8/01 - Miss Tourism Queen International official results

Winner: RUSSIA - Olga Zarubina
2nd Place: THAILAND - Vasana Wongbuntree
3rd Place: FERNANDO DE NORONHA - Tamara Almeida Silva
4th Place: AMERICA - Eve Maciel
5th Place: TRINIDAD & TOBAGO - Dominique La Veau

TOP 10

6th Place: CURACAO - Shadee Braun
7th Place: D.R. OF CONGO - Diane Mizumi Mwinga
8th Place: ARMENIA - Marine Avetyan
9th Place: CZECH REPUBLIC - Martina Besikova
10th Place: KYRGYSZTAN - Inessa Nazarova

Continental Queens of Beauty (picked among the ones who did not make it to the TOP 10)

AFRICA: CAMEROON - Marthe Natalie Houag
AMERICAS: DOMINICAN REPUBLIC - Natalie Montes Geisha
ASIA: MONGOLIA - Gankhuyag Oyungerel
EUROPE: BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA - Minela Trnovac
OCEANIA & ISLANDS: AUSTRALIA - Amy Jane Sutton

Special Awards

PHOTOGENIC: BRAZIL - Vanessa Regina de Jesus
CONGENIALITY: SOMALIA - Anisa Abdilahi
PERSONALITY: INDIA - Mahima Chaudhary
PRESS PRINCESS: INDONESIA - Glory Rosari Oyong
BEST IN QIPAO: KOREA - Mijeong Lim
NATIONAL COSTUME: HONDURAS - Ingrid Lopez Castillo
DISCO QUEEN: TRINIDAD & TOBAGO - Dominique La Veau
EVENING GOWN: PUERTO RICO - Uma Blasini
SWIMSUIT: AUSTRALIA - Amy Jane Sutton
TALENT: CURACAO - Shadee Braun
CHARITY: TOKELAU - Landy Pule
CHARM: CUBA - Ariana Karina Diaz
BEST SMILE: CHINA - Ma Wei
ELEGANT: SPAIN - Laura Negrete Navarro

GB'S INTERNATIONAL PRESS CHOICES

1) FERNANDO DE NORONHA - Tamara Almeida Silva
2) CURACAO - Shadee Braun
3) MACEDONIA - Bijana Gjorgiovska
4) RUSSIA - Olga Zarubina
5) NICARAGUA - Xiomara Blandino
5) SPAIN - Laura Negrete Navarro

8/01 - Miss Russia is Miss Tourism Queen International 2007!

Zhengzhou, CHINA - Olga Zarubina, a stunning 24-year-old Russian model is the new Miss Tourism Queen International. One of the favorites since the beginning of the competition, she edged out other hot bets from Thailand, Vasana Wongbuntree (1st runner-up) and Fernando de Noronha, Tamara Almeida Silva (2nd runner-up). The 3rd runner-up was the representative of the United States, Eve Maciel, and Trinidad & Tobago's Dominique Laveau was the 4th runner-up.

Rounding out the group of 10 semi-finalists were Misses Armenia, Marine Avetyan, Curacao, Shadée Braun, Czech Republic, Martina Besikova, Democratic Republic of Congo, Diane Mwinga Mizumi, and Kyrgysztan, Inessa Nazarova.

From left to right: Kyrgysztan, Fernando de Noronha, D.R. of Congo, Czech Republic,
Thailand, Armenia, U.S.A., Russia, Curacao and Trinidad & Tobago.

GB will soon bring you the full official results, reports and hundreds of new photos from yesterday night's fantastic show.

Stay tuned!

7/31 - Miss Tourism Queen International 2007 will be crowned tonight

Zhengzhou, CHINA - The moment the world has been expecting for the last three weeks has finally arrived, as tonight a new Miss Tourism Queen International will be crowned at the fabulous Zhengzhou's International Convention center, in Zhengzhou, China. The 108 contestants have been rehearsing exhaustively for the last three days, but based on what was seen in yesterday's dress rehearsal, it has all been worthy.

The show, which will be telecast to over 35 countries and an estimated audience of 1.5 billion people, is colorful, well choreographed and filled with stunning musical numbers presenting to the world some the breathtaking Chinese culture.

Angela Chow will be the co-host for the evening. She is a bilingual television host with uniquely diverse experience in Asia from every aspect of entertainment to news. She just has co-hosted the Miss World pageant for the last three years.

