Miss France 2014 contestants to arrive in Sri Lanka this week

Friday, 15 November 2013 05:40 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The contingent’s pre-pageant tour to garner mammoth exposure for the country in France The 33 finalists of the Miss France 2014 competition arrive in the country on Saturday, for the much anticipated pre-pageant tour of Sri Lanka, which will take place from 16 to 21 November 2013. The reigning Miss France (2013) and Runner-up of Miss World 2013, Marine Lorphelin, will also be accompanying the contingent on tour. The Miss France contingent’s tour of Sri Lanka is made possible by the country’s leading hospitality brand, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, together with the national carrier of Sri Lanka, Sri Lankan Airlines. As such, the tour will include stays at the tastefully-appointed Cinnamon Lodge

Habarana and Cinnamon Bey Beruwala resorts. At Cinnamon Lodge Habarana, being at the epicentre of the cultural triangle and wildlife parks, the contingent will experience rich cultural diversity and wildlife, whilst Cinnamon Bey Beruwala will present to them a most relaxed holiday on the golden beaches of the coastal belt – giving them true indulgence to sun, sea and sand. It will be televised live through TF1 to millions of enthusiastic global viewers. Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Head of Brand Marketing Dileep Mudadeniya said, “Miss France 2014 will certainly put Sri Lanka in the global spotlight as a quality destination. Filming will highlight some of the island’s best locations and I am sure that our unique culture and warm hospitality will appeal to audiences around the world watching the pageant.” “According to the Miss France Organisation, the contestants, as well as the winner of the pageant are considered role models within the French nation, and therefore they anticipate that all those following the beauties and their lifestyles will most certainly consider Sri Lanka for their next holiday destination. By associating with a pageant of such global repute, we are making the world aware of the diversity the country has to offer a traveller, where one is sure to be overwhelmed by the charms this exotic island can offer, ranging from the beaches, to wildlife and heritage topped with the warmest welcome one could expect in any part of the world,” he added. Explaining the exposure Sri Lanka will acquire as a result of being the host destination for this year’s pre-pageant tour of Miss France, Dileep noted that during the live telecast of Miss France 2014 in December on TF1, the most watched channel in France with over 8 million viewers, a 5 minute clip will be aired on Sri Lanka alone – resulting in media exposure of over 300,000 euros. In addition, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts will also be hosting over 20 international journalists alone during the tour, including the likes of Marie France, Gala, Pari match, Télé 7 jours, Vogue amongst many others, all of which has promised to garner a total of over 865,000 euros worth of publicity as well. What’s more, the winner of the pageant will return to Sri Lanka as a Brand ambassador for Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts and represent the chain in several events both here and in France thereby exposing Sri Lanka as a travel destination further. The culmination of the Miss France 2014 city-specific events and their pre-pageant tour of Sri Lanka will be the ‘French Touch’ gala fashion event which will be held at Cinnamon Bey Beruwala on 21 November 2013, showcasing all the French beauties on the catwalk, clad in local labels and designs – namely Red Bananah, Avirate and Sifani Jewellery. Other partners for the tour and gala night include, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB), Airport & Aviation Services, Elephant House EGB and Laksala. Media Sponsors for the pre-pageant tour are Wijeya Newspapers Limited and MBC Networks Ltd.