Zuzanna Balonek of Poland Crowned Miss Tourism International 2025/26 at Resorts World Genting
It was a night steeped in splendour and symbolism as the Miss Tourism International 2025 World Final unfolded high above the clouds at Resorts World Genting. For the first time in the pageant’s 30-year history, the event took place in this world-renowned mountain resort, a fitting stage for a celebration that brings together elegance, cultural pride, and global friendship.
Organised by D’Touch International and presented by Mahsia Media Group, the grand finale on 18th October 2025 was more than a competition. It was a statement of Malaysia’s enduring charm and hospitality. Under the radiant theme “Bringing the World to Malaysia”, the event reflected the nation’s role as a melting pot of cultures and a beacon of tourism excellence.
Honouring Success and Spirit
Amid cheers and applause, Zuzanna Balonek of Poland was crowned Miss Tourism International 2025/26, winning the hearts of judges and audiences alike with her intelligence, poise, and authenticity. Her victory symbolised not only personal triumph but also the values that Miss Tourism International upholds: beauty with a purpose, and grace with global understanding.
Sharing the spotlight were four other main titleholders: Eds Enero from the Philippines, who was named Miss Tourism Queen of the Year International 2025/26; Doris Bai from China, Miss Tourism Metropolitan International 2025/26; Andrea Pineda from Colombia, Miss Tourism Cosmopolitan International 2025/26; and Mitchelle Otieno from Kenya, Miss Tourism Global 2025/26.
The night also recognised two special winners: Tan Sanh Vy Vo of Vietnam, who earned the title Miss South East Asia Tourism Ambassadress 2025/26, and Thailand’s Sasicha Duangket, who became Dreamgirl of the Year International 2025/26 through popular voting.
A Celebration Beyond Borders
What made this year’s edition truly remarkable was its two-stage format, a first in the pageant’s history. The journey began in Kuala Lumpur, where 37 delegates representing countries from every continent arrived for ten days of activities at Hyatt Place Kuala Lumpur Bukit Jalil.
During their stay, they were not just contestants but cultural emissaries. Their itinerary blended glamour with meaning, from promotional visits with sponsors to heritage exploration across Malaysia’s capital. The delegates visited the Petronas Twin Towers, the National Monument, and Chin Swee Cave Temple, experiencing firsthand the country’s architectural wonders and spiritual diversity.
They also lent their voices to causes that matter. At Focus Point’s World Sight Day roadshow, they helped promote the importance of eye health, while Dragon Ginseng Bio-Tech’s wellness campaign highlighted the benefits of holistic nutrition. These engagements showed that Miss Tourism International is as much about advocacy as it is about allure.
The second stage of the competition then transported the contestants to the cool, misty heights of Resorts World Genting, where anticipation built for the grand finale.
Photo above from left to right: Dreamgirl Of The Year International 2025/26 – Sasicha Duangket (Thailand); Miss Tourism Cosmopolitan International 2025/26 – Andrea Pineda (Colombia); Miss Tourism Queen Of The Year International 2025/26 – Eds Enero (Philippines); Miss Tourism International 2025/26 – Zuzanna Balonek (Poland); Miss Tourism Metropolitan International 2025/26 – Doris Bai (China); Miss Tourism Global 2025/26 – Mitchelle Otieno (Kenya); Miss South East Asia Tourism Ambassadress 2025/26 – Tan Sanh Vy Vo (Vietnam)
The Grand Coronation at Genting
As the curtains rose at the Genting International Showroom, the venue came alive with dazzling lights and an atmosphere charged with anticipation. Distinguished guests filled the hall, including YAM Laksamana Selangor, Y.A.M. Tengku Sulaiman Shah Al-Haj Ibni Almarhum Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Al-Haj, who attended as Guest of Honour.
The evening unfolded as a spectacle of artistry and grace. The National Costume Presentation opened the show with a stunning parade of traditional designs, from vibrant silks to intricate beadwork and regal headdresses, each telling a story of heritage and national pride.