In countries where Miss Tourism Queen is not telecast, the pageant can be watched in the internet. It will be webcast at http://lady.qq.com/zt/2007/07missly/index.htm.

The international press photographers, journalists, and even former beauty titleholders, have voted for their favorites candidates in the GB International Press Choices contest. The 6 best voted delegates were Misses Fernando de Noronha, Curacao, Macedonia, Russia, Nicaragua and Spain. Will the judges agree with the press??

Global Beauties wishes all delegates the best of luck in tonight's competition!

Photos from the Dress Rehearsal:

7/30 - Miss America (U.S.A.) wins internet popularity contest and becomes MTQI 07's first semi-finalist

Zhengzhou, CHINA - Miss America, Eve Maciel, a 21-year-old Paris Hilton look-alike aspiring actress from Hollywood, California, has won the Miss Internet Popularity contest and gone through to Miss Tourism Queen International's semi-finals. Other 9 semi-finalists will be selected by the judges.

The second most voted delegate by internet users all over the world was Miss Thailand, while Miss Australia came in third place.

Congratulations to Miss America!

7/29 - Pre-juding in Zhengzhou

Zhengzhou, CHINA - As the Miss Tourism Queen International contestants returned to Zhengzhou, they participated in the pre-judging event, which took place in one of the city's best hotels' ballroom.

Judges scored the 108 beauties in swimsuit and evening gown presentations, and finally in the so important interviews, when the candidates had a chance to speak about their experiences in China, their own countries' main tourist attractions, and several other topics.

The judges picked the 10 semi-finalists, who will be announced at the final event. They have also chosen the winners of 16 very special awards.

- Zhengzhou's Governor Dinner

On Sunday night Miss Tourism Queen candidates, judges and organizers were offered a fancy dinner by the Zhengzhou's governor.

Among the very special guests was legendary 98-year-old Charlie See, who originated Miss Tourism Queen International over 50 years ago and whose name is part of pageantry history, as he has also been involved with several other pageants, such as Miss Universe.

During dinner, some delegates performed their talents, like Misses Curaçao (Miss Talent), Tokelau and Czech Republic.

A toast to Miss Tourism Queen International!

Photos: Misses Fernando de Noronha, Mongolia and Vietnan get ready for the Pre-Judging event; Charlie See and Miss America (United States); Miss Korea proposes a toast to Miss Tourism Queen International. (GB photos)

 

7/28 - Miss Curaçao is the winner of the Talent competition

Anyang, CHINA - Miss Curacao, Shadée Braun, was the deserving winner of the Talent competition, an event held this morning in Anyang, China. Miss Curaçao danced to the rhythm of Calypso and got many thunderous applause from the crowd.

The dispute was a tough one though, as judges were quite divided. In a very close 2nd place came Miss Indonesia, Glory Rosari Oyong, who delivered a flawless presentation of one of her country's typical dances.

Right behind her, in third place, was Miss Estonia, Merle Saar, who wowed the audience singing Whitney Houston's mega hit "I Will Always Love You".

Who did not make it to the top 3 by very little were Miss Tokelau, Landy Tyrell, who sang "Amazing Grace" with all her heart and a stunning voice, and Miss Canada, Krystal Kirby Pascual, who sang "You Make me Feel" cappella with the backing voices of Misses Samoa and Philippines).

Others who performed among the 25 semifinalists were: Argentina (Corrientes' carnival dance number), Belgium (techno belly dance), Bolivia (sang a romantic Spanish song), Borneo (sang a Chinese song), Chile (Easter Island dance performance), Czech Republic (modern dance), El Salvador (disco dancing), France (Kung Fu presentation), French Antilles (Fashion creation with the help of Misses Japan, New Caledonia and Martinique), Germany (Bavarian dance with Chinese volunteer), Ghana (sang cappella), Italy (sang Laura Pausini's song), Kenya and Liberia (African dance), Kyrgyzstan (her country's typical dance with a modern beat), Cameroon (Sang "We Are the World"), Niue (Typical dance of her country), Panama (Danced to Ricky Martin's song), Samoa (lip sang to "I Will Survive"), Slovakia (cheer leader presentation), Venezuela (danced to Latin rhythm) and China (dance with acrobat moves).

