Miss World 2026 Final in Khanh Hoa to Boost Vietnam's Global Image

Khanh Hoa province in central Vietnam has been selected to host the final activities and grand final of Miss World 2026, a move expected to significantly boost the province's international image and attract tourists. The hosting of Miss World 2026 presents a prime opportunity to showcase Khanh Hoa's rich natural landscapes, historical cultural heritage, and the warmth of its people to a global audience. The event's timing during the National Day holiday period (early September) is also anticipated to draw a significant influx of both domestic and international visitors. Notably, during the recent National Day holiday on September 4-5, Khanh Hoa welcomed approximately 95,000 overnight visitors, including around 38,000 international tourists. Vo An Nguyen, who leads the organizing committee and serves as CEO of Future Star World, emphasized that Miss World is an international contest that measures beauty alongside knowledge, community responsibility, and the preservation of each country's cultural treasures. Le Thi Anh Mai, Deputy Director of the Hanoi Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, echoed this sentiment, stating that the organizers aim to convey the message that heritage is not merely a collection of static artifacts but a living flow that evolves and is enriched by each generation. Beyond the Miss World pageant, Vietnam is actively pursuing various initiatives to promote its culture and foster international exchange. These include film festivals showcasing European and Vietnamese cinema, the establishment of the first Vietnam Ethnic Minority Women’s Football – VTV Cup in 2026, efforts to revitalize cultural spaces in Ho Chi Minh City, campaigns to promote Hanoi's autumn charm, the traditional silk lantern making of Hoi An with its over 400-year history, and the participation of Vietnamese athletes in the Asian Games (ASIAD). These diverse activities are part of a broader strategy to showcase Vietnam's multifaceted culture, traditions, and modern development to the international community, solidifying its image as a "safe, attractive, and welcoming destination." In the context of its socialist-oriented market economy and a complex relationship with China, the Vietnamese government is increasingly leveraging soft power through culture and tourism to enhance economic growth and diversify its international partnerships. Hosting a prestigious global event like Miss World is seen as a crucial step in this endeavor. Copyright, VietnamPlus, Vietnam News Agency (VNA)