A 21-year-old graduate of the University of Professional Studies, Accra(UPSA) Abigail Nayram Tay, affectionately known as Naya who represented the Western Region, was on last Friday, crowned Miss Tourism Ghana 2020, at the Movenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra.

MsTay, who holds a bachelor’s degree in Marketing, with reading, writing and travelling as hobbies, wrestled the crown from other 15 contestants who represented their regions in Ghana.

First Princess Award went to Western North Region Representative, Jennifer Deku, 24, a midwife, known in the competition as Nuna, whereas Eastern Regional representative, Zay, known in private life as Zainab Abdulai, 23 year-old graduate of University of Ghana emerged as the second Princess

Speaking to The Spectator after her victory, Naya expressed her excitement and thanked everyone for the support, as well as promised to work hard to promote tourism potential of Ghana on every platform she finds herself.

“I believe in this philosophy that In life, it’s not always about winning the ultimate prize but the opportunity of developing yourself in the process makes it a win-win situation,” she added.

The Minister of Tourism, Mrs Barbara Oteng Gyasi, who was elated about the event, urged the winners and other participants to continuously promote Ghana’s tourism potential to the rest of the world.

She congratulated the organisers and winners for their diligent input resulting in a successful event.

The Minister also commended other contestants for putting up a good contest and urged them not to relent in their passion to promote Ghana tourism.

Director of Events and Operations of Miss Tourism Ghana, Mrs Delphine Brew-Hammond told the paper about her excitement about the successful turn of events, considering the challenges posed as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, which made things difficult.

She expressed her appreciation to companies and individuals who supported them in diverse ways to make the event a success, and was optimistic that the organisation would continously champion the tourism development agenda of the country.

“ I would like to thank GTP, Max Beauty, Lele Foods, Tang Palace Hotel, Max International, Spangles, Adonko Bitters, Voltic Ghana, MJ Grand Hotel, Golden Tulip, Ethiopian Airlines, Golden Tulip, Ghana Tourism Authority, Movenpick Ambassador Hotel, Royal Senchi, Rita Bucknor and family among others for their support,” she said.

On the night, there were other awards such as the Miss Culture, Miss Civic, Miss Catwalk, Miss Clear Skin, and Miss Eloquent among others.

Contestants engaged in competitions like, swim wear, cooking, fashion, mountain hiking, debate and culture night, as well as toured some tourist sites in the country.

By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme