Miss World 2010 in Vietnam; Miss Universe 2009 in Croatia

MISS UNIVERSE 2009 IN CROATIA: Jadranka Kosor, prime minister of Croatia, confirmed last Wednesday that her country will host the 2009 Miss Universe pageant. MUO president Paula Shugart announced that within the next few weeks she would make the official announcement about Croatia as the next host country where current Miss Universe Dayana Mendoza will be crowning her successor. (Critical Beauty)

MISS WORLD IN SOUTH AFRICA: The 2008 edition of the longest running beauty contest in history, the Miss World pageant, will be hosted by the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg on Saturday 13 December.

Africa's most popular and versatile banqueting and conference venue has secured the right to stage this prestigious event after political unrest on Russia's border with Georgia forced organisers to move the pageant, which was to have been held in Kiev on October 4. (Bizcommunity)

2008 MISS EARTH CONTEST LAUNCHED: Reigning Miss Earth Jessica Nicole Trisko (of Canada), together with 2008 Miss Philippines Earth Karla Paula Henry, recently went to Vietnam to spearhead several environmental and humanitarian activities, including mangrove tree planting and giving gifts to orphans.

Then, she formally launched the eighth Miss Earth contest at the Ambassador Sala of Traders Hotel Manila, the official residence of the 2008 Miss Earth. The number 8 is a symbol of prosperity for Carousel Productions which is behind the annual search.

As the seventh Miss Earth, Jessica has been busy visiting several countries including (besides Vietnam) the USA, Singapore, Puerto Rico and Indonesia. (The Philippine Star)

MISS WORLD 2010 IN VIETNAM: On the heels of its successful organisation of the Miss Universe 2008 pageant, Vietnam will begin preparing for another international beauty contest, Miss World, to be held in 2010.

Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Thien Nhan on September 30 approved the organisation of the Miss World 2010 pageant in the coastal city of Nha Trang in Khanh Hoa province.

Le Xuan Than, Vice Chairman of the Khanh Hoa People’s Committee, said he was optimistic that after the success of Miss Universe 2008, Nha Trang’s infrastructure would be good enough for the Miss World pageant. (Vietnamnet)

Miss World Chairwoman, Julia Morley, is signing the contract for the Miss World 2010 in Vietnam. Vietnam government officials witness the signing.