Their visit is part of a national initiative to strengthen international artistic cooperation and spotlight Tanzania’s rich heritage, beauty, and tourism.
Miss World 2025, Opal Suchata from Thailand, and Miss World Africa 2025, Hasset Dereje from Ethiopia, and Julia Morley CBE, have arrived in Tanzania to begin a special cultural and promotional tour. Their visit is part of a national initiative to strengthen international artistic cooperation and spotlight Tanzania’s rich heritage, beauty, and tourism.
The arrival of the two Miss World and Beauty With a Purpose ambassadors, alongside the CEO of the MWO, Julia Morley CBE, was met with warmth, music, and traditional dances at the Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam. Representatives from the National Arts Council of Tanzania (BASATA), the Ministry of Culture, and the Tanzania Tourism Board joined in receiving them, emphasizing the importance of this visit for international promotion.
Hasset Dereje, the 1st Runner-Up at Miss World and Miss World Africa, was the first to arrive and was welcomed by BASATA leadership, including Mr. Edward Elias Buganga, Director of Art Promotion. Her presence was celebrated for her accomplishment on the world stage, now proudly representing the African continent.
“I feel incredibly honored to be here in Tanzania,” Hasset said. “Our continent is so rich in culture and beauty, and this visit shows how we can celebrate and promote it together through unity, art, and tourism.”
Opal and Hasset were also welcomed by Halima Kopwe, Miss World Tanzania and Top 40 quarter-finalist at the 71st Miss World Festival. Kopwe was also a Top 10 BWAP finalist on the occasion.Julia Morley CBE, Chairwoman of the Miss World Organization, also joined the delegation and was visibly moved by the welcome.
“I am excited to be back in Tanzania after six years,” she shared. “It’s truly a unique place and I am so proud to see that it keeps on growing. Tanzania is becoming for modern and dynamic, but never losing its wonderful essence!”
Opal Suchata, the reigning Miss World, who with Julia Morley CBE, arrived shortly after and was received by Dr. Emmanuel Ishengoma, Director of Art Development, and Dr. Kedmon Mapana, Executive Secretary of BASATA, along with the Tanzania Tourism Board.
“This is my first trip to Africa, and I’m glad it’s Tanzania,” Opal said with a smile. “I was so warmly welcomed and I look forward to a wonderful program.”
The visit aligns with the goals of the Royal Tour program, a national project that uses art, culture, and beauty to position Tanzania as a top-tier travel destination. By involving international figures like Miss World and Miss World Africa, the initiative aims to share Tanzania’s unique attractions with audiences around the world.
“This is a rare opportunity for the nation to show its beauty to the world through the power of art, beauty, and tourism,” BASATA stated in an official release.
The joint visit of Opal and Hasset is not only a celebration of international friendship and African pride but also a powerful display of Tanzania’s unmatched hospitality, in a land where every journey tells a story.