After the Talent contest, the other delegates walked the runway wearing beautiful Qipaos, a Chinese tradition costume.

Congratulations to Miss Curaçao and to all other talented MTQI delegates!

7/27 - Talent competition postponed due to heavy rains

Anyang, CHINA - The Talent competition has been postponed to tomorrow morning due to Friday night's heavy rains in Anyang. The contestants are scheduled to compete on Saturday morning. After that, they will return to Zhengzhou, where they will get ready for the final event, which will happen on July 31.

7/27 - MTQI contestants visit Anyang, China's Bronze Age capital

by Thiago Castro

Anyang, CHINA - The 108 international tourism ambassadors are now in Anyang, China's Bronze Age capital. Anyang is the site of the ancient Shang Dynasty (1600 BC - 1046 BC) capital known as Yinxu, or "the ruin of Yin" - the last capital of Shang Dynasty that was annihilated by the Martial King (Wu Wang) of Zhou Dynasty in the 11th century BC. Anyang's Tangyin County was the seat of Yue Village, birth place of the famous Song Dynasty general Yue Fei. The contemporary Anyang was constructed in 1368 AD during the Ming Dynasty.

Anyang City is an ancient city with a history of over 3,000 years and used to be one of the Seven Ancient Capitals of China. It is one of the key birthplaces of Chinese ancient culture. Here are the primitive caves of 25,000 years ago, the overlapping stratums of the Yangshao Culture, Longshan Culture and Xiaotun Culture, the memorial mausoleums of ancient Emperor Zhuan Xie and Emperor Ku over 4,000 years ago, the first library of inscriptions on bones of tortoise shells (oracle bone), the Soul Spring Temple known as the "First Ancient Buddhist Temple in Henan", and 10,000-Buddha Ravine, as well as unique Wenfeng Pagoda, Xiuding Temple Pagoda and Mingfu Temple Pagoda. Anyang also has a beautiful natural scenery.

There are the Taihang Linlu Hill Scenic Area on the 400-kilometer Taihang Mountains and the grand 1,500-kilometer man-made Red Flag Canal. If you are interested in flying, you may visit the Anyang Aviation Sports School known as the "International Aviation Tourist Park" and take part in airplane and helicopter flying, parachuting, hang gliding, hot air balloon and other aviation sports.

Located about 2 km northwest to Anyang City, Yin Ruins is listed as of the World Heritage Sites. It was once the capital of the Shang Dynasty empire 3,300 years ago and is the first capital ruins with a historical record confirmed by oracles and archaeological excavations.

The candidates were welcomed by local authorities, enjoyed typical dance performances of the region and received flowers from 108 Chinese girls. It all happened in front of an archeological museum, where they were able to learn about the rich local history, which dates 3000 years back.

7/26 - Miss Disco Queen of the World

by Thiago Castro

Dominique Nicole La Veau, Miss Trinidad & Tobago, was the winner of the Miss Disco Queen of the World contest, a Miss Tourism Queen competition which took place in Luoyang last night. The Caribbean beauty showed all the right moves in this very original event, which was telecast live in China.

Dancing to some of the world's current hottest night clubs' hits, the 108 beauties presented themselves in duos before the judges made their decision. Miss Trinidad & Tobago's victory was unquestionable, as she received over 80% of the votes.

In second place came Miss Kyrgyzstan, Inessa Nazarova, while Miss Curaçao, Shadée Braun, was third.

Yesterday night's event was amazingly well produced and choreographed, with a great and modern stage, excellent local dancers' performances and fantastic music. Miss Tourism Queen 2004, Zabina from India, also performed for the Chinese crowd's absolute delight. It was all in good taste and very entertaining.

Most delegates agreed with Miss Trinidad's choice and celebrated with her on stage. For the girls it was an opportunity to relax and have a great time, regardless of the results.

Congratulations to Miss Trinidad & Tobago, Miss Disco Queen of the World 2007!

See photos of this event HERE.

(GB photo/Thiago Castro)

7/25 - Only 10 will be called among MTQ's semi-finalists

The Miss Tourism Queen Organization has confirmed that this year there will be only 10 semi-finalists. All 108 delegates will be interviewed by the judges, who will also score them in swimsuits and evening gowns. The 10 highest combined scores will determine the 10 semi-finalists.

