2026 Miss City Tourism World global finals to be held in Sanya

The launch ceremony of the 2026 Miss City Tourism World global finals went off with a bang in Sanya on Aug 28.

The event is in tune with the broader development goals of the Hainan Free Trade Port — merging international fashion and cultural tourism with Hainan's wellness and tourism industries.

It aims to create a platform for global cultural exchanges and industry collaborations — with a flag presentation and a raft of strategic partnership agreements signed on-site.

Yan Yu, secretary-general of the organizing committee, said that during the event, contestants from around the world will explore Hainan's wellness centers and its celebrated coastal cultural landmarks.

This will help to showcase Hainan's unique tourism and its wellness resources from a global perspective.

The event is also opening up fresh opportunities for title sponsorships, strategic partnerships and city collaborations — inviting companies in the cultural, tourism and health sectors to join in building an industry ecosystem.

By leveraging the event's global reach, its partner brands can boost their international presence, according to Yan.

Karolina Piksa, winner of Miss City Tourism World in 2025 from Poland, attended the ceremony and shared her insights.

She praised Hainan's rich ecological and cultural resources and expressed her enthusiasm for sharing Hainan's stories and tourism charm with the world as a cultural ambassador.

This year's global finals are set to take place this December in Sanya. Contestants from various countries will gather to participate in events like city welcomes, parades and the grand final award ceremony.

They'll also have the chance to immerse themselves in Hainan's local cultural heritage and explore the island's diverse tourism offerings.

The Miss City Tourism World is a well-known international event that has become a platform for city promotions, cultural and tourism showcases, and attracting investment.

Industry insiders see hosting the event as a strategic move to capitalize on the Hainan FTP development — and to support China's broader opening-up strategy.