Sanjeev Satgainya

Kathmandu:

Miss Tourism Queen International Nepal 2005 — a beauty pageant dedicated to uplift tourism and spread the tourism potential across the world — might have left many disappointed but not Cecilia Gurung. Cecilia Gurung won the title of Pearl Miss Tourism Queen International Nepal 2005 and will represent Nepal in Miss Tourism Queen International to be held in China on June 7. Organised by Group of Event Entertainers, Nepal Tourism Board was the main sponsor of the event. The Himalayan Times was the official media for the event. Tek Bahadur Dangi, chief executive, Nepal Tourism Board was the chief guest of the event. The finals of the contest were held at Yak and Yeti on May 20. Thirteen participants walked on ramp soon to be followed by declaration of seven finalists, judging of which was done earlier during prejudging round on May 17. The number of contestants was reduced to five as a panel of judges asked individual questions to each of the contestants. The panel of judges comprising Gopal S Kakshapati, Sangita Thapa, Srijana S Yonjan, Subhash Niraula, Rupy Singh and chief judge Karna Shakya judged them all to pick the best of the lot.

Contestant No. 5 Cecilia Gurung won the title of Miss Tourism Queen International Nepal 2005 while Shristi Kharel and Puja Shah were declared first and second runners-up, respectively. To the question — heritage conservation and tourism development are two faces of a coin. How would you prove it? — asked by chief judge, Cecilia confidently replied, “Heritage sites are our country’s identity and these are the major attractions. Unless we preserve our heritage sites, development of tourism is difficult,” to win the coveted title. Cecilia believes that this is an opportunity to promote Nepal, her rich culture, heritage, peace and harmony among contestants from 70 different countries. Malvika Subba former Miss Nepal and Suhrid Jyoti, Manhunt 2003 emceed the event.

Our congratulations to

•Pearl Miss Tourism Queen International Nepal 2005: Cecilia Gurung

•First Runner-Up: Shristi Kharel

•Second Runner-Up: Puja Shah

Other Title Awards

•Miss Friendship: Nitu Gurung

•Miss Best Figure: Nasim Pradhan

•Miss Personality: Cecilia Gurung

•Miss Talent: Nirjala Tamrakar

•Miss Photogenic: Jaya Shrestha

•Miss Best Hair: Arati Gurung

•Miss Best Smile: Neeta Makaju