Cancun is preparing to shake the shores of the Mexican Caribbean in November when the Miss Tourist International will be held, the world largest beauty festival. Contestants are already registering on the Internet, dreaming to be crowned "Cancun Tourist Queen" and thus win a US$100,000 award.

For Gerardo Reyes Pérez de Celis, president of the Organizing Committee, the Miss Tourist International to be held from November 15-30, is a tourism promotion system designed for Cancun, aimed at raising the influx of visitors to this southeastern beach of Mexico, in a season that has been historically low. "This will be a unique event with a total transparency. The call is made via the Internet through the interactive portal www.misstourist.com, where candidates from any parts of the world, who have access to this electronic means, can be registered and among whom 500 will be chosen, a record for the Guinness Book," he commented. Contestants are required to be from 18-28 years of age, measure 1.65 tall, endowed with a remarkably beautiful face and body, good manners and social appeal. During the last fortnight of December, there will be five final rounds until reaching the number of 30 beautiful girls. From this group, the Cancun Queen will be chosen and awarded a prize of US$100,000, a diamond set and clothes from a renowned designer. The second place will win US$50,000 and the third US$25,000. The final thirty contestants will be refunded for their return trip and all the expenses incurred during these days at this mythical destination which accommodates over two million visitors. "We are happy that Mexico organizes the largest world beauty contest that will also be the fairest ever held since through the Internet we can make a fair choice with absolute transparency," he stated.

Cuauhtli Arau Miss Tourist International System Director