Next came the Talent Competition, where ten delegates took to the stage to perform music, dance, and dramatic pieces that reflected both their creativity and cultural roots. It was a showcase of individuality and confidence, a reminder that beauty, in its truest sense, is multidimensional.
The evening wear and cocktail segments then set the tone for elegance, as delegates glided across the stage in sophisticated gowns, exuding grace under pressure. The night reached a crescendo with special performances by Resorts World Genting’s Star Dream Cruise entertainers and a captivating appearance by Natta Intasao, the reigning Miss Tourism Queen of the Year 2024 from Thailand.
When the final results were announced, the atmosphere was electric, a moment of unity that transcended borders, language, and culture.
Photo above from left to right: Outgoing Miss Tourism Queen Of The Year International 24/25 – Natta Intasao (Thailand); Outgoing Miss Tourism International 24/25 – Liana Barrido (Philippines); Dreamgirl Of The Year International 2025/26 – Sasicha Duangket (Thailand); Miss Tourism Cosmopolitan International 2025/26 – Andrea Pineda (Colombia); Miss Tourism Queen Of The Year International 2025/26 – Eds Enero (Philippines); President & Owner of Miss Tourism International: Tan Sri Datuk Danny Ooi; Miss Tourism International 2025/26 – Zuzanna Balonek (Poland); Guest Of Honour: YAM Laksamana Selangor, Y.A.M. Tengku Sulaiman Shah Al-Haj Ibni Almarhum Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Al-Haj; Presenter of Miss Tourism International 2025: Datuk Wira Calvin Khiu, Chairman of Mahsia Media Group; Miss Tourism Metropolitan International 2025/26 – Doris Bai (China); Miss Tourism Global 2025/26 – Mitchelle Otieno (Kenya); Miss South East Asia Tourism Ambassadress 2025/26 – Tan Sanh Vy Vo (Vietnam)
Malaysia’s Pageant Legacy
Behind the glittering stage lies a legacy built over three decades. Founded by Tan Sri Datuk Danny Ooi in 1994, Miss Tourism International has evolved from a small-scale event featuring 20 nations into a global phenomenon now represented by over 120 countries.
Tan Sri Danny’s vision has always been clear: to create a platform that empowers women to become ambassadors of tourism, goodwill, and friendship. Through the years, the competition has grown into one of Malaysia’s proudest exports, recognised not only for its prestige but also for its role in promoting global unity through culture and travel.
This year’s edition also carried a deeper purpose: to highlight Visit Malaysia 2026, the nation’s upcoming tourism campaign. By hosting the world final locally, Malaysia once again proved that its beauty lies not only in its landscapes but in its people, who continue to welcome visitors with open hearts.
Powering an International Showcase
The grandeur of the Miss Tourism International 2025 World Final was made possible through collaboration and support. Tourism Malaysia, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), and key sponsors, including Resorts World Genting, Focus Point, Carlo Rino, Skin Renew, GINTELL, as well as Dragon Ginseng Bio-Tech, played integral roles in realising this global celebration.
Each sponsor contributed to making the event both memorable and meaningful, from awarding subsidiary titles such as Best in National Costume and Miss Social Media to providing valuable prizes and experiences for the winners.
A Crown with a Cause
As Zuzanna Balonek stood crowned under the glittering lights of Genting, her triumph became a symbol of something far greater – the power of diversity and the shared dream of peace through tourism. Each of the 37 delegates left Malaysia not only with memories of competition but with friendships that crossed oceans and cultures.
The Miss Tourism International 2025 World Final was more than a night of crowns and sashes. It was a reminder that beauty can build bridges, and that Malaysia, with its warmth, inclusivity, and spirit of celebration, remains the perfect place to bring the world together.
Event: Miss Tourism International Pageant 2025 World Final
Venue: Genting International Showroom (GISR), Resorts World Genting, Pahang
Date: 18th Oct 2025
Time: 6pm
