On the afternoon of 30 June 2026, the official press conference announcing the Miss Global Tourism Ambassador 2026 pageant was held at Amor Resort Wedding & Event Garden in Ho Chi Minh City. The event welcomed more than 200 distinguished guests, including representatives from national and international media outlets, renowned artists, and leading beauty experts from both Vietnam and abroad. The occasion marked the official launch of a global journey to crown a beauty ambassador dedicated to promoting cultural exchange and advancing sustainable tourism worldwide.
A pageant leveraging the promotion of tourism
Miss Global Tourism Ambassador 2026 is jointly organized by the Vietnam Tourism Television Joint Stock Company and the Phan Trong Binh People’s Armed Forces Hero Social Work Foundation. The project is implemented in collaboration with Crystal Star Entertainment, EcoVietTour, and Go Media, with media sponsorship from Ho Chi Minh City Television (HTV). The pageant aims to establish an international cultural platform where beauty is celebrated through intelligence, compassion, and a strong sense of social responsibility.
Expected to welcome more than 30 contestants representing countries and territories around the world, the competition goes beyond the scope of a conventional beauty pageant to become a meaningful platform for cultural exchange. Through a series of activities held throughout the competition, the organizers hope to promote tourism, strengthen international cooperation, and introduce to the world a modern, welcoming Vietnam enriched by its unique cultural heritage.
A defining feature of this year’s edition is its emphasis on the winner’s role beyond the crown. Following the competition, the newly crowned Miss Global Tourism Ambassador 2026 and her runners-up will actively participate in major tourism and cultural promotion campaigns and festivals. Together, this network of Tourism Ambassadors will work to promote sustainable values while fostering stronger cultural connections in an increasingly interconnected world.
Well-planned itinerary with a lucrative prize pool
During the press conference, the organizing committee officially unveiled the competition’s overview, regulations, and event timeline. According to the schedule, the online preliminary round will take place from 30 August to 25 September 2026. Outstanding contestants from around the world will then gather in Vietnam from 12 October 2026 to participate in a series of cultural exchange activities and immersive experiences showcasing the country’s heritage sites, cultural landmarks, and distinctive cuisine.
The official competition will follow international pageant standards, featuring key segments including the National Costume Competition, Evening Gown Competition, Swimsuit Competition, Interview Round, and a Tourism Promotion Project Presentation. On 13 November 2026, the organizers will officially introduce the finalists and unveil the prestigious crown for the season. The Grand Finale, where the new titleholder will be crowned, is scheduled to take place on 21 November 2026 in Ho Chi Minh City.
This year’s competition offers a total prize pool valued at more than VND 3 billion, with the winner receiving a grand prize worth VND 1 billion. The judging panel will select a Top 5, consisting of one Miss Global Tourism Ambassador 2026 and four runners-up. Vietnam’s selection as the host nation once again highlights the country’s growing reputation and appeal as a destination for international tourism and world-class cultural events.
Reputable jury panel with transparent commitments
The competition will be overseen by an Advisory Council and a Panel of Judges comprising experienced industry experts, executives, and entertainment professionals. Serving as Head Judge is Nguyen Truong Son, President of the Vietnam Advertising Association. Phan Thi Mo, World Miss Tourism Ambassador 2018, will serve as Vice Head Judge, alongside an international panel that includes Erina Hanawa (Miss Tourism World 2022), Rashmita Rasindran (Miss Charm 2024), and Tran Tran My Linh (Miss Celebrity International 2025).
Sharing her perspective, Phan Thi Mo said: “I’ve always believed that the moment a woman is crowned is only the beginning of a new journey. A beauty queen’s true value lies in how she uses her title to serve the community and inspire the public. To build lasting trust among audiences, the organizing committee is committed to implementing a clear, transparent judging system with well-founded criteria behind every decision.”
Responding to questions about the differing opinions that often arise following the results of beauty pageants, the former World Miss Tourism Ambassador noted that diverse public reactions reflect the high level of interest surrounding such competitions. In her view, maintaining public confidence depends on a judging process that is transparent, objective, and supported by clearly defined evaluation criteria. She emphasized that a panel of highly qualified judges would ensure the highest possible level of fairness and impartiality throughout the competition.
Bringing humanitarian values worldwide
Speaking at the press conference, National Artisan Nguyen Dinh Phuc, President of the Competition and Head of the Organizing Committee, emphasized that Miss Global Tourism Ambassador 2026 is envisioned as a long-term culture and tourism initiative. Its overarching mission is to connect people, celebrate shared human values, and showcase the unique cultural identities of destinations around the world. Each contestant, he noted, will serve as a positive ambassador, promoting the culture and tourism of her homeland on the international stage.
The pageant is supported by a strong network of reputable organizations and businesses, including EcoVietTour, the Phan Trong Binh Social Work Foundation, Go Media, and Crystal Star Entertainment. This strategic collaboration provides the resources needed to deliver a professionally organized competition while creating an ideal platform for contestants to showcase their talents. Throughout the program, participants will further develop their confidence, knowledge, and compassion through cultural exchange forums and community service activities.
Following the official press conference, the application portal for Miss Global Tourism Ambassador 2026 was officially opened across the pageant’s media platforms. Guided by the theme “Connecting Cultures – Inspiring Journeys,” the competition is expected to deliver an exciting season while making a meaningful contribution to the continued recovery and sustainable growth of the global tourism industry.
