The contest, held for the ninth time, brought the most beautiful girls from 33 countries to Malaysia. Contestants from all over the planet competed for the title of “Miss Tourism International” in the capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur. “To promote the development of world tourism, cultural exchange, good-neighborly relations, peace, and respect for outstanding women of our time” is the goal of the large-scale and spectacular event “Miss Tourism International,” the most famous and respected among “tourist” beauty contests. Its permanent venue is the “Sun Way Lagoon” hotel complex, one of the best hotels in Southeast Asia.
During the intense but pleasant work — photo shoots, video sessions, TV shows, interviews, and press conferences — the contestants had the opportunity to show themselves and prove to everyone, and above all to themselves, who among them is the most worthy. The respected jury selected 10 charming finalists, who appeared before guests of the spectacular final show on the eve of the New Year. The traditional appearances of the girls in bikinis, national costumes, and evening dresses were rewarded with stormy applause and the long-awaited announcement of titles. And there was reason for it — besides Ukrainian national costumes, the audience could see tunics from Ivanovo and French dresses.
First place and the title of “Miss Tourism International” went to Miss America. And the crown of first vice-miss and the title of “Miss Intercontinental International” was brought home by our compatriot Marysia Horobets. In addition, the largest Malaysian mobile operator “Celcom” additionally honored the Ukrainian contestant with the title “Miss Personality”. The second runner-up was a girl from Venezuela, the third from Singapore, and the fourth from China.
Marysia had been to Malaysia before. As a student of the master’s program in Journalism at the National University of “Kyiv-Mohyla Academy”, she has long worked as a correspondent for the magazines “Mizhnarodnyi turyzm” and “Welcome to Ukraine”. Her report topics are fashion and travel. The country captivated her with its exotic beauty and amazing monuments of distinctive culture. Marysia told how she gave an almost two-hour tour for the contestants.
This time the contest was held against the backdrop of events that resonated worldwide. First, it was the “Orange Revolution” in Ukraine, which drew everyone’s attention to our contestant. Marysia handed out orange symbols to the contestants and guests, talked about our country, and invited them to come and enjoy the beauties of her native land. Second, there was the terrible tragedy that struck Southeast Asia. Thousands of people died, and the unique tourist infrastructure was destroyed. Marysia noted that “tourist” beauty contests are a form of “people’s diplomacy” that helps overcome any global upheavals.
Marysia is no stranger to victories. The national committee “Miss Ukraine”, which is the licensee of this contest (Ukraine is represented every year at the world final), had every reason to count on her success when submitting the application for Marysia Horobets. In 2003, she received the title “European Model” at a contest in Peru, and became “Miss Photogenic” in Malta. She was also a finalist of the “Miss World Tourism 2003” contest in Venezuela. And ahead are new plans. Marysia hosts the program “Tereveni” on the Inter TV channel, acts in films, and represents Ukraine at various exhibitions.
Our country is becoming more and more popular. It is gratifying that its image will be associated by many with the lovely smile of the “charming Ukrainian girl” Marysia Horobets.