss Tourism Metropolitan International title went to Maria Angelica Pantaliano (Philippines).
Crystal Huang Ruojia of Singapore was named Miss Tourism Global, while Abigail Curd of New Zealand was awarded Dreamgirl of the Year International.
On the other hand, Alysa Cook of the United States won the title of Miss Tourism Cosmopolitan International.
Miss Southeast Asia Tourism Ambassadress was won by Malaysian contestant Phoebe Ong Yi Hui, who made it into the top 10.
The delegates took part in a 16-day promotional tour of various tourist destinations, including Bau and Lundu, before the queen of the pageant was crowned.
The Silver Jubilee of Miss Tourism International was hosted by Sarawak after a 28-year wait.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Open noted that Sarawak has much to offer and has always been open to establishing positive ties with the world, whether it is through foreign friendships, cultural exchanges or tourism-related activities.
“This event brings the world to Sarawak, simultaneously promoting tourism, culture and friendship through a series of activities lasting for 18 days in total.
“After two years of the movement control order (MCO), we are now slowly getting back to the norm where we can interact with each other more conveniently and more frequently, though with all precautions and measurements taken into consideration.
“After the opening of travel locally and the gradual opening up of international borders, we are expecting more tourists and visitors to Sarawak.
“We not only focus on conventional tourism but also put efforts into growing other activities that bring more people to Sarawak, for instance, business events,” he said.
His speech was delivered by the Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts, Datuk Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
