Largo, MD, September 30, 2016 - Last week, Prince George's County Economic Development Corporation President and CEO Jim Coleman announced that the 2016 Miss World Festival will be held in Prince George's County. As the largest and the longest running international competition in existence, Miss World will bring more than 3000 visitors from around the world to the region and its Grande Finale will be televised in over 180 countries. According to Miss World officials, the Festival will be seen by more than two billion viewers.
"This is a big win for Prince George's County. I am honored and elated to have had a small part in bringing this wonderful pageant to Prince George's County," said Coleman. "Being able to facilitate this partnership between festival officials, the Petersons at National Harbor and government without any taxpayer money in the mix is a 'Win/Win' for everyone. Not only is this the very first time that this festival has been held in the United States, it is also one of the biggest events that have ever been held in Prince George's County. This is a fantastic opportunity to bring the County's outstanding assets to the world and we are proud to be a part of it."
Over the years, the presence of a Miss World competition has shown to have brought in upwards of $8 million to $10 million - conservatively - to countries who have hosted the competition in the past. As Mrs. Julia Morley, Chairman and CEO of Miss World Limited and competition officials took on the task of locating a venue for the Miss World Festival this year, Prince George's County, Maryland was one of serveral cities they visited in the United States. However, after meeting with Prince George's County officials, specifically EDC President and CEO Jim Coleman, and seeing the ambience of the Gaylord at National Harbor, the decision was made to hold the 2016 Miss World Grand Finale at the Gaylord Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor.
As the host nation and county, Prince George's County can expect to see a substantial increase in economic activity and tourism as a result of the contestants from 140 countries descending on the Washington metropolitan area in late November to begin their journey to become Miss World. During the week of December 11th, contestants will arrive at the Gaylord Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland for the final week of the Miss World Festival, culminating in the crowning of Miss World. Conservatively, the County could realize at least $5 million to $8 million increase in tourism dollars with the contestants, crew and international visitors attending the activities leading up to the Grand Finale which will be broadcast live on December 18th.
"The Miss World Organization is excited about bringing the 66th edition of the Miss World Festival to the Washington, DC region. For the first time in history, approximately 140 countries will start their journey to becoming Miss World by arrive in Washington, D.C. to and then traveling down the Potomac River to National Harbor for the final week of the festival," said Veronica Jeon, spokesperson for the 2016 Miss World Festival. "Mrs. Morley introduced 'Beauty with a Purpose' in 1972, and it is the true beauty of Miss World. Each country will bring their own 'Beauty With A Purpose' project to share with the world. We appreciate the efforts of the Prince George's County Economic Development Team in bring the festival to fruition in Prince George's County and we look forward to sharing the work being done by these phenomenal women with Prince George's County and the world."
The Miss World competition premiered in 1951 and has evolved over the years to become synonymous with charitable humanitarian efforts around the world. Its 'Beauty with a Purpose' philosophy was incorporated in 1972 to empower women across the globe who serve as role models for respective communities and have raised over a billion dollars for charities worldwide.
For more information on Festival events and programming, contact Veronica Jeon at vjeon@vagencyinc.com.