The Quang Ninh Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, together with relevant agencies and local authorities, held a press conference on August 5 at a resort in Bai Chay Ward to announce preparations for Miss World 2026.
Organisers said this year's competition marks the 75th anniversary of one of the world's longest-running international beauty pageants and the first time Vietnam has been selected as the host nation.
Nguyen Thi Thanh Thuy, deputy director of the Quang Ninh Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, speaks at the press conference (Photo: Organising committee).
The event will take place from August 8 to September 5 across Quang Ninh, Haiphong and Khanh Hoa, bringing together nearly 120 contestants representing countries and territories worldwide.
Quang Ninh will host the opening stage of the competition from August 8 to 12, featuring the official arrival of contestants, a welcome reception, community outreach activities, the opening ceremony and a sightseeing programme at Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Contestants will also experience some of the province's signature tourism offerings, including sightseeing on double-decker buses, cruises around Ha Long Bay and cultural activities designed to promote the heritage and tourism potential of Quang Ninh.
The highlight of the opening programme will be the "Welcome Miss World to Quang Ninh-Vietnam" ceremony, scheduled for 8 pm on August 11 at Ha Long Marina Beach Square in Bai Chay Ward. The event is expected to attract around 10,000 guests, local residents and visitors.
Miss Le Nguyen Bao Ngoc and Mister Pham Tuan Ngoc at the press conference (Photo: Organising committee).
Representing Vietnam at Miss World 2026 is Le Nguyen Bao Ngoc, born in 2001. She was named first runner-up at Miss World Vietnam 2022 before winning the Miss Intercontinental 2022 crown, becoming one of Vietnam's most successful international beauty queens.