The Israeli Ministry of Tourism confirmed today, Oct. 27, that the 70th Miss Universe Competition will be aired live from Eliat, Israel in December.
“Despite the challenges the COVID-19 pandemic placed in our path, we knew how to maintain the balance between health and the economy, to bring tourism back to Israel,” said Israeli Tourism Minister Yoel Razvozov, according to a report on variety.com, a popular entertainment website in the US.
“We needed to create tourism anchors that will promote and present Israel to the world as a vaccination nation that invites tourists to visit. The Miss Universe pageant is, without doubt, an important and significant anchor of this plan,” Yoel added.
Variety.com reported that the Miss Universe Organization is importing a “state-of-the-art, bespoke arena” from Portugal, with 5,000 seats and dimensions of 16.5 meters in height.
Scheduled to perform at Miss Universe is Israeli pop star Noa Kirel who just released a new single called “Bad Little Thing.”
“I’m so excited and honored to be performing at Miss Universe. By believing in themselves and fearlessly chasing their dreams, these women from around the world live and breathe the values of the Miss Universe Organization, and I can’t wait to share this celebratory moment with all of them on this incredible global stage,” Kirel said.
The 70th Miss Universe Competition will once again be hosted by legendary entertainer Steve Harvey on FOX.
“Israel has been on our shortlist of host countries for a number of years due to its rich history, beautiful landscapes, myriad of cultures and appeal as a global tourist destination,” said Paula M. Shugart, president of the Miss Universe Organization.
“As we sought an impressive location for our 70th-anniversary celebration, it became clear through our conversations with acting Mayor Lankri and the Israeli Ministry that Israel has the resources and demonstrated the commitment to host MISS UNIVERSE in December. We look forward to deepening our commitment and creating meaningful cultural conversation, connection, and understanding through this partnership.”
“The city of Eilat, together with our partners at the Ministry of Tourism, are delighted and proud to host the Miss Universe events and accommodate the 70-year celebrations in Eilat,” said Eli Lankri, acting mayor of Eilat.
“The new Ramon Eilat Airport has, without a doubt, served as the foundation for Eilat’s opening up to new international opportunities, and the city is ready and willing to host contestants from over 90 countries.”
The three-hour event will feature women representing countries and territories across the globe competing in multiple categories, including personal statement, swimsuit, evening gown and interview, ending with Mexico’s Andrea Meza crowning her successor.
Meza, a former software engineer, has advocated for women’s equality during her reign. “Being the only Miss Universe crowned during the COVID-19 pandemic has made my reign unforgettable,” said Meza. “I hope that the world takes the vaccine as soon as it is available so that, come December, as many people as possible can join the 70th-anniversary celebration in Israel.”
In the weeks ahead of the competition, contestants will get to explore the rich history and culture of Israel, with visits to notable locations, including the Dead Sea, Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and those throughout the host city of Eilat.
Additionally, Meza is set to visit Israel later this summer to begin to explore the country in which she will give up her title.
“We in Israel are delighted to host the 70th-anniversary celebrations of the iconic Miss Universe pageant—an event celebrating women’s empowerment, optimism, tolerance, and desire for excellence, which crosses every geographical and national border,” Yoel added.