08 novembro 2009

Jo'burg pays R45m to stage Miss World again

REIGN NEARLY OVER: The current Miss World, Ksenia Sukhinova of Russia, who won her title in Johannesburg last year Picture: GETTY/GALLO IMAGES annual Miss World beauty pageant will be held in Johannesburg for the second year running, at a cost of R45-million.

Last year the Johannesburg city council spent more than R30-million to host the event, and this year's re-run has drawn questions about the wisdom of spending large amounts on the event when there are other, more pressing, requirements in the city.

The costs cover licensing fees, rental space, equipment, travel and accommodation for contestants and radio and TV advertising.

Broadcast on TV to more than two billion viewers in more than 220 countries around the world, the event will be financed through the municipal-owned Johannesburg Tourism Company and various sponsors.

It will take place on December 12 at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand.

The 120 participants will arrive on November 14 for a month of preparations before the pageant, which celebrates its 59th anniversary this year.

Virgil James, spokesman for the city council, said the expense was aimed at generating international interest in Johannesburg and attracting other international events.

"The staging of Miss World carries huge opportunity and is a prestigious event," said James.

He added that significant spin-offs of Miss World would include the branding of Johannesburg as a leading business, leisure and events destination; raising awareness of social issues and raising funds for them, and changing perceptions of Johannesburg and South Africa as a whole.

The tourism industry will benefit as contestants visit other parts of the country - as will fashion, jewellery and design businesses, said James.

Johannesburg was ranked 152 by the International Congress and Convention and Association, which ranks the ability of cities to host international events, before it hosted the event last year. After the event, it jumped to 120.

"We're going to try and break into the top 100," said James.

"We're changing perceptions of Johannesburg and South Africa as a vibrant, hospitable and safe tourist destination." He said almost 2500 jobs were created during the event last year.

http://www.timeslive.co.za/

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