Good luck to all candidates!

- Xixia's Farewell Jeep Parade

Xixia, CHINA - Beauty contests' fans went back to the pageants' good old days as they watched the 108 Miss Tourism Queen candidates parading standing on dozens of jeeps in the streets of Xixia. As it happened in Long Beach and Miami Beach in the 1950's and 1960's in the Miss Universe pageant, thousands of people came out in the streets of Xixia to wave and say good to the international beauties.

After that they hit the road towards the enchanted Bai Yun Mountain...

(See photos of the parade HERE)

- On the top of China!

Bai Yun Mountain, CHINA - Tuesday's second stop was the beautiful Bai Yun Mountain. After traveling on the road for some 130 km, the buses went up the mountains, proportioning to the contestants, press and crew members some amazing sightseeing. When on the "top of China", as some delegates joked, they were welcomed by local authorities and hundreds of locals who were very excited with their 108 beautiful international visitors.

Since some locals have never left their village, they were very impressed with the African and Caribbean candidates, as well as with the Scandinavians and other blondes. Many of them had never seen a black or blonde person in their lifetime.

(photos: Justine and the key to Bai Yun; welcoming ceremony; Misses Kyrgysztan and Kazakhstan. GB photos/ Thiago Castro)

During the welcoming ceremony with local authorities, Justine Gabionza, Miss Tourism Queen 2006, was honored to receive the key to the city. After having lunch in a nice restaurant up in the mountain, the contestants got a chance to visit one of its many parks, where nature ruled absolute. They were all very impressed with the beauty of that place.

- Luoyang: the Chinese Las Vegas

Luoyang, CHINA - After a few more hours on the road, the Miss Tourism Queen caravan arrived in another of China's ancient capitals, and today one of the country's entertainment centers: Luoyang. With bright lights everywhere, some impressive buildings, which include 5-star hotels, concert halls and sports' modern arenas, the city resembles Las Vegas or even Orlando. The amazing Longmen Grottos, with its giant Buddha sculptures on rock walls, wowed the candidates, who claimed to never have seen something so impressive before.

They had a sumptuous dinner offered by the Government at the 6-star hotel Hua-Yang Plaza Hotel, where they will spend the next two days.On Tuesday night former Miss Tourism Queen International Zabina Abdul Rashid Khan of India, and last year's first runner-up, Gordana Strajin, from Serbia, joined the group of special guests.

(photos: Miss Tourism Queen of 2003, Finland, 2006, Philippines and 2004 India; below: the amazing Longmen Grottos - GB photos/Thiago Castro)

 

7/24 - Miss Australia wins "Best in Swimsuit" contest
by Thiago Castro

Xixia, CHINA - Last Monday morning over 15.000 people crowded Xixia's sports complex to watch the "Best in Swimsuit" contest. All 108 delegates paraded wearing swimsuits of their own choices, and in the end it was Miss Australia, Amy Jane Sutton (photos, left), who emerged as the winner. The beautiful Aussie conquered the judges with her perfect curves and tanned skin.In 2nd place, only one vote behind, was Miss Fernando de Noronha, Tamara Almeida. Miss Albania, Edlira Mema, and Miss Curaçao, Shadée Braun, tied in third place.

The 108 beautiful Miss Tourism Queen candidates were divided into 5 different regional groups. Miss China was the most applauded delegate, followed by Miss Sudan, who the Chinese believe to be a "genuine African beauty".

From left to right: Miss Fernando de Noronha (2nd place);
Miss Albania (3rd); Miss Curaçao (3rd, tied with Albania) See photos of the delegates parading in swimsuits HERE.

- Guan River Drifting

by Thiago Castro

Guan River, CHINA - After the tension of competition in the morning, some of the contestants had a chance to relax and have some fun going drifting in the Guan river. Each 3 or 4 contestants or journalists got on each boat accompanied by two local professionals. The girls had fun throwing water one on another, and enjoying the excitement of this adventurous activity.

If the ride was an exciting one, so was the beautiful scenery, which included high green hills. As usual, the candidates were welcomed by local authorities and by hundreds of Chinese fans.

