DOT studies Miss Universe hosting anew in November

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Tourism said it is still reviewing the possible re-staging of the international pageant Miss Universe in the Philippines.

Tourism chief Wanda Corazon Tulfo-Teo said if the pageant will push through, it would be held during the last week of November.

“Pinag-aaraalan namin kung itutuloy o hindi,” Teo said in an interview with Digong Diaries Special Podcast.

“Depende rin sa president kung papayag si Presidente Duterte,” she added.

Last Wednesday,  Tourism Undersecretary for Advocacy and Public Affairs, Kat De Castro said the Miss Universe organizers reached out to them for the possible renewed hosting contract of the Philippines.

She said the organizers are in the country for a charity event featuring the candidates of the pageant’s 2016 edition.

Teo confirmed that the Miss Universe organizers talked to them for the possible back-to-back hosting of the pageant in the country.

Last January, the agency and former Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis Chavit Singson, one of the major sponsors of Miss Universe 2016, said they are open to the possibility of staging the international pageant in the country again as long as other government agencies would support them.

Miss Universe Organization President Paula Shugart said the January 30, Miss Universe 2016 coronation night was the best she has ever done.

Aside from the Miss Universe hosting, Teo said the DOT is also anticipating the  International Conference on Tourism Statistics slated from June 21 to 23, 2017 and the Iron Man shooting next year. These events are projected to boost tourism arrivals in the country.