The provincial government of Bohol Friday thanked the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Miss Universe Organization for choosing the province as among places visited by Miss Universe 2017 candidates.
Acting Vice Governor Venzencio Arcamo said that the ladies’ visit was a big boost in the promotion of the province as a prime tourist destination.
Arcamo led the provincial government in welcoming Miss Universe Philippines Rachel Peters, Miss Universe Russia Kseniya Alexndrova and Miss Universe Malaysia Samantha James on Friday morning.
The acting vice governor filled in for Governor Edgar Chatto who attended a series of meetings in Cebu City.
Meanwhile, the three delegates to the recently concluded Miss Universe 2017 toured the Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella and the Bohol Beach Club in Panglao after visiting the Governor’s Mansion.
According to Arcamo, Peters, Alexandrova and James were supposed to also explore other attractions in the province such as the world-renowned Chocolate Hills and Loboc River.
However, the ladies who arrived at 10:47 a.m. did not have enough time to make the trip as they had to catch a 3 p.m. flight bound for Metro Manila.
The DOT had initially announced that the Miss Universe delegation was comprised of Miss Universe 2016 Iris Mittenaere, Miss Korea, Miss Netherlands, Miss Russia and Miss Canada.
Last-minute changes were made by the DOT which has yet to explain the alteration of the lineup.
According to DOT Secretary Wanda Teo, the initiative was launched as a “marketing strategy” to promote the Philippines through the beauty contestants and titleholders particularly using their social media accounts.
“It will definitely promote the country considering that the ladies have a huge social media following,” said Teo.
Other Miss Universe delegates including Miss Universe 2017 Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters explored various tourist destinations in the country including in Camiguin, Batanes and Manila. (R. Tutas)