Zimpapers Logo

Tafadzwa Zimoyo, Entertainment Editor

IN a first for Zimbabwe, reigning Miss Universe Sheynnis Palacios is expected in the country as part of her world tour, before she hands over the title to her successor in  Novembe.

Her visit comes hardly a month after Nicaragua opened its Embassy in Harare as the two countries strengthen their ties.

Palacios was crowned the 2023 Miss Universe, in El Salvador’s capital, San Salvador taking over from R’Bonney Gabriel of the US.

Anntonia Porsild of Thailand was first runner-up while Australian model Moraya Wilson was voted in second place.

Palacios’ win marked the first-ever time a Nicaraguan won Miss Universe.

She had previously represented Nicaragua in the 2017 Teen Miss Universe pageant, getting a place in the top 10, and in the 2021 Miss World pageant.

Palacios is visiting the country courtesy of Miss Universe Zimbabwe organisers in conjunction with Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry.

Miss Universe Zimbabwe licence holder Tendai Hunda, confirmed the latest development.

Hunda said Palacios will arrive on Monday afternoon.

“We are proud to announce that as Miss Universe Zimbabwe, in conjunction with Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry we are bringing Miss Universe 2023 winner Sheynnis Palacios for a tour,” she said.

“She is arriving on Monday (August 19) 3:30pm at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International airport. We are encouraging modelling fans to come and welcome the ‘queen’.”

Palacios will be in the country for six days.

“She is expected to go to Victoria Falls and other tourist destinations during her stay. We are yet to finalise her itinerary, but we are glad with the progress so far.”

“We are also working with the Tourism Ministry to help us with other destination places we will take her, among other things. She has toured other parts of the world and this is a first in the history of Zimbabwe, to have a global queen touring the country.”

Meanwhile, Miss Universe Zimbabwe 2024 Sakhile Dube is in Milan, Italy where she is studying fashion designing and styling at the Milan School of Fashion in Italy.

Sakhile will represent the country at this year’s Miss Universe pageant in Mexico.