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Tafadzwa Zimoyo, Entertainment Editor
IN the past week, social media was ablaze with stories and pictures of the most beautiful girl, who had visited Zimbabwe.
A first in the history of modelling in the country, reigning Miss Universe Sheyniss Palacios visited Zimbabwe accompanied by Miss Universe vice president Olivia Quido Mario Bu’caro.
Many questioned why she was here and what this meant.
Soon after being crowned Miss Universe 2023 at a glitzy ceremony in El Salvador, Palacios just like other previous queens, had to embark on a “universe” tour.
Luck fell on Zimbabwe this year after Palacios ended up in Africa, where she opted to put Zimbabwe on her list, among other countries.
Zimbabwe is her 29th country to tour.
The good thing about that is she left a lasting impression, creating a positive narrative that most people did not know about, a feat she achieved by posting pictures on social media platforms.
With Miss Universe, social media page “Instagram,” having six million followers, Zimbabwe was last week on the global map after she posted beautiful pictures of the activities she conducted while in the country.
Various comments were trending with the world seeing a different picture of Zimbabwe compared to what they have often been told.
Her visit, according to the Miss Universe Zimbabwe organisers provided a wonderful opportunity for Miss Universe to convey her support for Zimbabwe’s initiatives and to discuss potential collaborations in promoting tourism, cultural exchange, and women empowerment.
For Palacios, seeing is believing and she came, saw, and conquered.
She thanked Zimbabwe for such an opportunity.
On landing, Palacios was whisked away in top-of-the-range cars, which were in line with the Miss Universe standards. This was made possible by organisers of the tour of the Miss Universe Zimbabwe in conjunction with the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, who made sure she was treated like a queen.
Her visit will not only boost the brand Zimbabwe but put the country on the map on the global stage.
As part of her tour, requested by the Miss Universe organisation, the hosting country takes care of the beauty queen’s requirements from make-up to dressing.
This then amplifies the brand visibility of the country as top designers and make-up artists are involved.
I know you are probably wondering how many suitcases she now has and what will she do with the clothes.
Organisers for Miss Universe Zimbabwe had to call out for designers to dress Palacios, and these included Zarguesia, VD by Varaidzo, Nandi, Charles the designer, and Miranda Tarisai Atelier.
Palacios loved every garment she was presented with.
“The dress is so beautiful,” she said.
However, Palacios being the most beautiful queen was well taken care of and monitored by the organisers of the Miss Universe pageant.
Possessing a natural pose in modelling, Palacios brought in her “A-game,” each time the camera flash struck her face.
At Victoria Falls, which was part of her itinerary, she fell in love with the place and traditional dancers.
Coming from Nicaragua, the lanky model never dreamt that one day she would pose for a photograph at one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
“This is amazing, the majestic Victoria Falls,” she exclaimed.
It can be confirmed that the visit highlighted to the world that Zimbabwe is ready and enthusiastic to welcome global visitors and investors to Zimbabwe and show the world that “Zimbabwe Is Open for Business.”
Many Hollywood celebrities like Scottish footballer John McGinn, United States celebrity, chef and television personality, Carla Hall, socialite Paris Hilton, actress Tiffany Haddish, actor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Baywatch star David Hasselhoff, the late Micheal Jackson and Will Smith among others have been to the Victoria Falls.
They all attested to the beauty of the majestic waters. Did you know Palacios had a meal plan that included a protein shake, and zero lactose?
Being a dancer, Palacios displayed her energetic moves with the local traditional dancers and the videos went viral with the world-loving Zimbabwe.
Her stay was indeed meaningful.
Palacios later handed over two boreholes in Epworth, and the gesture is part of her corporate and social responsibility roles, showing that the Miss Universe platform is not just a beauty contest, but a platform concerned about societal issues.
During Palacios’ tour, many questions were thrown around with many people wondering why reigning Miss Universe Zimbabwe Sakhile Dube was not hanging around with her.
Well, Dube is set to take part in the Miss Universe pageant in Mexico, it would have been unprofessional to hang around with Palacios, the reigning Miss Universe who was naturally accompanied by the Miss Universe pageant team.
Speaking on the sidelines of the tour, Olivia Quido-Co said Miss Universe was keen on global partnerships and focuses on implementing and expanding mission-driven work and corporate social responsibility around the world.
Somehow that is talent management.
Olivia will also be working with Miss Universe’s many franchise partners and national directors in the nearly 100 countries who are part of the programme, as well as corporate sponsors and partners.
Miss Universe Zimbabwe board chairperson Colonel Miniyothabo Baloyi-Chiwenga also thanked Zimbabwe and the world stating that the visit by Palacios contributed significantly to promoting Zimbabwe’s image globally and strengthening the diplomatic and economic ties with Nicaragua and beyond.
“This is the first time that a non-African Miss Universe toured Africa. From Zimbabwe, the delegation will visit Tanzania among other African countries,” she said.
“The visit by the delegation is of great significance to Zimbabwe’s international relations. The hosting of the Miss Universe Organisation from New York, not only fosters new social ties with the United States of America, but it also comes at a time when the Nicaraguan Embassy has recently opened in Zimbabwe.”
Baloyi-Chiwenga said the landmark occasion marks a significant milestone for Zimbabwe and aligns perfectly with President Mnangagwa’s vision and mantra that Zimbabwe is open for business.
“The tour coincided with Zimbabwe’s hosting of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) summit, providing a global platform to showcase our nation’s hospitality, cultural richness, and commitment to international cooperation,” she said.
“Zimbabwe last participated in Miss Universe in 2001 due to various reasons. After a 22-year hiatus, Zimbabwe was reinstated on the global stage in 2022, thanks to Tendai Hunda, the Miss Universe Zimbabwe national director, who defied the odds and worked tirelessly to get the licence.”
Online Reporter