Miss Universe Palacios’ Visit to Nepal Expected to 'Promote' Tourism and Cultural Heritage

Miss Universe 2023, Sheynnis Palacios, made her first-ever visit to Nepal, a significant milestone not only for the nation’s beauty pageant community but also a boost for the tourism industry due to her massive fan followers.

Palacios, a 24-year-old mental health advocate and audiovisual producer from Nicaragua, arrived in Nepal on Thursday to witness the pre-judgement round of Miss Universe Nepal 2024, according to the organisers. Her visit is seen as a major achievement underscores Nepal's growing prominence on the global stage and a boost for the country’s tourism sector, reads a statement issued by the organisers of Miss Universe Nepal.

During her visit, Palacios participated in various events, including cultural exchanges, meetings with key stakeholders, and visits to iconic tourist destinations. These activities were designed to showcase Nepal’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty to a global audience. With her massive following and international acclaim, Palacios’ presence in Nepal is expected to have a positive impact on the country’s tourism and economy.

"We are honored to welcome the reigning Miss Universe 2023, Sheynnis Palacios, to Nepal. Her visit is a historic achievement for the entire beauty pageant fraternity of Nepal and highlights our growing influence in the global beauty industry," said Sangita Puri, national director of Miss Universe Nepal. "We are committed to giving our contestants the best training and opportunities to shine on the world stage."

Palacios herself expressed her excitement about the visit, stating, "I am deeply honored and thrilled to visit Nepal for the very first time. Being here allows me to engage with the incredible work being done to empower women and celebrate diversity. I look forward to exploring the cultural treasures of this nation and contributing to the ongoing efforts to promote tourism and economic growth. I hope my visit will encourage more people around the world to discover the magic of Nepal."

Her visit is expected to serve as a powerful promotional tool for Nepal, attracting tourists and investors alike. This aligns perfectly with the country’s ongoing efforts to revitalize its tourism sector post-pandemic and bolster economic activities through increased international visibility.

The contestants for Miss Universe Nepal 2024 are currently undergoing rigorous training under the guidance of renowned professionals such as Anil Keshary Shah, Charu Chadha, Malvika Subba, Ranjit Acharya, Surachya Bhattarai, Ghana Gurung, Sophiya Bhujel, Siddhartha Singh, and Milan Chams, the statement added. The grand finale is set to take place on September 7.