GB photos/Thiago Castro

7/22 - Justine Gabionza: a true ambassador of tourism and beauty

by Henrique Fontes

Nanyang, CHINA - Justine Gabionza, 24, and a student of Tourism from Manila, Philippines, had her life changed when she was crowned Miss Tourism Queen International 2006, one year ago. Filipino fans were proud with one more Grand Slam victory, and welcomed their queen with much love and appreciation. “It’s been a fantastic year! I’ve been invited to several tourism-related events in the Philippines and abroad, and my modeling career has taken off after I won this title”, comments beautiful Justine.

Collected and down-to-earth, she is very polite and friendly with all fans, journalists and press photographers. Miss Tourism Queen 2006 is a fan of all types of sports, and she practices fencing, having been invited to compete at her country’s university games, which she had to decline due to her full agenda as Miss Tourism Queen International.

As a runner-up in the Miss Earth Philippines contest, Justine was invited to compete at Miss Tourism Queen last year. “I wasn’t sure about it at first, especially after I found out that 80 plus countries were going to compete. Then I thought: it’s a free trip to China, I will meet girls from all over the world, so why not?”. The rest is history.

During last year’s pageant this stunning Filipino model became best friends with Miss Singapore, and neither thought they would get far in the competition. “We thought we were going to get as far as landing in the top 16, but nothing further. In the end, she was the 3rd runner-up and I won the title. It was really exciting and surprising”.

Justine thought she had a chance when Miss Serbia, last year’s big press favorite, was called as 1st runner-up. “Six girls were left on stage, and I was one of them. At that point I knew it was anyone’s game, and I was lucky enough to hear my name announced”, she remembers.

Plans for the future? Justine has been invited to compete at the Miss Philippines 2008 pageant, and try to get a spot to represent her country at Miss World, Miss Universe or Miss International next year. “It’s tempting and risky at the same time, after all, I already have a Grand Slam title”.

Last year’s Miss Tourism Queen has her own favorites to become her successor: “Miss Fernando de Noronha is very beautiful and complete, she would make a wonderful winner. I also like Misses Dominican Republic, China and Korea”, she predicts.

One thing is for sure: Justine has been a superb ambassador of beauty and tourism, who made not only her country proud, but also the entire international community.

(GB photos/ Thiago Castro)

7/22 - Beauties welcomed by 1.5 million people in Nanyang!

by GB correspondent Thiago Castro

Zenghzhou / Kaifeng / Nanyang - Sunday started early in the morning for the Miss Tourism Queen candidates, as they got up at 6 AM to eat breakfast and got on the road heading to the ancient capital of China, beautiful Kaifeng. As usual, the ladies were expected by thousands of people, and the city was all decorated to welcome them. They were greeted by local authorities, and walked towards some of the cities historical buildings. More presentations were followed by lunch, and then on to Nanyang!Nanyang, one of the most populated cities in China, welcomed the 108 Miss Tourism Queen candidates in an unforgettable way: over 1.5 million people crowded the city's main avenues to watch the 8 buses carrying the candidates, special guests and Justine Gobioza, Miss Tourism Queen 2006, pass. A ceremony which was supposed to last for 1 hours, took approximately 3 hours, due to the incredible amount of people spread throughout the city’s streets and avenues. It was probably the biggest crowd to expect a group of beauty contestants in all history.Afterwards, the group of candidates, delegates and journalists, was treated with a banquet offered by the local governor.

7/21 – Visit to the Shaolin Temple

by GB correspondent Thiago Castro

Zhengzhou, CHINA – The 108 candidates spent the whole afternoon in the famous Shaolin Temple, where they were treated with some of the world’s finest martial arts presentations.

The temple is a kung-fu school, where over 10,000 breath martial arts, from learning all its philosophy to fighting.

They leave the temple when they become masters in  kung-fu.The candidates really enjoyed all the presentations, especially the final one, in which performers practically flew!

The impressive temple can be compared to a city on a mountain. The architecture is unique and exquisite.

Finally, after dinner the girls and special guests were taken to an open air theater, where they enjoyed a show of lights and beautiful zen music.

For the Miss Tourism Queen contestants it was an experience of a lifetime!

