In January 2023, 165 countries around the world will experience the unique and vibrant culture of New Orleans on international television.
NEW ORLEANS – Some 90 women from 67 countries around the globe will take to the runway at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans to compete for the title of Miss Universe on January 14, 2023.
Earlier this month, the organization announced that the competition had been postponed to avoid conflict with the 2022 FIFA World Cup, which will be held in Qatar from November 20 to December 18.
The city of New Orleans announced Monday that it will host the highly anticipated event for the first time in history. “Hosting the 71st Miss Universe Pageant is a rare and prestigious opportunity to positively showcase New Orleans to a global audience in 165 countries and territories,” said Walt Leger III, Executive Vice President and incoming CEO of New Orleans & Company.
According to Miss Universe Organization president Paula Shugart, New Orleans was at the top of the organization’s list to host the prestigious pageant for a while. She said the city’s unique arts, entertainment and culinary scene sealed the deal.
In a statement Monday, Mayor LaToya Cantrell says it’s an honor to host the 71st Miss Universe pageant, as the city and the Miss Universe Organization “share common values of celebrating women’s inclusion, culture and empowerment.” The mayor says she hopes this opportunity will “show people around the globe why New Orleans is the best in the world at executing major events, festivals, conferences and conventions with a culture that is absolutely unmatched.”
The area is likely to get a big boost in tourism for the event, with racers, fans, celebrities, journalists and influencers expected to flock to the Big Easy for the world-renowned competition.
The 71st Miss Universe pageant will feature its first contestant representing the country of Bhutan and Seychelles is returning to the pageant for the first time since 1995. Angola, Belize, Guam, Indonesia, Iraq, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Saint Lucia, Switzerland, Trinidad and Tobago and Uruguay are also returning to the competition after a break.
“I can’t wait for our delegates from around the world to experience everything [New Orleans] has to offer,” says Shugart.