 

(GB photos/ Thiago Castro)

 

7/21 - Best in Evening Dress

Miss Puerto Rico, 25-year old Uma Blasini, was chosen as the recipient of the "Best in Evening Dress" award by a panel of judges during a competition held on Friday. The 108 contestants paraded in their competition evening gowns in front of the locals and dozens of photographers covering the event. View photos of the election

7/18 - Swimsuits and Talent!

by GB correspondent Thiago CastroChongqing, CHINA - Yesterday night the people of Chongqing were delighted with the beauty of the 108 candidates parading in swimsuits (Miss Cameron and Miss Russia, photo, left).

Afterwards, a few beauties showed that they can do much more than just mastering their steps in a runway: it was the talent competition! Some of the girls danced, others interpreted, and another group sang, like Miss Borneo East Malaysia (photo, right).Winners of both competitions were not announced.

7/17 - Miss Best Smile

by GB correspondent Thiago CastroChongqing, CHINA - Miss China was the winner of the "Miss Best Smile" contest. The Chinese crowd went crazy when her name was announced.All 108 walked the runway in a fashion show before the winner was chose. The show was similiar to the one which took place in Hangzhou.Congratulations, Miss China!

Contestants arrive in Chongqing

by GB correspondent Thiago CastroChongqing, CHINA - Last Tuesday the contestants woke up at 4 AM to get ready to their trip to Chongqing. When the whole group was ready it was taken to the airport, where a multitude expected the 108 beauties. The Chinese fans wanted autographs and to have their photos taken next to some of the world's most beautiful girls.Among candidates and press photographers and journalists, they were divided in three groups, each traveling on a different airplane. The arrival at the Chongqing was incredible: virtually thousands of people were expecting the Miss Tourism Queen candidates! They carried flowers, banners, and of course, photo cameras!The girls and journalists were then taken to the 5-star hotel where they are now. The first competition will be held soon: Miss Beautiful Smile.On Wednesday morning some of the pageant's activities were cancelled due to heavy rains, but they will be "back on track" this afternoon. We will keep you posted.

7/14 - Next Stop: Chongqing

by GB correspondent Thiago CastroXitang, CHINA - After enjoying quite a few activities in Hangzhou, the candidates returned to Xitang, where they spent the last couple of days rehearsing. The press had no access to the candidates in the last few days, the idea is not to spoil all the surprises being prepared for the upcoming competitions.Tomorrow morning they leave to Chongquing, where the first competition will take place: Best in Swimsuit.GB photo/Thiago Castro: Australia, United States and Hawaii.

7/10 - Contestants visit Hangzhou

by GB correspondent Thiago Castro

Hangzhou, CHINA - The group of candidates left Xintang early in the morning and traveled to Hangzhou, where the local governor welcomed all of them. Heavy security was needed to control the locals enthusiasm, literally thousands of people were anxiously waiting for the 100+ international beauties and they all wanted to get close to them.Then the candidates participated in a very unique boat race. The boats were made out of bamboo, and they all seemed to have enjoyed the experience, although they got quite wet!

Afer that, press photographers and journalists had a chance to mingle with the girls, taking pictures and conducting quick interviews.They had lunch at the hotel, a luxurious 5-star resort which amazed them all. The food in Hangzhou was excellent and so is the treatment the contestants and press professionals have been receiving.

Yesterday night all national representatives paraded in the Hangzhou Opening Ceremony. They presented themselves and walked the runway for local authorities and special guests.

7/9 - As contestants keep on arriving, MTQI'07 gets ready to kick-off in great style

by GB correspondent Thiago Castro

Xitang, CHINA - Some of the world's most beautiful tourism ambassadors have been arriving in China since last Saturday. As they land in Shanghai, they are then taken to Xitang, where they've been getting to know each other and have been preparing for the opening ceremony.Also in Xitang, candidates had their official national costumes' photos taken, with the city's gorgeous sightseeing as background.On Monday, they were given the morning free, when they had an opportunity to see a bit more of Xitang and go shopping. Most girls were amazed with the variety of products and their very inexpensive prices. Later on, they rehearsed for the first time and were then asked to introduce themselves to the pageant's organizers and members of the press. One by one, they said their names and mentioned the countries or territories they are representing.They received some tips on how to behave in China and were given the schedule of events, with detailed information of what will happen next. On Tuesday morning the whole group will head to Hangzhou, where the official opening ceremony of Miss Tourism Queen International 2007 will take place.About 100 candidates have already made it to China. Other 5 or 6 are expected to arrive tonight.

(GB photos/Thiago Castro)